Dearest Sisters,
We are immersed in the festive climate of the Paschal Season, which, as Fr. Alberione emphasized in a sermon to the Daughters of St. Paul in 1956, “is a time of special graces and, among these, faith in particular.” As we move ahead in the Easter Season–the “great Sunday” leading to Pentecost–the Lord Jesus walks alongside us with infinite tenderness. He does not promise us things, but his gift par excellence: the Holy Spirit.
It is with this consoling awareness that I would like to communicate to you the theme of our 12th General Chapter and give you some recommendations concerning how to prepare for it.
Theme of the 12th General Chapter
In the exchange we had at the general government level, in continuity with the path lived during the 2023 Interchapter, with ecclesial orientations–particularly those regarding the synodal path and the preparation for the Jubilee of 2025–after prolonged discernment and careful reflection we formulated the theme for our 12th General Chapter:
Impelled by the fire of the Spirit
in listening to contemporary humanity,
we communicate the Gospel of hope.
We feel we are on a journey with God’s people as they experience important events: the Synod, which invites us to communion, participation, and mission; preparation for the Jubilee of 2025, and the Jubilee of Consecrated Life, which urges us to be “pilgrims of hope on the paths of peace,” with a focus, for us Daughters of St. Paul, on the digital world that is constantly evolving.
Preparation itinerary
The sisters of the Pre-Chapter Commission met from February 19 to March 15 and began their work, accompanied by facilitator Sr. Tiziana Merletti, of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor.
Two texts resulted from their efforts:
– The document In Preparation for the 12th General Chapter/1 (Study Aid 12th GC/01), which you will receive in a few days and in which you will find:
* the presentation of the Theme and the plan for the involvement of the members (which is made up of 2 phases of work);
* a Celebration of the Word, so as to enter as a community into our preparations for the 12th General Chapter;
* recommendations for a community meeting to share ideas on the Theme, according to the method of “spiritual conversation.”
– The document In Preparation for the 12th General Chapter/2 (Study Aid 12th GC/02), which you will receive in June 2024 and will include:
* an in-depth look at the Theme along with several resources to consult;
* a proposal for the Triduum of St. Paul;
* recommendations for a community sharing session in which to offer your contribution of reflection, discernment and perspectives for the Congregation’s journey.
These texts constitute the tools for launching the First Phase of Preparation for the Chapter, dedicated to deepening the theme and pinpointing those elements with which to compose the first part of the Work Instrument entrusted to the Chapter delegates.
Recommendations for the second phase, devoted to proposals that will flow into the second part of the Work Instrument, will be sent to you in February 2025.
Questi testi costituiscono gli strumenti per il lancio della Prima fase di preparazione al Capitolo, dedicata all’approfondimento del tema e alla raccolta di quegli elementi con cui comporre la prima parte dello Strumento di lavoro affidato alle Capitolari.
Le indicazioni per la seconda fase, dedicata alle proposte, che confluiranno nella seconda parte dello Strumento di lavoro, vi verranno inviate a febbraio 2025.
“On the way” with Paul, Alberione and Maestra Thecla
Let us once again allow ourselves to be guided by our “saints.” Let us walk alongside them with vigilant hearts, keeping our dreams alive, hoping “against hope,” reading the signs of the Spirit in life and invigorating life with the breath of the Spirit.
Holy Spirit, unquenchable Fire, we offer ourselves to you: fill us.
Illuminate and sustain us on the journey toward our 12th General Chapter.
Lighten our steps as we race along
the swift routes of communication.
Fill our hearts with ingenuity, energy and courage so that we may never become discouraged
but can instead discover ever-new ways to do good.
With deep affection, in communion of prayer and hope.
