At 21.00 on Tuesday evening, all capitulants gathered in the Chapter room to begin the process of electing our Superior General. Fr Jim Christie, SJ, one of the facilitators, outlined a process of spiritual discernment and provided some helpful information. The capitulants were invited to “enter into the process with an open mind”. Jim also said that “The Holy Spirit ‘is full of surprises’, don’t be surprised if you are surprised!” Following the input, the capitulants moved to a chapel for private, silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.At 9.00 this morning, the capitulants celebrated a Mass of the Holy Spirit to pray for guidance during the process of election. Once in the Chapter room, Fr Joaquin Fernandez, acting as the substitute of the President of the Chapter (Fr Hulshof) and overseeing the voting at Fr Hulshof’s request, began the formal proceedings. Sr. Christine Anderson, one of the facilitators, encouraged the capitulants to allow their discernment to take place “in light of the needs of the world, the Church and the Society of Mary today.” Following a reading from the Constitutions (Nn 180–194) and table conversations, the capitulants then shared the fruit of their discussion. They were then invited by Fr Jim Christie to enter into a process of “structured conversation” before two indicative (straw) votes were taken in t he afternoon.
The ballots for the election of the Superior General will take place tomorrow, Thursday, 10th September, in the course of the morning. News of the decision of the Chapter concerning the name of the Superior General will be communicated as soon as possible.
Please continue to keep the capitulants in your prayers and thoughts.