August 2, 1998

Dear Brothers,

It is a free day today. People woke up as they wished. Some were at breakfast at 8:30 a.m. But others disappeared from the house early morning. Our Eucharist was at 6:00 p.m., presided by the local ordinary of Bologna.

The text of the commission on Formation and Community was discussed and voted on yesterday. It was dealt differently from the rest of the previous texts. I t was voted in toto. It is unique as it has only recommendations, without any ordination. It is a long text but much of it appears like a series of reflections on the different issues of formation and community life. That which was much debated is the section on affective life and formation. It is an atttempt "to break the silence" and to open up discussion about our affective life. It touches on the issues of identity and personal crisis, relationships with women, sexual orientation, and relationship with one's family.

The document offers too good recommendations for the formation of Formators and collaboration in formation. On the subject of community life, it gives interesting reflections on accompaniment, friendship, Dominican democracy, and community project. The whole document was passed by the assembly, but with a good number of the vocals voting against it. But, I am of the opinion that it is a good document.

August 3.

The day was our last full day of work. We approved this morning the new text on the distinction between the titles Order of Preachers and the Dominican Family. We also passed a text on the cooperator brothers. It was well received by the assembly. It is the best document said by the Chapter on the brothers in the past thirty years. It is divided into two parts: 1) the cooperator brothers in the mission of the Order, 2) and the formation of the cooperator brothers. We also voted on the text of the LCO Commission, and finally on the "announcements" or formalities.

The chapter will end tommorow morning. We shall evaluate the chapter, and decide on the date and place of the elective chapter in 2001. Three provinces are bidding for the venue: India, Germany, and New York. Then the day will conclude with the Eucharist celebrating the Feast of St. Dominic at 6:00 p.m., to be presided by the Master.

My fraternal greetings to all of you.

FR. QUIRICO PEDREGOSA, O.P.

© 1998 Order of Preachers General Chapter, 1998 Internet site by Scott Steinkerchner OP email: steinkerchner@op.org