From Monday, May 2nd until Monday May 23rd, 2011, the Assumptionist Congregation will engage in an exceptional moment of reflection and decision-making: a General Chapter, during which close to fifty representatives of the Assumptionists, present on every Continent, will review and update their mission of service to the Church and to humankind.

A gathering of this kind is held only once every six years. Among the most important responsibilities of this 32nd chapter in the history of the Order is the election of a new Superior General and decisions regarding the major orientations of the Congregation for the six years to come. It will also modify its governmental structures in the light of demographic changes.

A novelty in this chapter: the gathering this year, once again in Rome, will involve some twelve lay participants during the first week of its work. Since their last Chapter, in 2005, the Assumptionists have encouraged the development of an "Alliance" with men and women who want to share in their spirituality and mission, while remaining lay people.