Morning Session
At 7.30 a.m. we, the Chapter members, gathered in the chapel (some had already spent time in prayer before the Lord) for the celebration of Lauds. We began the day by praising God, who calls us together and accompanies us in our discernment. We prayed in Spanish, Portuguese and English, trusting that on another occasion we shall also pray in the language of our brothers from Zimbabwe.
At 9.00 a.m. all the capitulars assembled in the meeting room, with the exception of the members of the Provincial Government, who were preparing the responses to the questions raised by the groups the previous afternoon following the reading of the Memoirs. The sessions of the day were moderated by Fr. Abilio Ramos. He invited us to observe a moment of silence in order to begin the session. We then read the passage from 1 Thessalonians 5:12–22.
The President informed the Chapter of the funeral of Fr. Amândio, which was to take place that day in Carvalhos. Two Chapter members who belong to his community, Fr. Remualdo and Sch. Tiago, would temporarily leave the Chapter to attend the funeral on behalf of all, returning in the afternoon.
The President then shared several reflections with the Chapter. He expressed his awareness that the previous Chapter had not yet sufficiently matured with new methodology that had been adopted. It is fair to acknowledge that some decisions taken at that time were not appropriate, while others have subsequently proved to be sound and have been implemented both in the most recent General Chapter and in chapters of other organisms of the Congregation. He also highlighted the importance of revisiting the processes of transformation proposed by the General Chapter of 2015 (a Congregation that goes forth, witnesses and messengers, adorers in the Spirit) and reaffirmed, using different language (mission, communion and participation), at the most recent Synod on Synodality.
The meeting of the General Government with the major governments of Europe (2023) may have placed excessive emphasis on the methodology of conversations in the Spirit. While we do not intend to insist unduly on this, we do need to listen to one another more attentively and not focus prematurely on expressing our own opinions. We must also ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to speak freely and calmly. This is a matter of faith, because God can speak to us through any brother.
He also proposed holding a time of Eucharistic adoration before Morning Prayer for those who wish to participate. A sufficient number of Chapter members expressed their support for this proposal.
At this point a break was taken until 10.30 a.m. At that time we reconvened to listen to the responses of the Provincial Government to the questions raised by the capitulars during the group meetings the previous afternoon. Before doing so, the Provincial Secretary read the minutes of the session of 27 of December, which were approved by the capitulars. The Chapter Secretary then read the minutes of the sessions of the previous day, which were also approved, with minor amendments.
The Provincial Government then responded to the issues raised by the capitulars in their group discussions. The Provincial Superior spoke first, addressing in detail a number of matters: the role of the Permanent Council, the impact of the mission plan, provincial communication, the reasons for the suppression of communities, the Province’s presence in the European context, convergence with the General Chapter and with the chapters of other European organisms, the mission in Zimbabwe, and the communities in the United Kingdom. At the end of the morning, the capitulars were given the results of the survey carried out throughout the Province to assist in the discernment of services for the next Provincial Government.
Afternoon Session
The afternoon session began at 3.00 p.m. Fr. Jorge Sánchez, Prefect of Apostolate, responded to the questions submitted by the groups concerning his area of responsibility. He began by addressing several matters related to safeguarding, and then went on to respond to questions concerning the Prefecture of Apostolate. Among other issues, he dealt with the complexity of the Prefecture, the difficulties involved in defining the structures necessary for the development and coordination of the mission, the need for teamwork, the situation of the Mission Council, the accompaniment and follow-up of Parishes, the Secretariat for Solidarity and Mission, Christian education and evangelisation, apostolic priorities and the mission plan, the ECEM (Claretian Team for Missionary Evangelisation) as a qualified team for first proclamation, and the digital continent.
Fr. João Luís Escaleira Alves, Prefect of Youth and Vocations Ministry, then continued the session. He addressed the matters raised by the groups concerning his Prefecture: previous differences between territories in terms of structures; expectations regarding reorganisation; the present and future structure of the Prefecture and the need or opportunity to maintain it; the Prefect’s presence in provincial initiatives; a common strategy for youth ministry; the presence of Youth and Vocations Ministry in Zimbabwe; coordination between Youth and Vocations Ministry and ECEM; vocational ministry; processes, continuity and fruits of vocational youth ministry.
Fr. Félix Martínez also offered several responses regarding the Prefecture of Spirituality and Formation. In his intervention he addressed various issues: the viability, purpose and future of the formation centre in Granada; the criteria used by the General Government for sending students to our Province; students from Zimbabwe in Granada; the location of the formation community and its model of operation and structure; the appropriateness of combining the roles of Prefect of Formation and Prefect of Students; the theologate of Morogoro (Tanzania); the reception of possible vocations in local communities; ongoing formation and accompaniment at different stages of life; spirituality—spiritual exercises, retreats and lifestyle; provincial gatherings; and the accompaniment of elderly members.
Finally, Fr. Manuel Segura reported on various matters concerning the Prefecture of Economy. At 6.00 p.m. some additional economic issues were addressed, particularly the situation in Zimbabwe, which was presented by Fr. Peter Paul, delegate of the mission. The final part of the session was devoted to commenting on some of the responses given by the Provincial Government.
The President then presented to the Chapter the possibility of conducting a consultative poll among the capitulars regarding the election of the new Provincial Government. A majority of the capitulars supported this initiative.
The afternoon session concluded at 6.30 p.m. After a time of rest, at 7.00 p.m. we went to the chapel to conclude the day with the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by the Provincial Superior and his Council.
Morning passed, evening came: the third day. Laus Deo Virginique Matri!
