Guided by Silvio Roggia and Jose Kuttianimattathil, the Group examined both the contents and the linguistic aspects of the text. They identified parts of the text that were clear, inspiring and rich (the “pearls” – Mt 13:45), points that were reaffirmations of the formation tradition of the Congregation and others that were innovative (“things new and old” – Mt 13:52), repetitions that could be avoided (“round and round goes the wind”-  Qoh 1:6), and sections that needed rewriting because of lack of clarity, difficult or ambiguous language or contradictions (“lights and shadows” - Mt 13:15).

The work of the Group was facilitated enormously by the use of the possibilities for shared work provided by digital technology. Each of the twelve chapters of the draft of the Ratio were studied and annotated personally, in group and in assembly, as were also the 10 appendices.

Earlier, a group of four confreres had worked to bring improvements to the Italian text.

Members of the Formation Sector will now incorporate the changes and improvements suggested into the Italian and English versions, which will both be presented to the new Rector Major during General Chapter 29, along with a commentary on major innovations incorporated into the draft.

Suggestions for further decision will also be presented to the Rector Major, such as the need for more effective governance of interprovincial and interregional formation structures.

The Group, consisting of representatives from each of the seven regions of the Congregation, the UPS and the members of the Formation Sector, worked for two weeks, from 18 October to 2 November. They also happened to be the first group to make use of the new meeting rooms on the basement of the renovated building.

Ivo Coelho, SDB

General Councillor for Formation

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