Report of the Superior General to the XIV General Synod (part two)

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Starting afresh after Cuernavaca

Dear brothers,

I am continuing my reflections following the first part of the report that I gave last Friday which sought to open up and encourage a spiritual context connected with the opening liturgy of the Synod. Yesterday the reflections of Fr. Aquilino Bocos Merino shed further light on our journey and encouraged us to continue the search for choices that will give us new vitality and energy.

We must afresh again after Cuernavaca and following the decisions that the 2008 Synod made and the direction that it provided. However, in order to understand as well as possible what happened and its meaning we need to review, even if only briefly, the period “before” Cuernavaca.

1. There were twelve provincial Chapters that were celebrated during the two years between the Synods of 2008-2010. There were a significant number of changes in provincial government and therefore it is good to review the steps that were taken in furthering the process of Restructuring because even if it is true that the Congregation is trying to involve all of the religious in the process, it is also true that when someone is called to the ministry of authority the religious understand and perceive him differently and he assumes a greater responsibility for the phases of discernment and the consequences of the decisions that were made.

2. The initial inspiration for the process of Restructuring originated at the General Chapter of 2000: “The capitulars noted the need for an organizational renewal of structures in the Congregation.” (C.D. 4.7); “‘Solidarity’ is the word chosen to describe a new way of being together as Passionists in the mission for the life of the world. New realities call for new responses in faith…Solidarity calls us to a profound conversion of mind and heart. We grow in awareness that life is a gift to be shared.” (C.D. 4.6)

However, the true and actual beginning of the process took place at the Synod of 2004 during which it was recognized as a call from God to conversion and to new, creative fidelity in community life, in mission and in solidarity within the Congregation, giving preference to the poor. [...]

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