Chapter Week 2: The week ahead
What to expect
DOMUS PACIS, ASSISI - Sunday brought with it the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord and a much needed free day for the friars at the Chapter following a busy first week and in anticipation of the business of the gathering's second week.
For many, today was a day for an optional pilgrimage to the Rieti Valley with Holy Mass at the shrine at Greccio, the wonderful spot where St. Francis first re-enacted the Christmas story in December of 1223.
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| General Secretary of the Chapter William Short, OFM (SB) speaking to the friars at Greccio. (photo: capitulumgenerale2015.ofm.org Joseph Magro, OFM) |
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| Pictured in the third pew are Provincial Minister Dennis Vavrek, OFM (CTK) and Vicar Provincial Michael Jennrich, OFM (SB) at Greccio. (photo: capitulumgenerale2015.ofm.org Joseph Magro, OFM) |
For those who didn't head to Greccio, they took the time to visit the sights of Assisi, some explored more broadly in the region, others just took the time to relax, or catch up on emails and other business.
Monday morning will bring with it the resumption of Chapter business and here's what you can expect from the week ahead:
MONDAY, MAY 18:
- The English-language group will begin with Mass in the Portiuncula. Each language group is given two opportunities during the month to celebrate Mass in this special Chapel. This will be the English-language group's first opportunity.
- Morning Session: Will be devoted to continued conversation about the finances of the Order with a special report from the Office of the Economato Generale.
- Afternoon Session: The Chapter hears the Reports from the Presidents of the Conferences
- Lectio Divina: Just as we began last week, this week begins with a moment for the prayerful reading of the Word of God.
TUESDAY, MAY 19:
- Morning Session: This session will be devoted to a discussion of the work of the Commission on Fidelity and Perseverance which was tasked with studying the reasons for the departures of friars from the Order.
- Afternoon Session: The Chapter will hear from the remaining Presidents of Conferences.
- STRAW BALLOT FOR GENERAL MINISTER: Tuesday afternoon will conclude with the first straw ballot cast for the next General Minister.
- Common Vespers: The day will end with Vespers in Common as a prayer of thanksgiving for the work of the outgoing General Definitorium.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20:
- Morning: The Chapter travels to Assisi for a guided prayer for the mission. They will visit Casa Papa Francesco and the Instituto Serafico in Assisi. The experience is entitled "Poor with the poor."
- Afternoon Session: The afternoon will be dedicated to discussing proposed changes to the General Constitutions and Statutes.
- SECOND STRAW BALLOT FOR GENERAL MINISTER
THURSDAY, MAY 21: DAY OF ELECTION OF GENERAL MINISTER
- Holy Mass with Papal Delegate His Eminence Cardinal Err?zuriz Ossa
- Morning Session: ELECTION OF THE GENERAL MINISTER (There are three ballots scheduled, if necessary)
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Procession to the Portiuncula: Once the General Minister is elected, the entire Chapter processes to the Portiuncula where the new General Minister makes his Profession of Faith and the ceremony of installation takes place. Then all of the friars offer him the sign of peace.
- Lunch at the Proto-Convento of the Portiuncula
- Afternoon Session: Meetings in Conference groups to discuss the Vicar General.
- STRAW BALLOT FOR VICAR GENERAL
FRIDAY, MAY 22: DAY OF ELECTION OF VICAR GENERAL
- Morning Session: Election of the Vicar General (There are three ballots scheduled, if necessary)
- Afternoon Session: Presentation of Candidates for General Definitor by Conference and Straw Ballot
SATURDAY, MAY 23: DAY OF ELECTION OF GENERAL DEFINITORIUM
- Morning Session: Election of the General Definitorium (Ther are three ballots scheduled, if necessary)
Keep in mind that the schedule could change depending on how the week unfolds, but this is how things look as we look ahead to Week 2 of the General Chapter. As always, please keep the Chapter in your prayers.
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