Once again convened by the General Government, the II Preparatory Meeting of the group of lay people who will participate in the XXIII General Chapter took place. Saturday, May 11, in the afternoon in Europe and Africa, and for our brothers in Latin America in the morning, was the designated time for the Meeting. Beginning with the initial welcome greetings, where the joy and gratitude of the entrusted service were evident, and the initial prayer shared by the sisters of the Government, the Mother General addressed everyone to indicate the structure of the work.
The day has been divided into two moments of work in groups of 5 or 6 members for a better and richer sharing. Working in Listening Circles, which gave us the opportunity for everyone to intervene and listen to and internalize the rest of the group members, the day began with the individual contributions, which had previously reached each participant, from the members of his living room. Contributions that are the result of personal reflection on the two themes proposed by the General Government for the work of this General Chapter. The objective is to always share what resonates with each person from everything that the others share, synthesizing, in a first Moment, into three main ideas, which would remain in two contributions from each group, after the second Moment of work in rooms. Each room has expressed itself through a secretary chosen by its members, thus resonating the varied voices of different realities and latitudes.
In a family atmosphere, relaxed, affable, rich, and passionate about the legacy of José Gras, the meaning and importance of what marks the life of this charismatic family has been made to resonate, “Say with your life Christ reigns”, thus as the challenge that the Mission of keeping the Charisma alive in every reality implies for the laity. I feel that Father Gras would tell us at this moment, “Now…, you have to test more than ever, if you love the Kingdom of God from the heart.”
After the work of the Meeting, and on the eve of the celebration of the Ascension of the Lord, we were summoned to the moment of our participation in the XXIII General Chapter. Focusing on the essentials, let's open paths.
Beatriz Palomo Cabello
