Eucharist in Language Groups

Breakfast

Work in Thematic Groups

Break

Work in Thematic Groups

Lunch

Work in Thematic Groups continued if necessary

Free

EVALUATION OF THE DISCUSSIONS BY THE LISTENING AND WRITING COMMITTE

A new and interesting contribution from the Listening and Writing Committee was addressed to the Capitular Assembly giving its evaluation of the three days taken up by the presentation of the Reports.

Bros. Esteban de Vega (Spain), Alain Houry (France) and Donald Mouton (USA) have evaluated as very positive the efforts made by all in drawing up the 6 Reports. In the ratification votes none have been rejected and the number of votes obtained in all of them has been high.

They also laid stress on the manner in which the discussions have been carried out, with many interventions -  which shows the interest of the Capitulants in each case – and on the procedures followed, where the different moderators were very flexible so that all could express themselves freely. There was no feeling of rigidity in the norms of procedure which were being used.

They noted the surmounting of the initial difficulty of not everyone having the same understanding of what was meant by “challenges”, “horizons” and “lines of action”. They also noted the difficulties posed by the different languages, praising the efforts of all and especially the mediation of those who spoke several languages.
 
The Reports were presented in an unfinished form since the intention of the Groups was to receive suggestions to enrich the texts in the subsequent draft which will be presented to the Assembly. This also was seen as positive.     

DRAFTING THE FINAL GROUP REPORTS

After listening to the reactions of the Capitulants, and receiving written notes, the Thematic Groups are rewriting the final reports to be presented to the Assembly for further discussion.  Listening to the ideas that each group is working on lessens the possibility of duplicating similar issues in various reports.

The Listening and Writing Committee has suggested that there be more referencing of the Founder’s writings and Rule.  They also suggested that the lines of action be grouped together in order to lessen the number. 

The Groups have been asked to follow similar formats and identify the language of the base text from which translations are being made.

Another question that has not been totally clarified is the audience for whom the reports are being written.  Although the themes which pertain to the Brothers’ life are intended for the Brothers themselves, we must bare in mind that the published texts reach a wider audience and may be a source of inspiration to other Lasallians who share our mission.   

OPINIONS

Felipe Perez GAVILAN -  Mexico

I see it and feel it very well, with much depth in seeking the long range lines of attention which lead us to avoid piling on proposition upon proposition that would only complicate future actions of the Institute’s governance structure.

This time of 5 days of discernment has been most valuable for me.

Otto Rene Armas - Central America-Panama

There is a very fraternal atmosphere of listening, of respect and of hopeful expectations.  I feel that there is movement, dialog and prayer.

The first phases: building community and seeing the reality, have been enlightening and have permitted us to continue building up this community.

We find ourselves now in the phase of discernment, of seeing reality with eyes of faith and eyes of love.  I believe that the dynamic we are following is up to the task of identifying the challenges and coming to grips with the horizons for our Institute over the coming years.