XVII GENERAL CHAPTER
For previous updates on the Chapter:
August 28, Day 28
On the Memorial of St. Augustine, Fr.
Alberto Santiago led the celebration of the
Mass in the morning. His reflection on the
Gospel and the “woes” launched by Jesus at
the scribes and Pharisees, led him to propose
that we should exam ourselves about the
purity of our own intentions with which we
determine the quality of our actions.
After opening with prayer Fr. Neto was given
an opportunity to speak to the Chapter about
the invitation the Province of Brazil extends
to all Confreres to attend their 100th
Anniversary Celebration next September
14&15, 2019. It is likely that that
Celebration will be preceded by some days of
spiritual formation for our Laity and other
Congregation level events to mark the
occasion.
Turning to the remaining work of the study
Commissions, much time was spent
discussing a proposal regarding the Oblate
Laity. After which a review of all the
previous Chapter Resolutions took place, one
by one, to decided which to retain.In the afternoon Motions brought to the
Chapter for consideration were taken up.
Among them the forming of another
Commission to study the Crucifix of Asti in
1933 and the provisional acceptance of
Provincial Chapters were taken up. Chapter
work will continue tomorrow!
August 27, Day 27
On this day, the Memorial of St. Monica,
Fr. Francesco Russo, General Councilor
presided at Mass. He invited us to especially
pray in recognition of our parents who helped
us in our vocations as St. Monica for her son,
St. Augustine. In his homily he commented
on the 1st Reading from St. Paul urging us to
rely on the help of God to bring to completion
the good work begun here in the Chapter, and
when reflecting on the Gospel, called us to
heed Jesus’ warning to seek all the substance
over the appearances.
During the morning session the Superior
General asked us to pray for the brother,
Cesare, of our confrere and fellow Chapter
member Fr. Norman De Silva who died
suddenly at the age of 56. We also prayed for
the mother of our confrere Fr. Jeffrey,
gravely ill in the Philippines. The moderator
of the day, Fr. McDonnell also recognized
the birthday of Fr. Francesco Russo and the
Priestly Anniversary of Fr. Finn.
The rest of the morning the Chapter
dedicated to the ongoing discussion and
approval of Chapter Exhortations and
Resolutions, first from the Religious Life
Commission, then the Formation
Commission (speaking of the formation of
Rectors and transferring the core of previous
Resolution 14 on Temporary Professed
students undergoing formation in Provinces
that they will serve in as missionaries) andthen the Apostolate Commission(where
considerable time was spent trying to come
up with a term to designate the umbrella
organization for all OSJ Lay groups which
would not create confusion or questions as to
their identity and structure)
Later in the day the Commission on
Government presented several proposals
along with the standard Resolutions on
establishing the next Chapter’s Quorum and
setting the guidelines for extraordinary
expenses.
While there are no more Cultural
Presentations in the evening – our Chapter
Secretaries still have plenty to do to record
the minutes of the day!
August 24, Day 24
Today Mass, presided over by Fr. Maximo
Sevilla, was celebrated in honor of the
Apostle St. Bartholomew. Fr. Maximo
reflected on the basis of St. Bartholomew’s
becoming an apostle: personal friendship
with Christ. This is the basis of our own
following in the footsteps of the Apostles, as
Oblates of St. Joseph.
The Chapter continued its work today with
the presentation of finalized proposals by the
four Commissions. The morning began with
the Commission on Religious Life and its
proposal for a Resolution, and then the
Commission on Formation with its proposals.
There was considerable, but peaceful
discussion and evaluation of the proposals
leading eventually to votes on their becoming
eventual Chapter Resolutions or not.In the
afternoon, more time was given to the
Commissions to continue to finalize their
work. The late afternoon plenary assembly
ratified the first Resolution of the Chapter:
the re-awakening of our Family spirit based
on a spirituality of communion which will be
a theme to be implemented in retreats and
conferences over the next six years.
