The General Council met April 4-8 at Casa La Salle on the grounds of the Generalate of the Christian Brothers in Rome. The tranquil campus is set off from the central part of Rome and is the official home of the Brother Superior General and his Council.
Its grounds offered extensive gardens and grounds to walk and reflect, while providing a peaceful setting in which to accomplish much work.
“It was good to simply be together and discuss the many issues related to the life of the Congregation,” said Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, Superior General. “Our in-person gathering was fruitful and was a wonderful time to simply be together, continuing to develop the interpersonal relationships that are so crucial to our effective leadership and service to the Congregation.
“This was the first in-person meeting of the Council in nearly two years,” Fr. Egan added. “COVID, health regulations, travel restrictions and closed borders prevented in-person meetings. Our regular meetings were convened using telecommunications in the form of Zoom meetings.”
Among the many topics discussed by the General Council, were several questions from the 2018 General Chapter, including Questions 20-21, 22, 23, 25, 35, 37- 38 and 40. These questions were entrusted to the General Council and their work continues in these areas.
In addition, members of the General Council discussed the upcoming Extraordinary General Council meeting, scheduled for June 1-4 in Valladolid, Spain. The Council also visited Arrica, site of Casa Devin Maestro, where the 2024 General Chapter will be held.
Pope Francis and the Roman Curia gather each year at Arricia for a Lenten retreat. The building is set on the wooded slopes of Lake Albano, overlooking Castel Gandolfo.
The General Council overlooking Lake Albano
The center has 120 rooms, several chapels, an auditorium, a modern Chapter meeting room and a large park and path of an artistic Via Crucis and the Mysteries of the Rosary.
“The entire Council was able to travel to Arricia during our meeting and see the improved and renovated facility,” Fr. Egan adds. “It will meet all our needs for an effective and smooth General Chapter.”
Both meetings, the Extraordinary General Council and the General Chapter, will benefit from the spiritual settings — and the positive energy from gathering together, in person.