A Promising Start for GC29’s Work
(ANS – Turin – February 23, 2025) – Saturday, February 22, marked a crucial moment for General Chapter 29, which was able to begin its work decisively and effectively. Among the first concrete actions, the chapter members approved the regulations with a large majority: the votes against the overall text were fewer than those expressed on individual sections that compose it. Additionally, the working document, derived from the report that accompanied the convocation of the chapter presented by the Rector Major was accepted, albeit with some clarifications.
For the chapter
members, this was a prelude to discussions on the central themes to be
addressed during the chapter—a path that, already in the first week, required
defining the appropriate context in which to develop discussions and advance
proposals.
A key moment
occurred between Friday and Saturday when some capitulars pointed out that the
initial composition of the committees reflected a division by language groups.
This approach, while understandable, risked limiting the exchange of
experiences and perspectives from diverse cultural realities, instead of
favoring homogeneity.
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| Fr. Martoglio |
Thanks to the intervention of the general committee, chaired by Fr. Stefano Martoglio, and the full willingness of the chapter members to modify the day’s schedule, the structure of the committees was revised. The reorganization led to the creation of 6 groups (compared to the initial 5), with a limit of 50 members in each. Furthermore, chapter members were encouraged to interact more with one another, leveraging their knowledge of a 2d language to ensure greater interaction and exchange.
“This is a result
that fully corresponds to the teaching of yesterday’s readings,” declared Fr.
Alphonse Owoudou, moderator of GC29. “This fosters exchange, overcoming
barriers that are not primarily linguistic but cultural.”
This openness marks
one of the distinctive characteristics of this general chapter and could
represent a decisive step forward for the future. If the work can sustain this
dynamic of exchange and dialog, GC29 could stand out as a moment of true
renewal inspired by the Lord.
This direction was further reinforced by the homily delivered during Mass, presided over by Fr. Carmine Arice, superior general of the Society of Priests of Saint Joseph Benedict Cottolengo. During his reflection, Fr. Arice recalled an encounter with Fr. Domenico Machetta, SDB, emphasizing: “The problem of problems is mutual love. The unity of the community is the target of Evil. There may well be works that function well, but these do not bother Satan: it is those who humble themselves before their brothers that unsettle the Prince of Evil.” He concluded by inviting everyone to live mutual esteem as a prayer, to welcome the novelties of the Holy Spirit, and to transform themselves “from strangers into friends.”
With this initial reorganization and a climate of collaboration and openness, the chapter members are prepared to face the many challenges ahead. The path that has been initiated seems promising and lays the foundation for a general chapter aimed not only at dialog but also at building a shared vision capable of responding to the needs of the present time.
The 6 committees
and their coordinators
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