The second Chapter Resolution ratified was on
the International House of Studies to be
opened for Temporary Professed members
here in Rome. The rest of the work of the
Chapter still awaits for renewed sessions on
Monday, having worked until 7pm.
Since all Provinces and Delegations have
made their Cultural Presentations, the
evening was left free for the Chapter
Members.
August 23, Day 23
The Mass this morning in honor of St. Rose
of Lima, was presided over by Fr. John
Attuli, our Vicar General, assisted by Fr.
Alberto Santiago and Fr. Josbel Castro, and
was offered for all our Formators and those
in Formation.
Fr. Attuli, commenting on the Gospel of the
Day, drew a connection between the
Invitation to the Wedding Feast and
ourselves. The Lord came looking for those
wanting to receive what He is offering, and
that turned out to be the least recognized and
thought of. It is a challenge to the Church,
and to us as Oblates to embrace the Lord and
His call and then to be bearers of the same
call, likewise to all who are willing to listen,
especially the least thought of.The work of the Chapter moved on to the
Sixth Section of Chapter work which is about
the preparation of eventual Resolutions based
on the proposals of the four Committees:
Religious Life, Formation, Apostolate and
Government. In addition proposals can come
forth providing policies and guidelines for
the next six years. The Resolutions of the
previous Chapter will be examined and
Motions entertained.
Due to the need to translate some proposals,
it was decided to take up and discuss first the
work of the Apostolate Committee and then
the Formation Committee. In the afternoon,
the first proposals of the Government group
were also heard.
After and ample discussion of the Motion of
the Delegation of Nigeria, and with attentive
analysis of criteria and of the state of affairs
in Nigeria, by a unanimous vote, the passage
of the Delegation into the status of Province
was approved.
This was welcomed by a resounding applause
by all the Chapter members. A great sense of
gratitude to the Lord was also felt in
appreciating all that has taken place among
our Confreres in Nigeria to bring about this
passage. The Confreres were joyfully
encouraged to continue to live their lives as
Oblates of St. Joseph as an ongoing witness
to the people of Africa.
The Cultural Presentation this evening was
hosted by the Nigerian Province and was a
great celebration!
August 22, Day 22
Today we celebrated the Memorial of the
Queenship of Mary. With our gaze upon
Mary and after having celebrated her
Assumption into Heaven, she is crowned by
Christ. Our Eucharist was celebrated with Fr.
Ethelbert Arua presiding along with the
Confreres of Nigeria: Fr. Michael Odubela
and Fr. Philip Egbunwie. We prayed for the
Delegation of Nigeria and all of Africa. We
entrusted to Mary, Queen all our intentions so
that the work of the Oblates may remain
faithful to Jesus in imitation of St. Joseph.
The work of the Chapter for the day began
with the ongoing examination, amendment
and approval of draft articles of the
Constitutions and General Directory. The
Pontifical Assistant offered many
references to Canon Law to accompany our
work. However, The Chapter was able to
complete this work during the morning
session. This means it is ahead of schedule
according to the Chapter calendar!
Therefore the Presidency of the Chapter
suspended the afternoon plenary session so
as to give more time for Committees to
prepare their material and formulate eventual
proposals and motions. Tomorrow the 6th
section of the Chapter begins.
Fr. Federico and the Delegation of Bolivia
hosts this evening’s Cultural Presentation
and offers us the possibility to better know
this country and our work there.
August 20, Day 20
The day began with Mass presided by
Fr. Sunil, Provincial of India. We prayed for
the more than three hundred lost in recent
flooding in Kerala as well as for the Province
of India and the Congregation.
Fr. Sunil’s homily began with a story of a
man who placed a box of candy beneath a
tree, offering it as a prize to whichever of his
children ran fastest to claim it. Instead, his
children, holding
hands, ran together, reaching the tree
and dividing the candy between them. When
asked why they did this, they said: how can
one be happy if all the rest are sad? Father
made the point that this sense of being happy
when coming together is a lesson for our life
as a religious community.
