Reflections on the chapter by Ed Ruane, Provincial of the Central USA Province, from a letter sent to his brothers.

The Chapter ends tomorrow.  We have been working long and hard to pound out some good texts. We have had excellent discussions over very important issues affecting the Order, its life and mission.  In addition to looking at our mission, we have discussed even the more delicate issues of sexual misconduct, formation in chastity, etc.  I have been impressed by the serenity of the discussions even when disagreeing strongly on positions.  I feel very proud of the Order.

We have had some long debates on the Dominican family and who composes the Order, etc.  For many it may not seem very significant, but it is formative of our life and work.  We changed the name of our Constitutions to the Friars of the Order of Preachers rather than the Order of Friars Preachers.  A recognition that the Order is not only the domain of the friars.  Some very good things on the role of women in our mission.  Also, I am quite pleased with the text that addresses our cooperator brothers.  The role and life of the brothers figured prominently in the Chapter.  The text isnât long, but calls us be most attentive to the brothers for the sake of our life and mission.

Some time was spent on the Constitutions which became very technical.  We have mandated a new issue to go out.  So, Dennis Zusy, get ready as we must do the final redaction.  The Irish Province will print them.  Also, the English speaking provincials are urging us to get our liturgical books developed.  The Spanish and French are already finished with the Italian coming in close behind.

The Acts of the Chapter will be placed on a disk and each house will get one.  It is up to whoever wants to print the Acts from the disc rather than having one entity publish them.  Iâd rather have the text myself, but we will have it but in a different format.

This has been a wonderful experience for me.  I feel part of something much larger than just our own province.  Also, I must say I have a new sense of responsibility for the whole Order as vital to the mission of each province.

God bless you all,

Ed

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