Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – Work continues at the 11th General Chapter of the Rogationist Fathers which opened on Monday 5 July at the Centro di Spiritualità Rogate di Morlupo (Rome). Following the opening ceremony and the presentation of a report by the Congregation's outgoing governing body, the participants are now listening to interventions from Chapter members. Taking part are 53 chapter members from different Circumscriptions (Italy Centre-South, Italy Centre North, Latin-American Province, Delegation Philippines, Delegation India, Delegation Africa, Delegation USA). The chosen theme of the Chapter “The rule of life, guarantee of charismatic identity, expression of consecration, basis of brotherly communion, project for mission”, follows a commitment taken at the previous Chapter, namely: to revise and update of the Norms of Congregation.
In a message to the Chapter the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, underlined the importance of this commitment to Revise the Norms of the Institute, and said that be fruitful revision must preserve the spiritual heritage handed on by the Founder, Saint Annibale Maria Di Francia: “Follow his example and continue with joy the mission still valid today, despite the changed social conditions in which we live. In particular, strive to diffuse a spirit of prayer and concern for all the different vocations in the Church; work diligently to promote the coming of the Kingdom of God, devoting all your energy to evangelisation and human promotion”, said the Holy Father and he continued : “today the major challenge of inculturation calls you to proclaim the Good News using language and words which are comprehensible for the men and women of today, involved in social and cultural processes in rapid transformation. Vast therefore is the field of apostolate which opens before your eyes!”.
Lastly the Pope urged the Rogationist Fathers to nurture “ authentic educative passion above all for the education of the young ” and “ generous pastoral activity among the people”. Looking back at the long history of the Congregation, “written by courageous witnesses of Christ and his Gospel ”, Benedict XVI said: “In this wake you are called to walk to day with new zeal to proceed with prophetic freedom and careful discernment, on daring apostolic paths and missionary frontiers cultivating close collaboration with the local Bishop and the other members of the ecclesial community. The vast horizons of evangelisation and the urgent necessity to bear witness to the Gospel Message before all men and women, without distinction, are the field of your apostolate. Many are still waiting to encounter Jesus, the only Redeemer of mankind, and no few situations of injustice and moral and material distress challenge believers.”
On 7 July the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI unveiled and blessed a statue of Saint Annibale Maria Di Francia, set in a niche in the outer walls of St Peter's Basilica, in Piazza dei Protomartiri Romani. Present for the occasion, General Chapter members of the Daughters of Divine Zeal and of the Rogationist Fathers, numerous representatives of both congregations and of Rogation Laity from Italy and other countries. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 13/7/2010)