The work of the Chapter continued to analyze
and update the articles of the Constitutions
and General Directory. The day began
considering articles on Postulency and the
Novitiate, moving on to review the rest
regarding Formation. The articles on
Government were then taken up. The work
has been demanding but is going well. Wehave at least learned how to use the electronic
voting devices, with the green button for yes,
the red for no, the yellow for abstention and
the blue for juxta modum! The work day
ended considering the articles regarding
Provinces.
The evening’s Cultural Presentation was
hosted by the Province of India.
August 20, Day 20
The work of the Chapter took a break as of Saturday afternoon, August 18 and Sunday August 19. Making good use of the time, Father General Fr. Jan Pelczarski, Fr. John Attuli the Vicar General along with Fr. Luigi
Testa the Provincial and Fr. Lino Mela made a pilgrimage to Asti to meet with the Confreres of the Mother House and of the Retirement Home, and then going to pray in the Shrine of St. Joseph and before the Tomb of St. Joseph Marello.
They were also able to visit Confreres in Alba and Novi Ligure.
At the first stop of their pilgrimage, they went to the Mother House for prayer and a fraternal agape. Thereafter a brief stop at the
Founder’s House in San Martino Alfieri to see the new structures, both what has been finished and what might still be done.
Then it was a quick stop in Alba to greet the confreres and see the Parish and Vocational Center. Back in Asti, the Superior General celebrated Mass on Sunday together with the
Vicar General and Fr. Paolo Re. Fr. Luigi Testa invited everyone to pray for them and the Congregation. In his homily, Fr. Pelczarski reflected on Jesus the Bread of Life, food and drink for our walk of faith. Man’s identity comes from what he nourishes himself with. Thus nourished by Christ, every Christian becomes a witness to the
Lord Jesus in His Death and Resurrection, manifesting His presence. After Mass, Fr.
Jan thanked all for their presence. Among the faithful present were the Daughters of Our Lady of the Pieta` and the Dominican Sisters. A picture was taken as they prayed before the Tomb of the Founder. At the Marello Retirement Home they were able to meet with the Rector, Fr.
Mazzacani and the Oblates in residence there: Fr. Dalmaso, Fr. Fantone, Fr. Marsero, Fr. Manunza, and Br. Di Jacovo. Father General and his Council received the gift of rosaries made by Br. Serafino from seeds called the “tears of our Lady”. The Confreres there undertook to support the Congregation with their prayers and the offering of their suffering.
Another stop on the pilgrimage was a moment of prayer for our deceased Confreres while visiting the Cemetery.
After lunch back at the Mother House, everyone gathered for a picture around the Founder’s statue in the garden.
A last stop was at Novi Ligure to greet there the Confreres from India who in the three communities they serve there seek to serve the interests of Jesus like St. Joseph in the Diocese of Tortona. All this has been another significant experience of fraternity and Oblate life. Laus Deo!
August 20 was the Memorial of St. Bernard, Abbot and Mass was presided over by Fr. Federico Rapu, Delegate of Bolivia. In his homily he invited us to consider the importance of being open to God’s plans and
those initiatives the Lord sends to us every day.
The work of the Chapter was once again focused on the examination and approval of articles in the Constitutions and General Directory. Articles on Religious Life and the Apostolate have already been dealt with, and now those dealing with Formation have been
taken up. Tomorrow the focus will be those items concerning the Novitiate.
This evening, the Cultural Presentation was made by the Confreres of the Province of
Poland.
August 17, Day 17
Today, Fr. Epifanio
Moreno, Provincial of
Mexico, presided at
Mass. In his homily,
inspired by the line from
the Gospel of the Day
“some are eunuchs for
the Kingdom of God”, he
spoke of our reality of
being called by the Lord,
but since we are to seek
the interests of Jesus, it is
important to appreciate also the vocation of
married life and families and to work to
protect and promote it.
