Day 15 – July 15, 16, 2010 (Conclusion of the Assembly)
Patient and understanding reader, know that the XLI General Assembly of the Congregation of the Mission officially concluded today, July 16, 2010 at 1120 hours and concluded liturgically at 1315 hours. If you look at the calendar you will note that the General Assembly concluded under the supernatural auspices of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and other saints such as, Vitaliano, Sisenando, Faustus, Rainelda, Abundancia, Edit, Justine. Also do not forget that this is the last edition of this chronicle which now has reached fifteen editions since the beginning of the Assembly.
The Assembly concluded as it began: in an atmosphere of fraternity, cordiality and community. This chronologist, who has been gifted with languages, can assure you that neither language, nor culture, nor idiosyncrasy, nor ideology were obstacles to good relationships, understanding and unity. This is proof of the universal, ecumenical and familiar dimensions of the Congregation. It is also a reflection of the fact that living in fraternal community during these past twenty days makes us realize that there are more things that bind us together than separate us and that the language of the heart is more profound and more authentic than the spoken language.
As I write these words many members of the Assembly, as well as many collaborators, are packing their suitcases, saying good-bye, exchanging phone numbers or email addresses. The Motherhouse is beginning to empty out and the city of Paris also reveals a certain sadness, indeed today is a cloudy day.
THE PATH OF CREATIVE FIDELITY
Toward the middle of the Assembly many delegates asked if there would be a Final Document or something similar that would bring together all that was said and done during these days. At first, it was stated that the synthesis complied by said Commission would be enough. Later delegates began to speak about the possibility of some official written document. We were in the midst of these discussions when the Secretary of the Assembly, Father Corpus Delgado, a tireless missionary, presented a four page written document to the delegates … a response to the concern of the members of the Assembly.
This is a simple Document, but well structured and it is hoped that this will serve as a guide and a compass for the journey of the Congregation during the next six years. It is not a normative text but a proposal for our common journey. It brings together aspects from the Consultative Document and other ideas that were discussed during the General Assembly.
The Document has three sections: the first two sections are a reflection on the events that occurred during the past six years. The third section is something similar to lines of action so that our creative fidelity to the mission does not become relegated to good will but becomes rooted in our lived reality.
As always occurs, some members of the Assembly were pleased and others not so pleased. Some felt that the document was good but “badly dressed”. Some wanted to clothe the document in “present day and more splendid clothing”. Others felt that “some make-up was lacking”. Others did not know how “to name this creature” and some were indifferent to all of this.
Finally, in the brief and final session of the Assembly, today’s final session, the document was again presented, finely clothed and ready to enter into the life of the Congregation. I do not know if it was for convenience or the approach of the end of the Assembly, but the Document was accepted and applauded. Perhaps I am presumptuous to entitle this Document: creative fidelity to the mission.
THE FRUITFUL LABOR OF A COMMISSION
I refer here to the work of the Synthesis Commission and I refer to its three members with kindness. Today they achieved a small triumph and a recognition of their labor. During the whole Assembly they have been concerned and wearied as they sought a clear path for their work. They sought, through trial and error, the key for something that was new and difficult. Finally, the members of the Assembly affirmed their efforts,. At least the applause they received after their document was read in the Assembly Hall, confirmed their work.
I OFFICALLY DECLARE THIS ASSEMBLY CONCLUDED
With these words and following the established procedure, the Superior General closed the XLI General Assembly of the Congregation of the Mission. This was done after some brief words of gratitude. As he himself said, there is always the risk of forgetting to thank someone, but this chronologist can guarantee you that no one was forgotten. He thanked God and all those who in some way made this Assembly possible. You, yourself, dear reader, are part of that long list because when the Superior General said everyone, he meant everyone, including the members of the Assembly who were present and participated.
I highlight the gratitude that was expressed to the previous Vicar-General, Father Józef Kapusciak and the Assistants General, Father José María Nieto, Father José Antonio Ubillús and Father Gerard Du Tran Cong. As the superior General embraced each one of them there was a prolonged applause which was the clearest expression of our gratitude.
THE FINAL TOUCH
This chronologist now concludes his labor. These chronicles came into existence as a vocation of service and wish to conclude in the same way. Clearly I have never pretended to give this chronicle any form of official character. That honor belongs to the Minutes. This chronologist has moved along the by-ways of the members of the Assembly and has been touched and affected by all those present during these days. I do not want to conclude these pages before extending to you, dear reader, my sincere gratitude … because without you, without the reader, this chronicle would not exist. Blessings and good-bye.
CELESTINO FERNÁNDEZ
See also the video of the closing Mass
Text of the Homily