From our Rule of Life

“248 C The purpose of the Council of the Congregation is to broaden the Congregation's participation in its government and to develop a spirit of cooperation and co-responsibility. It is composed of the superior general, his assistants, the provincial and regional superiors or their representatives. The treasurer general, in view of his role and expertise, also attends as a consultant but does not participate in the voting.

249 cp The superior general convokes a meeting of this council every eighteen months, and more often if he judges it necessary.

a) to examine the spiritual and financial condition of the Congregation;

b) to deal with important matters;

c) to deliberate and vote on those matters reserved to it by the Rule or submitted to it by the superior general.”

We are gathered here outside of Luanda, Angola, for the Council of the Congregation – the first time the Council has been held in this country, and our Angolan brothers have welcomed us with joy. This Council comes as the present General Administration is half-way through its mandate; so it provides an opportunity to evaluate these past three years, as well as look forward to the next three. Important topics include the Congregation’s vocation efforts, Initial Formation, possible new mission(s) in Africa, and initial planning for the General Chapter of 2018. Everyone has finally arrived, except for Fr. Louis de Pontbriand, who was unable to get his documents in order in time. He joins us in prayer, as we hope you do as well.

Joe Bachand MS