5705(III)_Opening of the 18th General Chapter of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus
Ariccia (Italy), 7 October 2021 -- The 18th General Chapter of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus opened on 6 October 2021 during the Eucharist presided over by the Salesian Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime. Under the theme "Renewed by the Spirit of the Risen Lord: For our common home, where we all live together", GC18 explores new ways of mission, community and religious life.
The Congregation had planned to hold the General Chapter in Japan, but because of the Covid-19 pandemic, providentially decided to hold their GC for the first time in Italy, the homeland of Founder Fr Antonio Cavoli and Venerable Con-founder Fr Vincenzo Cimatti.
The election of the Mother General and her council is scheduled for 14 October, and GC18 will conclude on 21 October with the closing Mass celebrated by the Rector Major in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Valdocco, Turin.
In the homily of the opening Mass the 10th successor of Don Bosco invited the Sisters to be guided by the Holy Spirit:
"Only the Holy Spirit, in this ‘hour’ of your General Chapter can be the bond of unity and communion. Only He can arouse and welcome diversity without interrupting communion. This is why, it seems to me, my dear Sister Chapter members, that you have this wonderful challenge before you: if you want to continue always in fidelity to the call of God in your charism, you will have to make sure that this Assembly is always inhabited by the Holy Spirit, the true and only key player in every discernment."
We accompany our Caritas Sister in their two-week Pentecost event to discern the charismatic path for the next 6 years and beyond, always in deep communion with the Church and within the Salesian Family of Don Bosco!
