“Alone we go faster, with others we go farther.”

This African proverb quoted by the Superior General illustrates the conclusion of the work of the 10th PGC. Slowness is sometimes the “price to pay to have a true conscience of Congregation.” After a five year period of functioning, the PGC realizes that its “reflection had gained in depth in the past year, especially in the delicate file … of community re-organization,” thanks to the important decisions taken by consensus, an exercise “that requires humility for those in charge and a true spirit of collaboration for all.”

The PGC had begun with the participation of the Economic Council of the Congregation, the C.E.C., a positive and interesting initiative that showed the perspectives of the development of our Congregation, imposing foresight and a spirit of co-responsibility. “The Assumption, to pursue its mission, must have the economic and human means,” underlined Fr. General.

After having thanked Father Luiz Gonzaga for his welcome, he saluted the first participation of Father Juan Carlos Marzolla, the new Provincial charged with taking up “an immense challenge to allow the Andean Province to find the vigor and dynamism necessary to carry the Gospel to the 4 countries where it is present.” As we face rapid changes taking place in the Congregation, Fr. Benoît called for confidence: “our capacity to adapt will be determining to face the challenges of evangelization today.” Faced with secularism and individualism, it is a question of remaining “men of faith… We are not to fear the world but learn to love it,” he also underscored. “It is at that price that we will be able to contribute to change it,” The PGC was a time of meetings and discussions among Provincials, but also a time of evaluation together. That was the case for some mobilizing works into which are to be infused the spirit and the ambition of Father Emmanuel d’Alzon. The first nominations demonstrated that there exists from now on a greater solidarity in the mission, The Provincial Chapters are being prepared and we hope that they will produce ideal and new reflections or the General Chapter.

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