THE IMPORTANCE AND ROLE OF THE GENERAL CHAPTER AS AN INTERPRETER OF THE CHARISM AND IDENTITY OF A RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION

Abstract

This article  aims at presenting the role of the general chapter in the interpretation of the Charism of the religious institutes. It looks at the meaning of the word Chapter and what happens during religious chapters. It explains the different levels of chapter and how they affect the institutes. Chapter is presented here as an analogous form of an ecumenical councils of the church  albeit within the religious institute where positive ideas for on emanate. Every reform in the church is aimed at bringing back the original truth which the spirit inspired from the beginning and which God intended.    Since the Charism of every religious institute is paramount to the life and apostolate of the congregation, the article also presents to us the meaning of Charism, charisms as inspired by the spirit and how the general chapter enhances the understanding of our charism as religious men and women. It gives reasons why every religious should uphold the charism of his/her congregation and live to express in all sincerity, a life in line with the good seed sown in the congregation through the founders and Foundresses. The article likened the General Chapter to the gathering of Jesus Christ with his disciples citing some biblical indications to the chapter.  Notwithstanding, it also tries to broaden our minds to the consistent working of the Holy Spirit in the founders and foundresses of our institutes, and how through the same spirit, these Charisms are also transmitted from one generation to the next for the continuation of expanding the horizons on the gospel value.