On the Road towards the XXI General Chapter

As we continue our pilgrimage towards the XXIst General Chapter. We have been reflecting seriously on various themes including, our identity, mission and the spirituality of the Institute of the Marist Brothers. The Preparatory Commission helped us with an instrument for the initial consultation: ?On the Road towards the XXIst General Chapter,? and different groups of Marist communities, animation groups, etc., have shared their reflections, which will be synthesized for further use.

We have also received Brother Seán Sammon´s circular, which announced the opening of the General Chapter in September 2009. He reviews the history of our previous chapters and invites us to renew our life and mission as Marists. He stresses the importance of discernment, as we all are involved in this growth process, in order to be faithful to the charism of our founder.

As an instrument to accompany each one of us; Marist Brothers, people in formation, lay collaborators, members of the Champagnat movement of the Marist Family, and friends of the brothers, we have received ?The Pilgrim´s Guide:? a diary which, with deep prayer and fraternal sharing, provides an intense preparation as we journey towards the Chapter over these next 12 months.

Looking into the reflection prepared by Bro. Ivo A. Strobino at the beginning of the month of November (Pilgrim?s Guide), we prepare ourselves to elect 49 Marist Brothers as delegates to the General Chapter. These brothers, plus the 25 provincials and 9 leaders of the Congregation, will compose the 83 participants to the XXIst General Chapter.

The provenance of the 49 Marist Brothers who will be delegates to the Chapter, elected by the brothers from their own administrative unit, is based on their official province/district where they belong. The number of delegate brothers listed here below, will become members of the Chapter together with the 34 Marist Brothers who will participate in the works of the Chapter by right.

*Members by right: 25 Provincials + Bro. Seán Sammon (Superior General), Bro. Luis García Sobrado (Vicar general), Bro. Benito Arbués (former Superior General), and six Brothers, members of the current General Council.