General Congregation

The General Congregation is an assembly of the Jesuit representatives from all parts of the world, and serves as the highest authority in the Society of Jesus. A General Congregation is always summoned on the death or resignation of the administrative head of the order, called the Superior General or Father General,[1] to choose his successor, and it may be called at other times if circumstances warrant. A smaller congregation of worldwide representatives meets every three years to discuss internal business and to decide the need for a general congregation.

Congregations

Through its four-century history, the Society has convened 36 general congregations.

General Congregation 32

The General Congregation 32 was held between 1974–75. In particular, Decree 4 of the congregation highlighted a Jesuit commitment for the promotion of justice and issues related to world peace, and emphasized the importance of inculturation of the church in non-Western cultures.[2] This was in many ways due to the large number of delegates coming from various parts of Africa and Asia, with eighteen of the twenty-one delegates from India being native Indians. These native Indians were seen to be "among the most articulate, self-assured and highly respected of the whole congregation."[3]

General Congregation 35

General Congregation 35 took place in Rome between 7 January and 6 March, 2008.[4] Adolfo Nicolás was elected as the new Father General. Pope Benedict XV wrote to the congregation on 10 January and attended on 21 February.[5]

General Congregation 36

General Congregation 36, the most recent, met in Rome at the Jesuit Curia in 2016, and installed Arturo Sosa as Superior General of the Order. It was called after Adolfo Nicolás announced his resignation in December 2014.[6]

References

  1. ↑ Jesuit Curia in Rome, Father General, accessed 11 September 2018
  2. ↑ "Decree 4, GC 32: Service of Faith and the Promotion of Justice". Santa Clara University. 1975. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  3. ↑ O’Malley, John W. (19 November 1983). "The Jesuits' Congregation: A Historical View". America Magazine. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  4. ↑ General Congregation 35, accessed 10 September 2008
  5. ↑ GC35, Decree 1, accessed 10 September 2008
  6. ↑ "General Congregation 36". General Congregation 36. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
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