Summary of the first week of the chapter
Day 1: “May this General Chapter be hopeful”.
On Tuesday, October 15th, Br. Jesus Etayo, Superior General of the Order of Saint John of God and President of the General Chapter, declared the 70th General Chapter open, after an inspiring opening mass, gathering brothers and coworkers from 18 Provinces.
Brother Franciszek Salezy Chmiel, Provincial Superior of the Province of Poland, welcomed the capitulants: “We are delighted to welcome you all here, home of the Black Virgin interceding in many miracles. This means also a lot for our brothers in Ukraine. Your presence is a very great support to them and the Ukrainian people”.
This Chapter marks a novelty: it is more open to coworkers than ever. Present during the first half of this Chapter, secular members of the Hospitaller Family are welcome to walk key steps of the Chapter with the Brothers and God. A second new aspect is the methodology adopted, the U process and Generative Listening and speaking. The goal is to touch the core questions that should be addressed, with all our heart, and then cliumb up the U discerning the possible paths for the future.
Day 2: the open market is open
"I am so reassured to see that the charisma of Saint John of God endures among the Brothers as well as the collaborators."
On this second day of the General Chapter, participants showcased their beautiful achievements, as well as the challenges they face in their respective Provinces. In summary, how is the charisma of Saint John of God expressed, and what are the aspirations or questions for the years to come?
Each of the 18 provinces had the opportunity today to set up a stand in order to present their identity and actions. Everyone could share their history, projects, and videos showcasing their activities and their hospitality family.
"At the end of this day, I realize even more how diverse the Order is. Some provinces have challenges similar to those we face in Poland. But I also saw hope because the charisma of Saint John of God is very much alive. I hope that the Brothers continue to pass on the charisma of SJD." Polish collaborator.
A ‘diary’ of the chapter in pictures can be found here.
Day 3 and 4: LET’S ADDRESS THE KEY ISSUES WE ARE FACING
“Let us continue to adapt to this changing world, to find the Light that will allow us to sustain our mission. We must not give up, but continue to open ourselves up and collaborate.” Br. Jesus Etayo.
Building on themes related to the sensing work conducted across the 18 provinces, everyone had the opportunity today to reflect on this experience, discuss the reality of their province, share personal questions or surprises, and pose their inquiries. The goal was to enable each participant to better gauge the pulse of the Hospitaller Order, its present reality, and its evolutions, beyond their own province and daily life. Thus, collectively drawing the reality of the Hospitaller Order globally.
“The question of spiritual needs concerns all provinces. I believe that spiritual culture has a future. People face various personal and spiritual difficulties. One may wonder how to respond, but I think the Hospitaller Order is well positioned to act in this matter. Spirituality is the foundation of all convictions.”
Participants gradually descend the U in the methodology adopted for the Chapter, to get the essential questions that should be addressed during this Chapter.
After group discussions and fruitful reflection time, participants expressed the following questions by the end of the day, categorized into three non-exhaustive themes:
- The mission of hospitality (regenerative hospitality, formation and vocations, our common identity, transmission of the charism, religious life…)
- Governance (Strategy and responsibility, long-lasting structures to transmit our charismatic identity around us…)
- Financial and environmental sustainability (financial sustainability, fundraising, optimize resources, sustainable hospitality, reduce our impact on the environment)
Day 5 : What should we let die for the sake of our future?
"What is the dying we are being called to in the Order of Saint Jogn of God?"
“Truly, truly I say to you
Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies,
it remains ny itself alone
But if it dies, it bears much fruit”
John, 12:24
The capitulants have been gotten back to the questions raised on day 4, asking themselves :
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In relation with these questions, what can no longer continue in the Order?
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What we will need to let go, to let die for the sake of the vitality of the Order?
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How about me, what do I need to let go of, to let die, in order to enable the kenosis?
In the morbing, the capitulants were greeted at the Jasna Gora Chapel to celebrate the adoration of the Holy Virgin.
DAY 6: Excursion to Koszęcin.
A wonderful day offered by the Brothers of the Province of Poland. Participants had the chance to listen to the traditional choir Śląsk, in the Koszęcin castle they visited, one of the most important neoclassicist monuments in Poland.
What stayed with me over the weekend about this first week?
“Yesterday at Koszecin was a day felt with joy. I realized we can transport the spirit of the Chapter to other places, so everywhere in the World. The is very hopeful”.
Ewa, coworker from Poland
“We were quite surprised that we agreed on the key issues on the flip cards. The Chapter is a beautiful event where there is the expression of all the people”.
Spanish Brother
“I couldn’t help but think about all the proposals we discussed and I think that is quite courageous. I think also of the consequences they imply”.
Brother, Province of Western Europe