The work of the Chapter
began by concluding
discussion on religious life
and formation and forming
committees to eventually
make concrete proposals and
possible Resolutions. Each
committee is composed of
two Chapter members and a
member of the General
Council:Religious Life – Fr. Russo, Government – Fr.
Sevilla, Formation – Fr. Attuli, Apostolate –
Fr. Odubela.
However, the main work of the day was
directed towards the examination of the
articles of the Constitutions, based on the
drafts that had been prepared by the
Commission desired by the last Chapter.
A particular effort was made to enrich the
Constitutions and General Directory with
expressions of the Founder, from the First
Rule, and from other documents that help to
emphasize our charism. Every article must
be read, discussed and then voted on.
The evening’s Cultural Presentation was
prepared by the confreres of the Mexican
Province, to help us to know better their
reality.
August 16, Day 16
This morning Mass was celebrated in
Spanish and presided over by our new
Superior General together with the two
Chapter Members from Peru, Fr. Manuel
Montes and Fr. Josbel Soplin. We were
invited to pray mostly particularly
for the Province of Peru, which still
awaits the appointment of a new
Provincial.
In his homily, Fr. Montes made
reference to the Gospel of the Day
the need to heal memories of all
those conflicts which have
wounded fraternal relations.
with his focus on forgiveness and the need to heal memories of all
those conflicts which have
wounded fraternal relations.
The Moderator of the morning, Fr.
McDonnell, when opening the
session, called for prayer on behalf
of the victims of flooding in Kerala
and for the assistance of all those
afflicted by these conditions.
He then turned and offered, on behalf
of all the Chapter Members, thanks
to Fr. Meleth and to our temporary
professed students Br. Abin, Br.
Benjie and Br. Sebastian for their hard work
and dedication to organize and maintain the
support and logistics for the Chapter. He also recognized the help offered by
those working in the kitchen and the
household services.
The work of the Chapter turned to the reading
and approval of the minutes both of the
preceding Monday and of the Elections held
on Tuesday. This was followed by further
discussions on both initial and ongoing
Formation.
The afternoon was given to further discussion
of issues regarding Religious Life,
Apostolates, and Government.
In the evening, the Cultural Presentation was
made by members of the Province of Peru.
August 15, Day 15
Today the Superiors and Chapter Members
undertook a pilgrimage of thanksgiving to the
Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love just
outside of Rome.
Father General Jan Pelczarski presided over
the Eucharistic Celebration held in the
Chapel of the Holy Spirit, assisted by his
General Councilors: Fr. Attuli, Fr. Sevilla,
Fr. Russo and Fr. Odubela.
He began his homily in Italian, saying we
often make use of the phrase “its
impossible!” In her life instead, Mary
experienced the possibilities of God, for
nothing is impossible for Him. Its not
possible for a Virgin to conceive, its not
possible for water to become wine, its not
possible for a creature to be soul and body in
Heaven – but all this happened in Mary’s life,
and this is a sign of hope for us, and of God’s
works in our midst.
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin MaryContinuing his reflection on the Gospel,
which proclaimed the canticle of the
Magnificat, he spoke of God’s loving gaze
upon the Virgin and His acts that raise up the
humble and chooses according to His plan of
light, of salvation and of redemption.
The Assumption of Mary, body and soul into
Heaven is the fulfillment of a plan
to live entirely in God’s light,
which bears witness to the
splendor of His Resurrection and
which encourages us to likewise
be bearers, even amidst the trials
of life, of the Resurrection and of
a life which finds its completion
in Heaven.
At this point Father General presented again
his thoughts in beautiful English – despite it
being 19 years since he last gave a homily in
this language!
After Mass the Confreres gathered in front of
the Shrine for a picture before heading off to
a fraternal meal.
August 14, Day 14
The XVII General Chapter has elected REV. FR. JAN PELCZARSKI, OSJ, a Polish confrere and a missionary in Bolivia.
