Conclusion of the 34th General Chapter

The 34^th General Chapter ended on Thursday, July 6, 2023, as we finished the celebration of the Eucharist. The Chapter lasted 17 days.

On Wednesday, it looked as though we still had too much work to complete in the time that we had left. I told Fr. Raphael that he might have to unpack his bags!

We rearranged the schedule, and the commission responsible for the final document—Fr. Steve Bartczszyn, C.R. (USA Province), Fr. Eric Wagner, C.R. (USA Province), Fr. Wojciech Mleczko, C.R. (Polish Province), and Fr. Jim Donohue, C.R. (Canadian Province)—worked overtime on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning to complete the document. It was approved at the end of the second session on Thursday morning.

The document has a preamble inspired by the retreat given to us by Fr. Kazimierz Wojtowicz, C.R. (Polish Province), narratives that introduce 60 resolutions and action resolutions, and a conclusion from our new Superior General, Fr. Evandro Miranda Rosa, C.R. The major areas of the document cover: Spirituality, Vows and Formation; Apostolate; Laity; Tanzanian Mission; and Community, Governance and Finance.

The 60 resolutions will guide the international Resurrectionist community for the next 6 years and will form the basis for the next General Chapter’s assessment of how well we have journeyed together in hope.

By the way, Fr. Raphael looked relieved when he saw that we met our deadline!