At the conclusion of the Chapter, all renewed their vows and listened to the concluding exhortation of the Founder:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThis is the happy beginning of a new era for the Society. God has ratified the plans which we have drawn up for his glory…\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n
PIELORZ, J., Les Chapitres g\u00e9n\u00e9raux <\/i>I, p. 76.<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Rey records the Acts of the General Chapter:<\/p>\n
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.<\/em><\/p>\n
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.” (<\/em>Rey I p 397: Acts of the General Chapter of 1826.)<\/p>\n
\u00a0The 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<\/sup> of February.<\/p>\n
They also decided that at the end of their annual retreat, all Oblates would always renew their vows.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cDevelop 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.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Brian Tracy<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
At the conclusion of the Chapter, all renewed their vows and listened to the concluding exhortation of the Founder: \u201cThis is the happy beginning of a new era for the Society. God has ratified the plans which we have drawn … Continue reading