Morning Session
At 7.00 a.m., a time of Eucharistic adoration took place, attended by a good number of missionaries. At 7.30 a.m., the Mass of the Holy Spirit was celebrated, invoking the gift of discernment as the Chapter entered today into the electoral phase. The celebration was presided over by Fr Pedro Belderrain. Concelebrating were Fr. Lee Lionel Malunga, from Zimbabwe, the most recently ordained priest of the Province, and Deacon Lemuel Paul Tuvilla, ordained less than a month ago.
In his homily, the President of the Chapter highlighted the virtues and strengths of the Province. During his visits to Fátima and to other realities of the Congregation, he was particularly struck by several aspects: the missionary fruits borne by the Claretians of Portugal, the United Kingdom and Bética in the missions they carried out in other countries; the generosity of the Province in the sharing of goods; and the availability of Claretians coming from other countries and Major Organisms. He also exhorted us to openness to reconciliation and mercy with our brothers, reminding us that we are a “battalion of forgiven sinners”.
At 9.30 a.m., the session in the capitular hall began. First of all, prayer. We entered into silence, listened to the Word (1 Jn 5:9–23), and then joined together in the Our Father, prayed in a diversity of languages. Afterwards, the Chapter Secretary read the minutes, which were approved with some modifications.
The dialogues and interventions in the capitular hall then commenced. The moderator for the day was Fr. Pedro Cabrera. The first topic proposed for dialogue concerned the possibility of electing a Government for a three-year term. The Chapter embraced this option in order to better synchronise the rhythm of the Province with that of the General Chapters and the rest of ECLA. The General Government authorised this decision.
The second topic on which the Chapter was invited to express itself concerned the desired style of governance. There were numerous and varied interventions.
Before the morning break (11.00–11.45), ballot papers were distributed for the consultative vote regarding the Government, so that the capitulars could cast their votes. The scrutineers for this consultation were the members of the Capitular Table, the Moderators, the Provincial Secretary and the members of the Central Commission.
At the end of the morning, the questions and interpellations concerning the reports of the Government of Apostolate, Youth and Vocations Ministry (YVM), and Economy continued.
Afternoon Session
The sessions in the capitular hall resumed at 3.30 p.m. with a prayerful silence, followed by the apostolic prayer of Fr. Claret. This silence served as a prelude to what would later be experienced prior to the vote for Provincial Superior.
This was followed by a time for questions, interpellations and suggestions concerning the Prefecture of Apostolate.
Before moving into the electoral phase, Fr. Carlos Candeias (Provincial of Fátima until the opening of the Chapter) offered a moving intervention. He recalled the profession of faith and taking of office that took place six years ago at the First Provincial Chapter. Among his reflections, he: (1) referred to the phrase, “we are unworthy servants; we have done what we ought to have done” (Lk 17:10); (2) recalled that in following Jesus one should not expect rewards, but rather act with gratuitousness; and (3) gave thanks to God and to his Council for having sustained him during difficult moments.
The Chapter then approved the conclusion of the phase of evaluation of the state of the Province and the transition to the electoral phase.
After a brief recess at 4.45 p.m., the results of the consultative vote of the capitulars were announced, followed by ten minutes of reflective silence. After this time, a beautiful and sincere moment of sharing took place between those who had received the highest number of votes and some of the capitulars.
Following this, the opportunity was given to hold conversations, in groups of three and in five-minute turns, about the election of the Provincial Superior.
At 6.15 p.m., the capitulars were invited to gather in the chapel to pray for the election of the Provincial. It was an extended period of silent prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, during which Vespers were also prayed.
The capitulars then proceeded in silence from the chapel to the hall to vote at 7.00 p.m. Afterwards, the President and the Moderator recalled the figure and mission of the Provincial. The Chapter elected, by absolute majority, Fr. Jorge R. Sánchez Palacios, who, after being questioned by the President, responded affirmatively. The Chapter members then came forward one by one to congratulate him and offer a fraternal embrace.
The taking of office took place at 7.45 p.m., within the context of a simple celebration, during which the new Provincial Father pointed out that the availability of the one who responds “Here I am” (Psalm 40:8) is not only a matter for governance, but for the whole Province.
With this, and a final toast in honour of the Provincial, the fourth day came to a close.
