Third week: conclusion of work and election of the Superior General

Reflection on the Order's Priorities

At the start of the week, the Brothers continued their work on setting future directions. They concentrated on strategic themes including the governance of the Order, formation, the specific vocation of the Brothers, and the care of elderly members. These discussions culminated in a series of recommendations, the result of three weeks of deliberations and adjustments. These recommendations will be voted on in the coming week.

An election marked by discernment

On Thursday, October 31, the Chapter entered a phase of discernment for the election of the Superior General and his Counselors. This process was guided by Brother Donatus Forkan, who was elected as the session's president. In an atmosphere of reflection and prayer, the Brothers received spiritual guidance from Sister Renata, a Polish nun from the Sacred Heart of Jesus congregation, who helped them in both personal and collective discernment for selecting their future leader.

On November 1, the election day, each Brother cast his vote with one hand on the Gospel, symbolizing his commitment to elect a Superior faithful to the teachings of the Church and the values of Saint John of God. Brother Pascal Ahodegnon, born in Benin, previously a member of the General Council, was elected. Upon accepting this responsibility, he received the official confirmation of his appointment and then joined the assembly for a prayer of thanksgiving.

"I would like to thank each of you for giving me this opportunity to be your servant. I am confident that, with your help and that of God, we will work together to spread Hospitality throughout the world," said Brother Pascal Ahodegnon.

Living one’s consecration with radicality

On November 2, All Souls' Day, the chapter members celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving at the Sanctuary of Częstochowa, presided over by Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi, Apostolic Nuncio to Poland. “To the world, it might seem strange to celebrate the election of the new Superior General on the Day of the dead,” Archbishop Filipazzi noted in his homily. “On the contrary, this is an opportunity to remember all those who came before you. Ask them to pray for you! Keeping this perspective of death, which is part of life, alive should help you live your consecration to God with great radicality and make the right choices. May Mary, celebrated in this sanctuary, help you put your decisions into practice, supported by all those who have gone before you.”

The homEly by Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi, Apostolic Nuncio to Poland

A Final Week to Confirm Directions

The final week will see the election of the six General Counselors on November 4. The subsequent days will be devoted to finalizing the guidelines that will steer the Order’s mission for the next six years. The 70th General Chapter will conclude with a closing Mass on November 7.

You can find pictures of the third week of the chapter here.