The Second Session of the 18th Provincial Chapter, or “Chapter” for short, took place at San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, New Jersey, from Monday, January 13 to Thursday, January 16.

A Chapter is the governing body of the province over the period of four years. “Its concern is for the apostolic life of the Redemptorists which includes their common life together and their mission according to the charism of the Redemptorists,” Father Kevin O’Neil, C.Ss.R. told The Baltimore Beacon. 

He explained that it is tasked with electing leadership for the province and also with establishing policies and practices that support community life and the mission of the province. Fr. Ako Walker, C.Ss.R. added that, “this last session of the Chapter was called to review, discuss, and vote on documents of the province which needed to be updated in light of recent general chapters and the reality of the North American Conference.”

The Second Session of the 18th Provincial Chapter was also tasked to make numerous decisions with the most significant being the unanimous passing of Postulum (G-18) which commits the Baltimore Province to becoming a new unit with the Provinces of Denver, Mexico, and Extra-Patriam as a Vice-Province. Fr. Kevin described the bittersweet feeling of this significant vote for unity, calling it both disheartening and hopeful. 

He explained, “Our hope and prayer is that this is a movement that will bring greater life to our mission in the United States and Mexico.”

The Chapter also made decisions directing the Extraordinary Provincial Council (EPC) to continue the pastoral planning processes. To this end, there was also a commitment to a process to identify criteria that will be used to examine present apostolic commitments.

Another significant vote was the approval of a Statement of Concern on Immigration in the United States, highlighting the dignity of all persons.

“The spirit of the Chapter was cordial, cooperative, courageous, and caring in the midst of significant changes to come,” Fr. John Collins, C.Ss.R. stated. Fr. Ako shared that sentiment with his confrere and added that even though there were differences in opinions at times, arguments, both for and against certain issues, were cogent but respectful. He elaborated, “we may think differently on many matters, but we are committed to our various ministries and have a deep sense of closeness with the people. The Chapter really showed this love for the people of God as we listened to each other’s experiences.”

Reflecting on the Second Session of the 18th Provincial Chapter, Fr. Kevin mentioned the challenge of bringing close to fifty people together to work on issues, but how heartened he was by the sense of unity and love for the congregation and its mission that helped the Chapter come to decisions. “It was clear to me that the Holy Spirit was at work among us during our time together.”

“The Second Session of the Chapter was Spirit-filled, faith-filled, and focused on dealing with the challenges and opportunities of our reality as a Province and as part of that holy and beautiful mosaic that is one missionary body: the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer,” Fr. John said as he reflected on the week together in Long Branch.

Now the real work begins. Fr. Ako emphasized, “we now have to ensure that (the decisions) are executed. While the Chapter stands adjourned, the work continues. From what I experienced at this Chapter; I think the confreres are committed to the task.” †