Dear Brother Oblates
By this letter, I hereby convoke the XXXV General Chapter, which will begin in Rome on September 8, 2010 at the General House of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, at 476 via Aurelia.
Constitution 125 says that the purpose of the General Chapter is to “strengthen the bonds of unity and to express the members' participation in the life and mission of the Congregation.” It therefore concerns all Oblates: old or young, in first formation, in full ministry or retired, Brothers and priests. All should have a chance to express their particular participation in our life and our mission. Having the members of our lay associations participate will further enrich the preparation.
How might we make this happen? Constitution 125 continues by saying: “United around Christ, the Oblate family shares the lived experience of its communities as well as the challenges and hopes of its ministry.” This means that the time of preparation should be one of prayer, of uniting ourselves more closely to Christ, of sharing in community and of reflection on our ministry.
The Chapter Commissioner, to be appointed in May, and the Precapitular Commission, will provide the ways and means for us to move on together in our preparation.
Last but not least, Constitution 125 also speaks of conversion and the urgent needs of our times. “The Chapter is a privileged time of community reflection and conversion. Together, in union with the Church, we discern God's will in the urgent needs of our times and thank the Lord for the work of salvation which he accomplishes through us.” While we have not yet identified a theme for the next General Chapter, the Interchapter Meeting last October made some proposals which resonate with C. 125: Conversion to a better quality of our vowed life, and response to the poor whom we are sent to evangelize.
In 2010, a new Superior General and his Council will be elected. As mandated by the last General Chapter, there will also be consideration of updated structures of government on all levels, in light of the needs of the Oblate mission.
Our preparation is starting somewhat early because during this year all the Regional conferences will be meeting; it is they who must set up the electoral process for the Chapter delegates (R 128a). The election process can then be concluded by the end of this year.
I entrust the XXXV Chapter to your care and especially to your prayer. May Saint Eugene, Blessed Joseph Gerard, Blessed Joseph Cebula, and all the other Oblates who have left this world in God's friendship, intercede for us.
Fraternally in Christ and Mary Immaculate
Fr. Wilhelm Steckling, OMI
Superior General
Rome, March 1st 2008
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