Br Peter Clinch is elected Congregation Leader
Br Peter Clinch has been elected Congregation Leader for the new Congregation Leadership Team. Only the second Australian to be elected Congregation Leader in the Chapter’s history.
Leaders of the Congregation of Christian Brothers gathered in Dublin in January for the General Chapter. This followed the deferred Lima Chapter in 2020. The General Chapter lasted until February 5, 2022 before adjourning.
The General Chapter is a time of discernment and decision making for the delegates. This process is achieved through prayer, active listening, and discussion amongst those gathered. When the Christian Brothers hold a General Chapter, they select a theme that guides the process of the Chapter. The theme for this General Chapter was listening, discipleship and ministry among poor and disenfranchised people.
Many Brothers expressed appreciation for being included in the Chapter process and in the conversations. There was a high level of enthusiasm to continue the process of shaping the future together.
The General Chapter is also the time when attendees elect their new authorities for the next five years.
The 2022 General Chapter
The guiding scripture text that has been chosen by the Chapter Planning Group is Luke 8: 22-25 in which Jesus calms the storm
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
Pictured is the Emmaus Retreat Centre in Dublin where the General Chapter is being held.
It was wonderful to hear positive feedback from Brothers who had taken part in the various Zoom calls during these past two years, specifically in the work of the scenario building and prayer groups which continue to meet. For so many, these have been rich experiences of belonging to an international brotherhood, and they have been enriching and life-giving.
