The Province of Our Lady of Aparecida concluded its Chapter Assembly with decisions regarding the Provincial Statute, governance, clerical life and planning.
On November 14, two intense plenary sessions marked the closing of the Chapter Assembly of the Province of Our Lady of Aparecida, which took place at the Santo Alfonso Seminary in Aparecida (SP) between November 10 and 14.
The first session focused on the discussion of three specific topics:
- Restructuring of the Retreat House of the woods in Juiz de Fora (MG);
- Possibility of taking on new apostolic fronts;
- Expansion of the Redemptorist social work through the Social Assistance Centres (CAS).
In a second phase, more complex articles were studied and reviewed. It was five days of deep reflection, prayer, and institutional decision-making.
The result of five days of work
From the beginning, the Assembly focused on the study and analysis of the texts that will make up the Provincial Statute, a fundamental document that contains the rules that will govern the Province of Our Lady of Aparecida.
The topics studied at this Chapter Assembly for the drafting of the Statute were:
Clerical life: establishes the foundations of the consecrated and apostolic life of the confreres;
Provincial Government and Local Communities: the text defines the composition and mission of the Provincial Government, responsible for administering activities and ensuring compliance with the rules of the Congregation, as well as detailing the structure of the Government of the Local Communities.
Community Life Planning and Domestic Council: addressed on the fourth day, these points seek to align community members around a common purpose and assist the Local Superior in the exercise of his governance.
The structure of the Assembly, with group meetings divided with plenary sessions, allowed the reporters to present the viewpoint of their groups, ensuring that decisions were made by consensus and in accordance with Canon Law and the Alphonsian charism.
To conclude this special time for the province, a Closing Mass was celebrated, marking the end of the Provincial Chapter Assembly. The celebration was presided over by Fr. Adam Rapala, C.Ss.R., and concelebrated by his fellow provincial superiors, Fr. Antônio Niemec, C.Ss.R., and Fr. José de Vilas Boas, C.Ss.R.
During his homily, Fr. Adam recalled that the Redemptorist Missionaries live in a reality marked by social inequality, and therefore it is necessary to remain firm in the mission bequeathed by St. Alphonsus Liguori: to bring abundant Redemption to the most needy.
With the closing of the assembly, the Province of Our Lady of Aparecida moves forward toward the creation of a solid statute and a renewed commitment to the Redemptorist mission, strengthening community and administrative life. The work accomplished represents a significant milestone in the consolidation of the young Province.
(a12.com)
