End of the Work of the 70th General Chapter

On November 5th and 6th, the capitulants focused on finalizing and voting on the guidelines resulting from the three weeks of work at the 70th General Chapter. They also reviewed proposed amendments to the General Statutes and the Constitutions of the Hospitaller Order, submitted by the former General Council.

The guidelines are structured into two main sections, addressing the following themes:

MISSION

Transmission of charism
Governance
Safeguarding
Finances
Emerging realities
Care for the planet

LIFE OF THE BROTHERS

Organizational structure of the Order
Brothers Identity and Role
Initial and ongoing formation
Renewing our religious life by returning to the roots of the Hospitaller consecrated vocation
Care for elderly and infirm Brothers

These guidelines will undergo finalization for translation into all languages and will be published later, following the General Chapter.

As the work officially concluded on November 6th, after three and a half weeks of sharing, reflection, and prayer, the capitulants are set to formally close the 70th General Chapter with a speech by the new Superior General and a Eucharistic celebration on the morning of November 7th. Following this, the capitulants will return to their respective provinces across five continents.

Testimonies from Brother capitulants on the eve of their departure:

Brother Vianney Welch (Australia)

"This General Chapter was a wonderful opportunity to imagine a new life for our Order. We were able to introspect and renew ourselves in the light of the changes in our world, as a religious Order. I believe this Chapter was particularly unique, marked by beautiful fraternity and rich exchanges. The needs of our world have never been greater, and it is good that we were able to reflect on new paths for hospitality, especially with our collaborators."

Brother Thomas Osorio (North America)

"Our Chapter was a real success, addressing the realities of our current world, especially those who suffer. We asked ourselves how hospitality can make a difference in our lives and encouraged each other to continue this mission. Saint John of God calls us to this every day through the phrase, 'Let your heart command.' By following what our hearts tell us, we cannot go wrong!"

Brother Joseph Yanka Sharma (India)

"I believe this Chapter went in the right direction. It listened to the desires of the Brothers and collaborators, resulting in a General Superior and Council capable of steering the orientations we defined. I return home happy, energized for what lies ahead, and above all, with faith and confidence in the future of the Order."

Brother Joaquim Erra Mas (Spain)

"I am full of gratitude for this Chapter, which provided an opportunity to share not only on a human and fraternal level but also spiritually. Everyone had the chance to engage and express themselves, even beforehand within the provinces. It is wonderful to see that Brothers and collaborators worldwide participated in this Chapter, up to the final months when we received many messages assuring us of their prayers and support. We now have a magnificent project in our hands… but also a bit of vertigo at the thought of putting it all into practice!"

Brother Thomas Väth (Germany)

"A tiring, exciting, multinational Chapter with a beautiful spirit of fraternity among the members! I return to my province satisfied, especially happy with the appointment of the new Superior General, with whom we have work awaiting us in Bavaria."

Brother Jakobus Janci (Croatia)

"This was my first General Chapter, and I found it fascinating to participate in all these exchanges on the theme of 'Hospitality in a Changing World.' It seems to me that we truly changed something over these four weeks. Our Order is opening up to new possibilities, both in religious and apostolic life. Additionally, our collaborators are becoming true co-laborers, and the election of an African Superior General brings a fresh perspective, helping us move beyond a historically European vision. We return with many ideas to explore!"

Brother Ivan Antonio Montoya Franco (Colombia)

"This was also my first experience of a General Chapter, and it allowed me to deepen my knowledge of the Order, its realities, and its richness, particularly through its charism. I return to my province with joy for all that we received and experienced here, and with the conviction that the Spirit of God and the spirit of Saint John of God will make the decisions we made possible."

Brother Rubén Daniel González (Chile)

"The General Chapter allowed us to advance in imagining the future of the Order with boldness. The four weeks were dedicated to refining the key themes we felt needed attention so that the Order's presence could be ever more meaningful in every center where we are active. I return eager to share what we experienced and to help implement it in the reality where we live."

Brother Dario Vermi (Italy)

"This Chapter was truly an expression of a changing world and an even more open hospitality. We had the courage to elect a non-European Superior General, responding to the Pope's call to open ourselves, to go where the Holy Spirit calls us, along new paths. I trust in the future that will guide this renewed hospitality, with a focus on other continents and the hope that something new will emerge to enrich Saint John of God's hospitality. The openness to laypeople, no longer seen as mere collaborators but as those called to live, share, and witness the charism with us, is something significant that is emerging."

Brother John Jung (Korea)

"This is an important time to rethink the future of the Order. I particularly appreciated the discussions with collaborators and the exchanges on the transmission of the charism of hospitality. It was the first time they spent so much time in a Chapter, and the message was strong. Personally, I was also surprised by the new responsibility entrusted to me as a General Counselor! I hope to help as best I can. I am, in any case, full of gratitude to my Brothers for allowing the Asia/Pacific region, through my election, to strengthen hospitality and foster greater synergy in the region."

Brother Parfait Tchaou (Africa)

"Having participated in the previous Chapter, I could see how the new method brought great dynamism to the assembly. Everyone had the opportunity to express themselves while becoming more aware of the realities of the Order. The exchanges were constructive, fostering a synodal dynamic where everyone could contribute. Many questions remain about the future when considering the size of our Order. But we leave confident, knowing that if some realities must die in one area, others will be reborn elsewhere. Hospitality is more alive and necessary than ever!"

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