Following on from Fr Hulshof’s presentation yesterday, the second day of the Chapter began with a thorough and extensive discussion of the contents of his report. Fr Hulshof responded to questions from the plenary session and also answered fourteen specific questions that had been submitted to him by individuals. In his response, he identified some of the urgent tasks facing the Society as he saw them: sharing with and learning from Marist laity; recognising a need to for the Society to be more “mission oriented”; encouraging a greater emphasis to international formation; developing a new understanding of the importance of participation as well as of authority in decision making in the Society; calling for a sharpening of our focus in our apostolates; and encouraging work with young people and involvement in education. At the end of his report, he received a warm and affirming round of applause.
Kevin Mowbray, the General Bursar, addressed the plenary session and provided a well-focused and clear presentation of the major observations contained in his report to the Chapter. He highlighted various aspects of the report and drew attention to some of the challenges faced by the Society in maintaining financial sustainability and increasing financial solidarity. Members of the Chapter engaged with his presentation and asked numerous questions pertaining to the financial state of the Society and other management issues. He was congratulated on his presentation and his work as General Bursar. A Finance Committee has been set up to continue the discussion of the content of his report. The members of the committee are J. Fernandez, P. Boidin, P. Cooney, M. Diaz, M. O’Connor and D. Diouf.
In the afternoon, the major superiors of Africa, Australia and Brazil presented their reports to the Chapter and were asked questions about various issues of concern to the capitulants. All other provinces and districts will present their reports tomorrow.
Source: General Chapter Electronic Newsletter