Today in Rome, Italy, Redemptorists from around the world are gathering to open the Congregation’s 24th General Chapter. The meeting, which is held every six years and lasts about a month, brings together representatives of the Order from around the globe to elect new leaders and help guide the Redemptorists’ future work.
The Redemptorists are organized into provinces and regions based on geography. During the General Chapter, the leaders of these provinces, known as provincials, will elect a new Superior General who will follow in the footsteps of the Order’s founder, St. Alphonsus Ligouri. The chapter delegates will also elect new general councilors from all the continents who will help form the Order’s general government.
Aside from electing new leaders, the General Chapter also presents a global perspective on the Redemptorists’ ministries through regional reports. The chapter will also set a global theme for the next six years.
During the General Chapter, Very Rev. Patrick Woods, the provincial of the Baltimore Province, will be providing regular reports from Rome for www.redemptorists.net.
Check back often for updates!
And please join us in praying for the Redemptorists during their meeting:
God, Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier, bless the Redemptorists as they gather for their 24th world-wide chapter. May they be guided by Wisdom, be open to conversion, and see and respond to the signs of the times with the mind and heart of Jesus. Help them discover ways to more effectively respond to the needs of those to whom you send them. Help them be faithful in their mission to proclaim the Good News of plentiful redemption in all times and places, especially where pastoral needs are most urgent, especially to the poor and most abandoned.
May they grow in missionary zeal, courage and pastoral charity. May they praise you, Lord, and give you thanks always.
Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
St. Alphonsus and all the Saints and Blesseds of the Congregation, pray for us.