General Chapters reflect the thinking of the Founder and of the Rule as well as the Church whose illumination permits the charism to renew itself. But they also reflect the missionary experience of the Oblates who, by their lives, continue to deepen their understanding of what it means to evangelize the poor.

In a circular letter on the Rule, Eugene de Mazenod reaffirmed that the end of the mission-is "to collaborate in the extending of the kingdom of Jesus Christ and to sacrifice their life to lead a great number of souls into the fold of the Father of the family". [76]

In the mission fields, this central theme is enriched with new elements such as the works of human development that are beginning to be perceived as essential factors in human and spiritual growth.

The presence of missionaries in far off regions difficult of access as well as the diversity of cultures compelled a modification of the rigid model of Church, required changes and adaptations to religious life and church life. [77]

"Even though the missions are the first and main end of the Congregation, nevertheless, the apostolate with the working class [...] according to the principles of Leo XIII's encyclical, De conditione opificum [...] is not only in conformity with the end of the Institute, but should moreover be strongly encouraged at the present time". [78]

The General Chapter of 1947 made the decision that the Congregation should collaborate in the formation of members of Catholic Action. [79]

"No province, even though it may rarely send missionaries to the missions, should dispense itself from the obligation of cooperating concretely in the apostolate with non-Catholics and the native peoples". [80]

In mission countries, the newly arrived missionaries should learn the language, prepare themselves to carry out the tasks of the ministry and, if necessary, become citizens of that country. [81]

The General Chapter of 1953, under the guidance of the expression "renew or die", an expression used by Bishop Larraona during his visit to the Chapter, spoke of renewal. [82]

"Love of the Church was the overriding theme in all our discussions. It was: at the centre of all our debates". [83]

A new expression, "democracy", which the Church had borrowed from Maritain found its way into the Chapter discussions. "The conclusions of our studies and of our discussions will be arrived at in the most democratic manner possible: by majority vote. Thus, for all of us, the will of God will be made manifest [...]. [84]

As for the missions that had been founded long ago, the Superior General asked himself whether it would not be better "to let the Church know that we think the time has come, the work has reached the proper stage of maturity and the situation is sufficiently developed for us to relinquish our missionary role with exclusive responsibility for these territories". [85]

[76] "Circulaire du Supérieur général relative aux décisions du Chapitre de 1856", A.G., in PIELORZ, Józef, Les Chapitres généraux, vol. II, Ottawa, éditions des Études oblates (1968), p. 92.
[77] See "Chapitre général de 1893", in COSENTINO, Georges, Nos Chapitres généraux, Ottawa, éditions des Études oblates (1957), pp. 131-138.
[78] General Chapter of 1904, in Circ. adm., III (1901-1921), p. 93.
[79] General Chapter of 1947, in COSENTINO, Georges, Nos Chapitres généraux..., p. 247. In the minutes of this same Chapter, we find an interesting remark: "Let us cease using the word "sauvage" to designate the natives".
[80] General Chapter of 1926, in COSENTINO, Georges, Nos Chapitres généraux..., p. 212.
[81] General Chapter of 1947, in COSENTINO, Georges, Nos Chapitres généraux..., pp. 246-447.
[82] General Chapter of 1953,in Circ. adm., VI (1953-1960), p. 11.
[83] Ibidem, p. 23.
[84] Rapport du Supérieur général au XXVe Chapitre général, May 1-27, 1953, in Circ. adm., VI (1953-1960), p. 36.
[85] Ibidem, pp.68-69.