The superior general – Fr. Carlos Enrique Caamano, SCJ – has convened the XXIV General Chapter of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Dehonians). It will be held in Rome, beginning on July 14, 2018. It is scheduled to conclude on July 27, 2018 (though this can be changed by the members of the chapter). This is approximately the same time period that the General Conference in Manila was to have taken place. Due to the need for a General Chapter, the General Conference was cancelled.
Who will participate?
The membership of the chapter will be composed of the major superiors of the provinces and regions, the members of the General Curia according to the Rule of Life, and delegates of the Provinces and Regions, as well as Districts dependent on the Superior General. The number of Dehonian capitulars is expected to be approximately 77. Others can be invited by the Superior General.
What awaits us?
We prepare ourselves for the General Chapter spirituality, realizing that the Congregation is a work of the Holy Spirit that asks us for continuous renewal. Through discernment, we trust God and our confreres to face the concrete realities of our congregation. During the chapter, an evaluation of the status of the congregation will be done, but also a new administration will be elected and guidelines developed to assist the new government.
Preparations?
The first important step is the entity chapters that must be held in preparation for the General Chapter. The General Government has set a deadline of June 15, 2018, for completion of these chapters. Other preparatory tasks will be announced by the General Secretary as soon as they are determined.
What is most important is that we approach this moment based in our spirituality, looking at opportunities, not just difficulties and obstacles. Let us do so in the Dehonian way with an Open Heart and Mind!
