With a flurry of activity, the final preparations are under way for the 43rd General Chapter. The support staff and translators are in place and are welcoming the delegates and consultants. It is a bit like a class reunion; a gathering of old friends.

During the Chapter there will be three official languages used: French, Spanish and English. But the halls of the Casa Generalizia are full of many more languages. The Brothers and partners attending the Chapter are quite literally from all over the world, from 80 countries. Arriving by train, plane, car and bus, they will be meeting for six weeks, discussing the many challenges that face our Institute as we move into the third millennium since the birth of Christ.

Rome has been under scaffolding for the last several years and is now well under way in its welcoming of pilgrims for the Jubilee year. Many of the members of the Chapter who have arrived early have taken advantage of Rome's renovations by becoming pilgrims themselves and visiting many of the wonders of the eternal city. Many, recognizing that there will be little time during the Chapter, are trying to fit as much touring into these last few days as possible.

At the Casa Generalizia, we too have completed our own renovations preparing for the Jubilee and the Chapter. With a General Chapter and World Youth Day in the same year, we have worked hard to make the 200 bedrooms, dining rooms, meeting rooms and public areas as pleasant as possible for our visitors.

During the Chapter, the Generalate will be filled to capacity. Meetings are already in progress as various groups prepare for the Chapter. The Brothers from RELAL (Latin American Region) met on Saturday and RELAL and ARLEP (Spain and Portugal) met together Sunday, preparing for the opening of the Chapter on Monday, May 1st.

The Chapter will begin with a formal 'roll call' and seating of the delegates. Following the opening address of the Superior General, the opening Liturgy will be held at 6:00 pm in the Generalate Chapel.

As the Chapter continues, I hope to present to you, in as timely a manner as possible, the activities and issues of the Chapter. Official releases will also be presented here as they become available.

Live Jesus in our hearts.