September 28th: Sunday the Last Morning
28/09/2014 22:56
Today was the last day of the General Chapter of 2014, and even though some people needed to leave early and others were thinking about their departure, the energy in the aula remained high and focused until the end. Much needed to be done and much remains to be done. However, as Dom Eamon reminded us in the homily this morning, the main work of our monastic life is our conversatio, which we now return with a renewed desire.
In fact, one of the more touching events in the aula was the conversatio of one of the abbeys. They were an important component in discussing a delicate situation and they were upset that they had been included in the process. The first day that the delicate matter was discussed, this abbey expressed some resentment at what had happened to them and disagreement with the results of the process. However, something happened in the night, because the next day this abbey came back with a new perspective. They realized that people had done the best job that they could and the interests of the people in the delicate situation were in the hearts of people making decisions and furthermore, they supported what had been done. So an issue that was potentially divisive became an instrument to teach us all about conversion.
Two appeals arose from the floor this morning. The first came from M. Martha of Gedono who hoped that older houses that were closing, and had an abundance of material goods, consider the needs of the newer houses. The second appeal came from Dom Timothy of the Generalate, who asked for formators to come to Nigeria for a short period in order to give the brothers their example and also to teach them something. This appeal was made to both men and women.
A part of the ritual of the last day is to think about the place for the next General Chapter. Three locations were proposed: Fatima in Portugal, a place outside of Rome, and Domus Pacis where we are now and have had the last four chapters. Fatima has the advantage of having more spiritual space available, however because 2017 will the the 100th anniversary of the apparitions, many events are scheduled and we would have to hold the Chapter in November. The decision is not being made now, but will be made by the abbot general and his council when more information (like cost) becomes available. A majority favored staying in Assisi.
The delegates also presented their evaluation this morning. Overwhelmingly they (or more honestly, we) expressed their happiness and appreciation at being able to participate in the chapter and wished that everyone in the order could have the experience. They said that while ordinarily the order was experienced just through their ears, hearing papers and reports, now the order has been experienced in their eyes and hands and hearts. It has been a great experience to have, and hopefully to share.