Father Ted began his homily by saying “I’m afraid of heights. when you elected me to the highest position of the Order, I was afraid… I was afraid remembering my past, my own humanity and God’s call to glorify Him in it”
Our Father General’s first words during his homily capture who he is as a person. He noted that the Sacred Scriptures of the day speak of creating something new, not because we see ourselves as worthy but because God has chosen us out of our unworthiness.
During his homily, Father Ted said that Jesus sent all of us and assures us “Do not be afraid for you are not going alone. I am with you.”
He reminded the Chapter Fathers “to be alert since the Gospel reminds us of the snakes and wolves. Snakes and wolves represent those who are organized but who are working on their own. Be careful of wolves for they eat flesh. Do not be afraid for I am with you as Jesus says to his disciples. The community is behind you.”
We thank God for the numerous blessings and graces he has bestowed on the Order. The 63rdGeneral Chapter with the theme: “I will make all things new” challenges us to live the Gospel and reflect our charism and spirituality in our everyday life. “We are all called to welcome and respect each others culture, language and customs with love and understanding.”
“Jesus brings something new to us today because he opens all possibilities to walk with him here; from Calvary toward eternal glory.”
Facing the Chapter Fathers, Father General also stressed “I beg and pray that you may open your hearts to the newness of life. you are God’s gift. We will work together as a community to achieve this newness, namely to pray, eat, and grow together in holiness of life in and through the Eucharist. Be happy because God has chosen us all.”
Father General Teodoro Kalaw, CRM will begin his work after the General Chapter and he will reside in Rome for the next six years as mandated by our Constitutions and Rules. As the successors of the Holy Founders, “he is the supreme moderator, the principal unity and master of charity for the entire Order. His authority, in the limits of Canon Law and the Constitutions, is supreme within the Order” Const. no. 203.
The whole Order asks for prayers for our new Superior General to excel in holiness of life and competency so that he may lead the entire Order together with his Council to glorifying the Risen Christ in our way of life. Ad Maiorem Resurgentis Gloriam!
