For the Chapter members, this was a prelude to discussions on the central themes to be addressed during the Chapter—a path that, already in the first week, required defining the appropriate context in which to develop discussions and advance proposals.

A key moment occurred between Friday and Saturday when some Chapter members pointed out that the initial composition of the Commissions reflected a division by language groups. This approach, while understandable, risked limiting the exchange of experiences and perspectives from diverse cultural realities, instead of favoring homogeneity.

Thanks to the intervention of the General Commission, chaired by Fr. Stefano Martoglio, and the full willingness of the Chapter members to modify the day's schedule, the structure of the Commissions was revised. The reorganization led to the creation of six groups (compared to the initial five), with a limit of 50 members in each. Furthermore, Chapter members were encouraged to interact more with one another, leveraging their knowledge of a second language to ensure greater interaction and exchange.

“This is a result that fully corresponds to the teaching of yesterday's readings,” declared Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, Moderator of GC29. “This fosters exchange, overcoming barriers that are not primarily linguistic but cultural.”

This openness marks one of the distinctive characteristics of this General Chapter and could represent a decisive step forward for the future. If the work can sustain this dynamic of exchange and dialogue, GC29 could stand out as a moment of true renewal inspired by the Lord.

This direction was further reinforced by the homily delivered during the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr. Carmine Arice, Superior General of the Society of Priests of Saint Joseph Benedict Cottolengo. During his reflection, Fr. Arice recalling an encounter with Fr. Domenico Machetta, SDB, emphasized: “The problem of problems is mutual love. The unity of the community is the target of Evil. There may well be works that function well, but these do not bother Satan: it is those who humble themselves before their brothers that unsettle the Prince of Evil.” He concluded by inviting everyone to live mutual esteem as a prayer, to welcome the novelties of the Holy Spirit, and to transform themselves “from strangers into friends.”

With this initial reorganization and a climate of collaboration and openness, the Chapter members are prepared to face the many challenges ahead. The path that has been initiated seems promising and lays the foundation for a General Chapter aimed not only at dialogue but also at building a shared vision capable of responding to the needs of the present time.

The Six Commissions and their Coordinators

Below is the list of the six commissions, with their respective members and roles:

Commission 1: ENGLISH 1

• President: McDonnell Eunan
• Secretary: Gunther Travis
• Rapporteur: Simon Leonhard Härting
• Communication: Lourdusamy Don Bosco
• Drafting: Fidel Maria Orendain

Commission 2: ENGLISH 2

• President: Stanislaus Swamikannu
• Rapporteur: Ashley Miranda
• Secretary: John Alexander
• Communication: Dominic Tran
• Drafting: Gregory Bicomog

Commission 3: ITALIAN-ENGLISH

• President: Reinhard Gesing
• Rapporteur: Eric Cachia
• Secretary: Edoardo Gnocchini
• Communication: Peter Rinderer
• Drafting: Francesco Marcoccio

Commission 4: FRENCH-ITALIAN

• President: Daniel Federspiel
• Rapporteur: Guillermo Luis Basañes
• Secretary: Kolotcholoma Denis Soro
• Communication: Roland Mintsa
• Drafting: Xavier De Verchère

Commission 5: PORTUGUESE-ITALIAN

• President: José Aníbal Milhais Pinto Mendonça
• Rapporteur: Tarcízio António de Castro Morais
• Secretary: João da Silva Mendonça Filho
• Communication: Francisco Inacio Vieira Junior
• Drafting: Roberto Dal Molin

Commission 6: SPANISH-ITALIAN

• President: Marcelo Alfonso Farfán Pacheco
• Rapporteur: Leonardo Mancini
• Secretary: Claudio Esteban Cartes Andrades
• Communication: Filiberto González Plasencia
• Drafting: Pierfausto Frisoli

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