The Beginning
Superiors, delegates and all at the service of this event had started the journey, coming together here at Domus Pacis, not alone but bringing every brother and sister of their communities in the heart, representing them at this General Chapter as we all celebrate our “Cistercian charism in today’s world under the sign of hope”.
The Opening
The Mass of the Holy Spirit opened the General Chapter on Wednesday 3 September 2025 at Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Presided by the Abbot General, live streaming was made available for communities to participate, and it remains accessible on this link. In his sermon, Dom Bernardus invited us to bring our vulnerabilities to Jesus, who in our weakness is our only hope, to let him heal our sickness so that we may once again be of service in Church and world.
At the first assembly in the aula, Dom Bernardus announced that audience with the Holy Father will not be possible for this time, but we are assured of his prayer and received his apostolic blessing extended to each member of the Order. Each community received a printed picture of Pope Leo XIV so in a way he is coming to us even though we are not coming to see him in person!
The new superiors participating in this GC for the first time were presented. The superiors who are unable to attend because of illness or hindrance and the former superiors who have passed away during the past 3 years are remembered and kept in our prayer.
The Abbot General then awakened us with his Opening Conference. All of us without exception have been affected by a worldly mentality, closed in our self-imposed worldview. Yes, we need to acknowledge that we are sick, thus realizing how we need each other, to mutually share the gifts and graces we have received. This requires a conversion on our part from “I” to “we”. Collaboration, working together in our communities and in the Order, is the medicine we all need to take.
Spiritual Dimension
In the afternoon, a guided session of reflection was given by Dom Anastasius through words, images and music in a beautiful presentation. One of the most moving part was when the faces of every one of our brothers and sisters who have ‘finished their race’ were shown on the big screen, followed by the faces of the newly solemn professed and ordained priests of the Order during these past 3 years. Truly the life of each monk and nun contributes to and enriches our patrimony, which is our hope. Towards the end of the session we watched a very inspiring clip of Pope’s prayer intention for formation in discernment. With this prayer, we walk through this journey of the General Chapter together as co-pilgrims of hope.
What’s new?
We are moving towards a paperless GC this time, with all necessary documents made available online thanks to the “Cloud”. Great assistance is provided to ensure that each capitulant can access it.
