Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - “Passion for Hospitality of St John of God in the world today” is the theme of the 66th General Chapter of Hospitaller Brothers opens today at the Centro Salesianum in Rome and will conclude on Sunday 22 October.
During the first week the Chapter will discuss matters concerning the religious life. In the second week they will focus on themes relative to their mission with collaborators, one from each province of the Order.
The last week will be devoted to electing a new governing body and drafting final resolutions.
The Order of the St John of God Hospitaller Brothers has 23 provinces in the world, 5 general delegations, 6 provincial delegations. Brothers and novices amount to a total of 1,332: 1060 solemnly professed, 173 temporal vows, 85 Novices, 14 Oblates. Confreres present on 5 continents, coming from 51 different countries, include 137 priests and 1 bishop of the Aragon province. The minister in 292 apostolic works, 215 canonically instituted and the remaining 77 dedicated to activity of various services. They are divided in i220 communities: 136 in Europe; 18 in Asia; 19 in Africa; 42 in America and 5 in Oceania.
For more information see www.oh-fbf.it, which will give daily reports.
(AP) (2/10/2006 Agenzia Fides; Righe:22; Parole:239)
