General Assembly set to begin…

DePaulNewsline writes at the beginning of the General Assembly… Faculty and staff in Lincoln Park may notice some extra visitors on campus over the next few weeks. From June 27 to July 15, DePaul will host 130 Vincentian delegates and visitors from provinces around the world for the 42nd General Assembly of the Congregation of the Mission.

The General Assembly is the highest authority in the Vincentian community and meets every six years to set direction and policies. This year’s meeting represents the first time the General Assembly will gather outside Rome or Paris in its nearly 400-year history, making it a significant moment for the Congregation.

“Six years ago, I was privileged to serve as a U.S representative at the General Assembly meeting in Paris,” says the Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., president of DePaul University. “There was laughter and comradery, but also a solemn realization that we were responsible for decisions that would continue the work of St. Vincent de Paul in a new era.  We welcome the 2016 General Assembly and feel honored to have its delegates as part of the DePaul community these next few weeks.”

An election for a new superior general will take place at the meeting. Considered to be the successor of Saint Vincent and leader for the Congregation of the Mission, the superior general unifies the work of the provinces, which are located in 86 countries around the globe. The Rev. Gregory Gay, C.M., is currently completing his twelfth year as superior general, the maximum number of years one may serve in the elected position.

While at DePaul, the General Assembly will hold its meetings in Cortelyou Commons and stay in on-campus housing. Additional gatherings will take place across the Lincoln Park Campus. Meetings are only open to delegates.

The Congregation of the Mission will share updates via news releases throughout the meeting.  The university asks members of the DePaul community to greet and welcome the delegates and visitors as you see them wearing their red name badges.

Source: DePaulNewsline

You can follow the Assembly at the following sites