If a preface could have a title, this is the one I would use to open the proceedings of the 34th General Chapter of our Congregation: “I continue to believe.” Yes, we have to say it. We mustn’t forget that our times are marked by questions, challenges and concerns that can make us believe that “the Church is worn out” and that there’s nothing more to be done. But my surprise was positive. I saw motivated capitulants. Through their participation, even if many of them were first-time capitulants, I saw brothers who were simply saying by their attitude: “We continue to believe.”
The theme chosen for this General Chapter already expressed the faith and hope that dwells within us: “The Kingdom of God is at hand. (Mk 1:15) Live and proclaim the hope of the Gospel.” It is true, the signs of this Kingdom of God that is already among us are there, but in the meantime, signs of resistance can be seen here and there, through the violence done to human beings and to nature. This invites us to work even harder.
Years ago, we were already expressing the need for substantial change in the Congregation. A change that helps us to face up to external and internal problems. For example, the changing demographic curve, the significant number of brothers in formation, the desire for a new missionary thrust, the need for a new organizational structure for the Congregation, and so on.
The Chapter did not go very far in its search for a new way of organizing itself, nor did it propose any substantial changes. But it became clear to us that, if we don’t insist enough on certain fundamental aspects of religious life in general and Assumptionist religious life in particular, a new structure or new strategies won’t have much success.
This is why fraternity as a gift, as a mission and as a challenge emerged as a topic of reflection for our Chapter from the outset. Our charism already gives us elements of the experience of communion and fraternity. Living our charism to the full, particularly in international and intercultural communities, is already a framework that will enable us to be prophetic signs of God’s plan. Our fraternity must also lead us to propose a simple and sober life, and to commit ourselves to the defense of our “common home”.
The summons of the Spirit and our own reality have convinced us of the need to reaffirm our missionary identity. We need to form missionary disciples and promote mission as a path in the Congregation rooted in the charism itself. Without this missionary commitment, the Assumption runs the risk of distorting its very nature and losing the essence of its charism, by reducing itself to a collection of purely local entities. If we believe that our presence in Europe or America remains essential in offering the charism of the Assumption to the Church and the world, the path of mission is inevitable.
A theme that had not emerged very clearly for several General Chapters took pride of place in the discussions and chapter work of this 34th Chapter. Now enriched by the experience of the defense of Creation and the proposals of Laudato si’, the reflections of the present Chapter were marked by this fundamental and transversal option: justice, peace and the integrity of creation.
Another theme, which seems more inclusive than new, is that of accompanying God’s people. A reflection that led us to discern anew our work in parishes, shrines, pilgrimages and so on. Other themes will undoubtedly give rise to further reflection at the local level: communication and the digital continent, youth and vocations. Work on education and on the lay-religious alliance remains fundamental, even if it has already been dealt with at length at other chapters. New developments will push us to go “a step further” in these areas.
How can we awaken the interest and provide the tools for young Assumptionists in formation, so that they can exercise leadership and other services necessary to our life and mission? How can we establish a policy of specialized formation and a formation that develops our Congregation’s capacity for theological reflection? All of this will only be possible if we develop the necessary economic co-responsibility, which must begin in each community, through transparency, moderation, simplicity, solidarity and good management.
A call to holiness has reappeared, strongly emphasized by the figure of Fr. d’Alzon. We need to work together to talk about our Founder, to pray and promote his holiness, and to ask for his recognition by the Church. This will also be a way of stimulating us for our own sanctification.
My dear brothers and sisters, as you know, the life of men, the history of peoples and, in our case, the life of our Congregation offer moments which, by virtue of their symbolic weight, become exceptionally special. This 34th General Chapter will evoke personal or collective memories, consisting of surprises and real events. We have to credit all this to God’s grace, which is always at work. And in this sense, it will be the source of great hope. This is a chapter that calls for commitment. It has challenged us to make a new gesture.
I continue to believe that the path towards real fraternity and holiness is possible. Even if this requires a certain conversion at many levels, there are reasons for hope. My dear brothers and sisters, religious and lay, I invite you to read and IV
meditate in faith on these Acts of the 34th General Chapter. They are an immense source of hope for our Congregation and for the world.
P. NGOA Ya Tshihemba, a.a
Superior General
Promulgated November 1, 2023,
the Solemnity of All Saints