by Patrick Duffy

The Xaverian Missionaries opened their XVIII General Chapter on Saturday 1 July in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  It was the first time the chapter has taken place on the Continent of Africa. For three weeks we enjoyed the hospitality of the Congolese Region, discussed the issues facing the congregation and prayed that the Spirit was guiding us. We concluded our work on 22 July with the Eucharist.

The decision to have a General Chapter on the Continent of Africa was taken six years ago, at the direction of the XVII Chapter.  It was an act of solidarity with the church in Africa and a symbol of our moving from European roots to a more global family. In the words of our founder St Guido Conforti: ‘to make of the world a single family in Christ’.