Our Interchapter Meeting opened this morning with a Eucharistic Celebration in the subcrypt of the Queen of Apostles Basilica, Rome. The FSP General Government, provincial and delegation superiors, and animators of the communities dependent on the General Government are all participating in this major event. The presence of brothers and sisters of the Pauline Family at the Eucharist was deeply appreciated.
In his commentary on the Liturgy of the Word, Fr. Vito Fracchiolla, Vicar General of the Society of St. Paul, reminded everyone that the difficult situations we sometimes encounter are meant to produce life because the Spirit is guiding us toward the “not yet” to which the Congregation aspires. He said he hoped that we would face the present with hope and grow in patience, perseverance and trust in God’s timing. He also urged us to live the Interchapter with the feeling that we are all “in the same boat” and thus filter everything (our reflections, searching and dialogues) through the light of the Spirit because he is the “builder” who aids us in our weakness.
In the afternoon, Sr. Anna Maria Parenzan launched the work of the Interchapter by recalling its objectives: to evaluate the journey made up to now and adjust it to our current situation, aiming at our 11th General Chapter and not deferring choices that can be made today. She invited all the participants to open our hearts to the global situation of the Congregation, putting aside for the moment our own small “worlds.”
Ideally, the path pursued by the Interchapter will be in continuity with our recent Seminar on Apostolic Mysticism, which entrusted to the Congregation important reflections and priorities in view of our future journey.