He was born on April 12, 1965. He made his first profession of vows on September 8, 1985 and professes them perpetually on September 24, 1989. He was ordained priest on June 29, 1991.
He was also the former delegate superior of Bolivia until 2016. He was also sent as a missionary to Nigeria before going to Bolivia.
Here are the first words of the new Superior General addressed to the Chapter delegates:
"In my heart there were various feelings, but the willingness prevailed.
I am conscious of some merit and of my limits, but I am counting on your prayers and those of all the Brothers. I am always open to dialogue and available for comparison. Thanks to all of you for the confidence you have expressed in your vote. I thank Father Michele Piscopo for the work he carried out first as a missionary in Peru, in Brazil and then in Rome as a councilor and in the mandate of Superior General. We are grateful for the passion he has shown and the various initiatives he has undertaken. I also thank the Councilors for the work they have done. In these days we try to discover the dream of God for our religious family. We need two things: roots and wings.
Our roots are the intimate union with Christ as St. Joseph lived it hidden with Christ in God. We cultivate the humble virtues and simple characteristics of St. Joseph to be in his style of life in relation to God, the Congregation and the Church. Our wings are our passion for the things of God, our enthusiasm and our
courage to do that which seems humanly impossible, to be “extraordinary” in living the life of virtue and those qualities which allow us to arrive where Divine Providence wants us to go. With the help of God I will seek to guide you as to the roots and as far as possible to always make use of your wings. I also want to extend a thought to all the Confreres, Oblate Sisters and Laity: thank you for your confidence and your prayers. I count on your prayers. I hope that together
with our Lady of Sorrows, St. Joseph and St Joseph Marello we can have a wonderful journey together."
At 7pm everyone gathered in the Chapel to celebrate the 1st Vespers of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the BVM and to witness
the Profession of Faith and the Oath of Office of the re-elected Vicar General. After which, in a symbolic ceremony, the Pontifical
Assistant confirmed and blessed the new Councilors together with the new Superior General.
Tomorrow, August 15, everyone will join in a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love to ask the Lord’s blessing and
invoke the intercession of our Lady and St. Joseph on behalf of the Superior General and the General Council and for the entire Congregation.
The New General Councilors
REV. FR. JOHN ANTONY ATTULI, OSJ from the Indian Province was elected Vicar General.
REV. FR. MAXIMO SEVILLA, OSJ from the Philippine Province was elected as Second General Councilor.
REV. FR. FRANCESCO RUSSO, OSJ from the Province of South Italy was elected as Third General Councilor.
REV. FR. MICHAEL ODUBELA, OSJ from the Delegation of Nigeria was elected as Fourth General Councilor.
The Father General and His Council
August 13, Day 13
Mass this morning was presided over by Fr.
Paul McDonnell, Provincial of the Holy
Spouses Province, USA. In his homily he
spoke of the apostle’s reaction to Jesus
announcing his Passion, but how they seemed
to have missed his mention also of the
Resurrection. Our lives, often marked by the
sign of the Cross, really do lead to the
Resurrection. The sorrows and joys of
St. Joseph correspond also to what we
experience in our religious lives –
however, God’s providential care comes
to our aide.
The work of the Chapter continued with
the reports from the various study
groups.
The first focus was on the area
of government, particularly the role of
the Superior General
and that of the
General Councilors.
Some of the
qualities that were deemed needed
were: prudence, wisdom, the
capability of dialog, love of the Church
and the Congregation, and linguistic
ability. Reflecting on General
Councilors, the ability to work
together with a spirit of cooperation was
emphasized. The possibility that some of
them might live outside the General House
was also discussed.
Further discussion took place on the situation
in Peru, clarifying how all this came about and above all demonstrating everyone’s
desire that this work out for the best,
overcoming all present challenges and
fulfilling Marello’s expression of “let us
begin once again…”
In the afternoon the Chapter took up reports
on the discussions relating to Religious Life
and Formation, with an ample and peaceful
series of exchanges over the proposals being
made.
