General Chapter of Diffinitors
4th day
Tultenango, July 19, 2022
The capitular friars began Tuesday with lauds in English and celebration of the Eucharist presided over by Friar Aniedi Okure, OP, Promoter General for Justice and Peace and Permanent Delegate to the United Nations (UN); concelebrated by Friar Isaac Mutelo, OP, of the Vice-Province of South Africa; Joseph Ellul, OP, of the Province of Saint Pius V of Malta, who, in line with the friar who preached yesterday, insisted on the discomfort to which the friars are called as prophets who seek to preach the truth.
In his homily, Friar Joseph mentioned “the truth is not always well received. It confronts us first and then those to whom we are sent with the stark reality of our human failings, of the existence of evil and injustice, and of the need to turn to God and begin a new life—a life of holiness.” As if that were not enough, he emphasized: “But like the prophets, we Dominicans are not called to be successful preachers; we are called to be faithful preachers. If we bet on success in the future of our vocation, we have two alternatives: either we change our minds, or we change our work”.
The plenary gathered in the auditorium, and after some indications made by Friar Héctor Reyes, OP, Secretary of the Chapter, the Master of the Order posed the questions to be commented by the six language groups (three in English, two in Spanish, and one in French). In his exhortation, the Master pointed out the following: “We have to know where we are going, […] what are the necessary, concrete and timely steps to be taken to bridge the gap and the present reality of the Order”.
The first session discussed the question: “What are you thankful for?” In general terms, each capitular is thankful for his vocation, health, perseverance, etc. The second session discussed the question: “What do we expect this General Chapter to do for the Order?” In discussing this question, the capitulars projected the mission of the Order for the next 3 to 6 years, looking for a clear objective, as well as the way to reach it, since, when you do not know where to go, you move towards any destination.
Regarding the mission of the Order, of the various points of view presented, the capitulars agreed on the following: avoiding the self-referentiality of the Order through a serious formation in compassion that involves looking beyond ourselves; using of the media for virtual preaching; forming the friars at the interprovincial level; preaching itinerary online in order to know what the friars of other Provinces do and how they preach.
The day ended with vespers. Tomorrow the dialogue of the six linguistic groups will continue, as well as offer presentations of their conclusions.
