Last April 2024, I had the opportunity to attend the 33rd General Chapter in our Casa Generalizia, Rome. The theme of our Chapter was "Montfortian Prophetic Presence in the 21st Century" with the motto, " Care to Listen - Dare to Care". The Chapter's main focus was to call us to move forward with our Life in the Spirit, Vows and Community Life, Mission of education and care for the neediest, Co-operation with the Lay Associates and Collaborators.
The revision of Rule of Life and Constitutions was another mission which the preparatory team have been working for last 5 years. To cope with today's needs, there are proposals to add more valuable new articles in Rule of Life and Constitutions. The delegates considered with prudent each article one by one. We were always reminded for this revision, not re-writing. Finally, the new RI. And Constitutions was approved under revision. Another process will be the work of Central Administration.
Monday, April 29, 2024, we had the great joy of meeting Pope Francis, who gave us the inspiring word, "Courage and Listening", turning to the Montfort Brothers of St.Gabriel. Pope Francis then spoke about listening and acting with courage, which is the theme of their Chapter.
The Pope remarked that these two attitudes require: humility and faith and well reflect,
the spirit and action of their co-founders, St. Louis Marie de Montfort and Fr. Gabriel Deshayes who, he recalled, also "left you a precious triptych as a compass for your decisions ; Only God, the Cross - carved in the heart - and Mary. (Vatican News, 29 April 2024)
Allow me to share the beautiful conclusion message from "Capitulant Document". We are commissioned to "Go out to the whole world and proclaim The Good News". We are seekers of the way forward. We may falter on the way. But we have hope as we have faith in the abiding love of God. The search itself is growth. Our prayer is for grace, strength and courage to empty the cup, allow to be filled with divine love and let it freely flow to others. Let God in - Let God out.
May the Good Lord bless us all and shower His blessing for all the members of Montfortian Associate, let them open their mind and heart in order to love and support the Congregation for the greater Glory of God.
Brother Dechachai Sripicharn
Provincial Superior
Provincial of Thailand