The evening’s cultural presentation was
undertaken by the confreres of the USA with
a video along with McDonald’s hamburgers
and French fries.
August 11, Day 11
This morning, Saturday, was the Memorial of St.
Clare of Assisi. Mass was presided over by Fr.
Neto de Moura, Provincial of Brazil. Reflecting
on the Saint of the Day led Fr. Neto to make a
connection with our Oblate origins, the house of
“Santa Chiara” given to Marello and his first
Oblates for use as a retired home and boarding
school. St. Clare is a clear witness of self-offering to the Lord.
The Chapter members gathered in the Assembly
Hall to start the day’s work, hearing the reading
of the minutes and a report from the Committee
on Finances.
Everyone then returned to their respective study
groups, considering various points suggested by
the Superior General’s report, especially those
regarding government in the Congregation.
Work for the day concluded at 12:30pm and will
resume again on Monday.
August 10, Day 10
The Feast of St. Lawrence the
Martyr was
celebrated today,
with Fr. Jayson
Endaya, Provincial
of the Philippines
presiding at Mass.
He invited us to
reflect on the 1st
Reading: “God
loves he who gives
with joy”, inviting us to generosity towards the Lord, like that offering of love which was the
witness of St. Lawrence.
Our Philippine confreres were wearing red
today, symbolic of the “Blood” with the
Martyr offered to Christ, the Lamb of
Sacrifice.
Today we also celebrated the anniversary of
Priestly Ordination of Fr. Paul McDonnell
(USA) and the Feast Day of Br. Lawrence
Moneva (Philippines). The work of the Chapter began first with a general meeting in the Assembly Hall for the approval
of the minutes and to receive instructions on their study groups for the day. The Superior General
proposed several points regarding Religious Life that would serve as the basis of group
discussions during the morning.
Later, in the afternoon, the study groups will be focusing on Formation, with discussions
following the same pattern.
This evening’s cultural presentation will be by the confreres of the Province of Brazil.
August 9, Day 9
Mass today was celebrated
today in honor of St. Theresa
Benedicta of the Cross, CoPatroness of Europe and a
Feast in Italy. Mass was
presided over by Fr.
Francesco Russo, Provincial
of the Holy Family Province.
His homily focused on St.
Theresa Benedicta while also
reflecting on the Word
proclaimed. The message emphasized how she lived amidst the “desert” of atheism and the lack
of understanding of her mother over her conversion and her martyrdom in Auschwitz. Fr. Russo
reflected on her being of the “wise virgins” who kept the oil of her faith in her consecration and
her sacrifice as a martyr for the love of Christ crucified.
The work of the Chapter
continued with the reading
and approval of the previous
day’s minutes and then the
division into study groups
according to three
languages: English,
Spanish, Italian, all of whom
dealt with the topic of our
pastoral ministries and
apostolates together with the
Lay representatives who had
been invited to participate in
our Chapter.
In their work, the study groups
were urged by the Pontifical
Assistant to propose to themselves
three questions: where are we now
– seeking to understand specific
issues; where does the Spirit lead
us – seeking to envision new
objectives in line with our Oblate
charism; how to achieve them –
through concrete means which are
doable, likely to succeed, capable
of being planned out, and
ultimately verifiable.
In the afternoon all the members returned to the Assembly hall, together with the Lay
representatives, to present the fruits of their discussions.
The evenings cultural presentation was offered by the confreres and Lay representatives of the
Philippine Province.
August 8, Day 8
Mass today was presided over by Fr.
Luigi Testa, Provincial of St. Joseph
Marello Province. The Memorial of
St. Dominic was also an opportunity
for the Chapter members to
remember the importance of
speaking to God and of God as part
of our own Oblate experience – just
as St. Joseph did in his own
relationship with Jesus and Mary.
