Election day

During the morning the Capitulars, gathered in the Chapter hall, invoked the gift of the Spirit with the singing of the Veni Creator Spiritus. Subsequently we proceeded with the election of the Superior General. The assembly elected Fr. Gustavo Agín scj as Superior General, renewing his mandate.

It fell to Fr. Pietro Felet scj, an older religious in age in the assembly, to ask the fraternal question to the newly elected: "Do you accept?". Fr. Gustavo accepted the will expressed by the Chapter assembly. Thus the election was effective. Fr. Gustavo then read the Profession of Faith and the Oath of Fidelity, as required by the Church and by our Rule of Life.

We therefore went to the chapel for the prayer of thanksgiving, during which Fr. Gustavo washed the feet of twelve religious representatives of all the Regions and all the Vicariates of the Congregation, recalling the word of the Lord: "If therefore I, Lord and Teacher, I have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet." (Jn. 13:14).

In the afternoon, the election of the other members of the General Council took place, with the following outcome:

As Vicar General, Fr. Jean-Dominique Delgue scj was confirmed for a second mandate.

As Bursar General, Fr. Graziano Sala scj was confirmed for a third mandate.

Fr. Stervin Selvadass scj was confirmed as the first Councilor and coordinator for formation.

As second Councilor and coordinator for missionary cooperation Fr. John Chan Kunu scj.

To all of them goes our thanks and our prayers.

May the Lord, who has chosen you to lead the Congregation, be your support and your strength.

May the Spirit enlighten and guide you.

May the thoughtful gaze of O. L. of Betharram be your consolation and the continuous intercession of St. Michael Garicoïts, our Father, accompany you.