The 2019 General Chapter Preparatory Commission met for the third time on 17-18 July 2017 at the General Curia in Rome. It was attended by the moderator who will animate the work of the 2019 General Chapter, the Combonian Missionary Fr David Kinnear Glenday, the current Secretary General of the USG (Union of Superiors General).

The main item on the commission`s agenda was the completion of the Chapter Working Document. In particular, the meeting focused on the proposals submitted by the Order’s Regions. In order to meet the objectives of drafting a fairly concise Chapter Document, it was unfortunately necessary to reduce and condense the contributions received from the Regions. The commission also approved a number of prayers and intentions with which the Provinces and communities of the Order will be invited to accompany the preparation and celebration of the General Chapter. The first reflections were then shared regarding the programme and the timing of the Chapter. It was suggested, for example, that one silent adoration should be included in the programme each week, with the participation of all the Capitulars. Another point for reflection was the composition of the working groups. In this regard, it was felt that it would be a good idea to combine the work of the language groups and the regional groups. Lastly, work began on examining the Chapter rules and methodology chapter. These last 2 topics will be the main agenda items for the next meeting of the Commission.