The work of the Chapter began with some remaining questions regarding the situation of Peru
and then turned to Provincial reports: the
Province of the USA was presented by Fr. Paul
McDonnell, that of Mexico by Fr. Epifanio
Moreno and that of Brazil by Fr. Antonio Ramos
De Moura Neto.
After the presentation of these reports chapter
members asked questions to which the
Provincials responded. The Morning’s work
concluded with Midday Prayer and the Visit to the Blessed Sacrament.
Our work in the Assembly Hall was
distinguished by the presence of Lay
representatives coming from various
categories of our pastoral ministries in the
world. Alessandra Alvisini spoke on being a
catechist alongside the Oblates of St. Joseph
here in Rome. Miss Milleth Kasilag from the
Philippines spoke on her involvement with
Youth Ministry. Jose Ferreira
from Brazil talked about
Education and School Ministry.
Michelle & Tom Spencer from the
USA spoke about their experience
as Lay Associates, and Juan Louis
and Maria Ester talked about
Family Ministry and service to
refugees in Mexico.
Later on the Superior General
of the Oblate Sisters of St.
Joseph, Sr. Denia, gave a report
on the state of the Oblate
Sisters throughout the world.
This was followed by Br.
Mario Belangero speaking
about Oblate Brothers. Fr.
Alberto Santiago, as Postulator
General, gave an update on the
Cause for the Canonization of the Servant of God Fr. Giuseppe Calvi.
The Last Report of the day was delivered by
Fr. Sebastian Meleth on the Marellian Social
Works – a non-profit created to facilitate the
ministry to the needy in our Missions.
August 7, Day 7
Fr. Sebatian Meleth presided over the Mass
this morning and invited us to prayer
particularly for the Province of Peru. In his
homily he meditated on the Gospel episode of
Jesus walking on the water and Peter’s crying
out to Him to save him from drowning. It is
a reminder that salvation, overcoming our
fears and limitations, comes from the Lord
who sustains us with His Providence.
The work of the Chapter began with some remaining questions regarding the situation of Peru
and then turned to Provincial reports: the
Province of the USA was presented by Fr. Paul
McDonnell, that of Mexico by Fr. Epifanio
Moreno and that of Brazil by Fr. Antonio Ramos
DeMoura Neto.
After the presentation of these reports chapter
members asked questions to which the
Provincials responded. The Morning’s work
concluded with Midday Prayer and the Visit to the Blessed Sacrament.
The afternoon assembly began with the
reading of yesterday’s minutes prepared
by Frs. Guido Miglietta and Miximo
Sevilla. This was followed by reports on
the Philippines presented by Fr. Jayson
Endaya, and India, presented by Fr. Sunil
Kallarakal. Questions and responses
followed. Fr. Josbel Castro then made a
presentation of the works 
and activities ofthe Province of Peru. After a short break, Fr.
Federico Rapu Camana presented his report on
the Delegation of Bolivia. Chapter members
offered their congratulations on the recent
Ordination of two new Bolivian Priests, a sign of
hope!
It was noted that both Peru and Bolivia are
celebrating 70 years of Oblate presence in their countries.
After dinner, the Chapter members returned to the hall to hear a report on the Mission of
Mozambique given by Frs. Angelo Romano and Edenilson Silveira.
August 6, Day 6
The day was begun with the celebration of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Mass
was presided over by Fr. Brian Crawford who spoke (in pish and English) of the splendor of
the “transfiguration” which our Oblate
consecration should shine forth with.
The work of the chapter continued with the
completion of the Report of the Superior
General, Fr. Piscopo, which met with a long
and heartfelt applause of gratitude from
everyone.
The Pontifical Assistant also affirmed: “In
the name of the Church I want to thank the
Father General for his years of service to the
Congregation and the Church. You spoke from the heart,
so we are grateful for your generous service. Thanks too
to the General
Council.”
