At the conclusion of the Chapter, all renewed their vows and listened to the concluding exhortation of the Founder:
“This is the happy beginning of a new era for the Society. God has ratified the plans which we have drawn up for his glory…”
PIELORZ, J., Les Chapitres généraux I, p. 76.
Rey records the Acts of the General Chapter:
Finally, the closing session took place on the morning of 13 July. All the Chapter Fathers gathered in the interior chapel of the Calvaire house, where the other members of the Congregation, priests, and Oblate novices had gathered. After reciting the little hours, the Very Reverend Superior General celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit in he presence the Blessed Sacrament exposed. He gave all his children a very touching discourse on the excellence of their vocation, and then he pronounced the Latin formula of the vows, as it had been approved in Rome. It was written on a piece of paper signed by him; he then placed it on the altar. All those in vows came successively to repeat the same formula, also written and signed by them; they then placed them in the hands of the Superior General, who placed them with his. Once the renewal of vows had finished, they sang the Te Deum in thanksgiving, and ended the prayer with solemn benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
On leaving the chapel, the chapter members went into the chapter room, where all the Oblates and novices were admitted. There, after a new exhortation, The Very Reverend Superior General was asked by the Chapter Fathers to allow all members of the Society to kneel at his feet to make the act of obedience prescribed by the Rule when the Superior General is newly elected. “The humble Superior grudgingly agreed to this request,” say the Acts of the Chapter, “only after having kissed, on his knees the crucifix that was on the desk. He then gave the papal blessing.” (Rey I p 397: Acts of the General Chapter of 1826.)
The General Chapter also decided that from now on the anniversary of the approbation of the Constitutions and Rules would be solemnly celebrated on the 17th of February.
They also decided that at the end of their annual retreat, all Oblates would always renew their vows.
“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.” Brian Tracy
It gave me a small thrill this morning to see the name of a Canadian being quoted. Usually I will take the time to check who a person is if I am not familiar with the name. Not sure that we are supposed to get caught up in that in the middle of a reflection but there you go.
I was really struck though with the quote from Eugene; “God has ratified the plans which we have drawn up for his glory…” Up until now we have been hearing about ‘papal approval’ and ‘approval of the Church’. But a moment of great truth – we’re doing it for God, for the glory of God – not for ourselves. In the end without God at the centre, without God being our ‘raison d’être’ then it all somehow is left being a little shallow and empty. And it takes community to remind us of that, or at least remind me of that – I am quite unable to do it on my own.
I awoke late this morning, thinking of a dream that I had that was not particularly glamorous, in fact it showed me in a bad light and scared me that I could be like that. It left me feeling scattered and distracted. Then coming here, the words seemed to jump out at me – it’s all for the glory of God. Not always conscious but there it is. How will my small imperfections bring about the glory of God? I have no idea – but I must admit that coming here every morning and discovering I am not alone in my ‘humanness’, that I, along with the rest of this God-given family, struggle and journey together – with all of our weaknesses and strengths, each of us reminding each other, showing, sharing, mirroring.
We have each of us come here this morning for different reasons and in different capacities. I leave to start my day, but take all of you with me in my heart. I invite you to join me as I leave singing “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with mercy on my lowliness… And holy, holy, holy is His name.”
See what happens when you dare, and are grateful! Continuity.