From September 14 to October 12, our 200 year-old founding vision will be the central focus in the proceedings of the General Chapter.
Our Rule of Life explains:
The General Chapter is the highest authority within the Congregation. It meets regularly to strengthen the bonds of unity and to express the members’ participation in the life and mission of the Congregation.
United around Christ, the Oblate family shares the lived experience of its communities as well as the challenges and hopes of its ministry.
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.
CC&RR, Constitution 125
You may follow the event at http://www.omiworld.org/en/36-general-chapter/news/
“Vision animates, inspires, transforms purpose into action.” Warren G. Bennis
“…to strengthen the bonds of unity” and “to express the members’ participation in the life and mission”; “the Oblate family shares the lived experience of its communities as well as the challenges and hopes of its ministry” and” we discern God’s will in the urgent needs of our times and thank the Lord”. These words are the prayer which Warren Bennis has expressed as “animate, inspire and transform purpose into action”. No matter the language it is the same. General Chapter is much more than being a congratulating and slapping of each other on the back for jobs well done. This is why, I believe, the Oblate family celebrates it’s 200th anniversary, why it remains relevant today, continues to live and move forward.
Where will you have us be Lord? What will you have us do? “We beg you, Lord, to send upon us your Spirit to help us to be your Oblates, inflamed with your love, sparing no effort to extend your Kingdom and totally committed to the good of today’s poor.”