There followed
the presentation
of the requests
for explanation
prepared by the Chapter members regarding his Report
and the response to the various questions raised.
With the conclusion of the questions and answers, the Pontifical Assistant presented his Report
on the situation in the Province of Peru for which he was named the Co-Visitor of that Province.
Fr. Guillermo then responded to questions.
The afternoon sessions were dedicated to the
presentation of the Financial Report of the Curia
over the last six years by Fr. Sebastian Meleth,
Treasurer General.
And finally as a conclusion to the days activities,
the Provincials of Italy-North, Italy-South and
Poland presented their Reports.
August 4, Day 4
The fourth-day began at 7am with our Eucharistic Celebration led by the General Councilor Fr. Guido
Miglietta. In his homily, he made a symbolic connection between St. John the Baptitst (spoken of in
the Gospel) and St. John Vianney whose Feast Day was celebrated, through their mutual
connection to that Mercy sought and followed who is Jesus Christ. We also prayed today for all
pastors and priests in parish ministry.
Both yesterday afternoon and today, the Chapter Assembly was presided over by our Superior
General under the direction of the Pontifical Assistant. We began the preliminary acts of the
Chapter with the election of Examiners: Br. Mario Belangero (Italy North) and Br. Lawrence Moneva
(Philippines); Secretaries: Fr. Vincenzo Grossano (Italy South), Fr. Guido Miglietta (General Curia),
Fr. Luigi Testa (Italy North), and Fr. Maximo Sevilla (Philippines); Moderators: Fr. Paul McDonnell
(USA) and Fr. Jan Pelczarski (Bolivia).
The Commission for the Verification of Chapter Members is composed of: Fr. Sebastian Jacobi
(India), Fr. Lino Mela (Italy North), and Fr. Tadeusz Skolimoski (Poland).
The Commission for the Review of Financial Affairs is composed of: Fr. Ronulfo Alkonga
(Philippines), Fr. Antonio Neto (Brazil) and Fr. Sunil Kallarakal (India).
After these preliminaries, the Superior General began to present his report on the State of the
Congreation covering the last six years. He will conclude his presentation on Monday.
August 3, Day 3
Our Vicar General, Fr. John Attulli, presided at Mass today. During the Homily, Fr. Guinzoni focused on being passionate for Christ, so as to learn, as our Founder said: “the holy lesson which He gave us from Bethlehem to Calvary.”
In his final reflection our retreat preacher also spoke on the expression: “The interests of Jesus” (from Letter 83) and on the importance of learning from St. Joseph on how to live our apostolates with complete interior self-giving to Christ, His Church and to every human being.
The official inauguration of the Chapter Assembly took place at 3:30pm in the presence of the Pontifical Assistant Fr. Guilermo Rodriguez Rico, OFM who will accompany us with his peaceful presence and according to our own Rule. An attachment contains his message, which he read, to all the Chapter members.
August 2, Day 2
The day started with the Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated by our Superior General Fr. Michele Piscopo in the General House Chapel. During the Homily, our Retreat Preacher, Fr. Guinzoni reflected on three Gospel passages in Mark speaking of our calling (Mk1,16-20), our being with Jesus (Mk.3,13-14) and our being sent forth (Mk6,7-13). Particular emphasis was placed on “being with Jesus”, and its importance in Consecrated Life: to remain united to Him and in Him, not only personally, but in our community life as well. The first meditation today focused on our life as a reflection of the Family of Nazareth, that place of love which should inspire our community life and our fraternal relationships. The second meditation of the day dealt with the theme of “being hidden with Christ in God”, thus serving God in imitation of St. Joseph. In the Paschal Mystery of Christ we can find and put into practice those ordinary virtues, like St. Joseph did through his hiddenness and abandonment to Divine Providence.
August 1, Day 1
The General chapter started with the reflection guided by Fr. Mario Guinzoni Osj (from Brazil).
All the 42 chapter members, except Fr. Dalmaso (Superior General emeritus) were present.
