The XXV General Chapter came to a close on Friday, July 5. Among the topics discussed in the third and final week: mission – how to create common guidelines for mission and internationality, as well as encourage availability and partnerships; reports on the newest mission communities (Nijmegen in the Netherlands and Trondheim in Norway); the Dehonian Family – how to better support and connect lay Dehonian groups as well as make the charism of Fr. Dehon better known; and the celebration of the centenary of Fr. Dehon’s death (2025) along with the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the congregation (2028). There will be four years of celebrations and pilgrimages to commemorate the sesquicentennial (from August 12, 2024 to June 28, 2028). The main celebrations will take place in San Quentin and Brussels (France and Belgium), Quito (Ecuador), Kisangani (Congo), and Yogyakarta (Indonesia).
“We prayed, discussed, listened to, and discerned important matters related to our spiritual, communal, and ministerial life as Dehonians,” wrote Fr. Vien Nguyen, SCJ, to members of the US Province. “…I will work with the U.S. General Chapter delegates and the Provincial Council to engage you in conversation regarding the Final Message and the decisions and recommendations that were made.”
The chapter has concluded but videos, photos and reports are available from a variety of communication platforms:
General website
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook
Telegram
WhatsApp
Click here to view a video of the Closing Mass at Cristo Re Basilica. A photo of the delegates taken at the end of the chapter is at the top of the page. Click on it to view a larger image.
