In the meeting room of the General Council,
from left to right Fathers
José Antonio, Hans, Benzy, Camille, Olivier, Binh, Justin, Abraham

The members of the International Theological Commission, namely Fathers Hans Van Schijndel, Olivier Ndondo, Justin Chawkan, Camille Gagnon, Joseph Vu Quoc Binh, Jose Antonio Rivera Ruiz, Abraham Faye, except Father Lino Emilio Diez Valladeres who was absent, met in Rome from 3 to 9 February  2025, and were welcomed at the beginning of their work by Father General Philip Benzy Romician on February 4, the anniversary of the birth of the founder Saint Peter-Julian Eymard.

In his address to the members of the Commission, Father General reiterated his council’s gratitude for the availability and commitment for this service that they render to the Congregation. The General also exhorted the Commission not to limit itself only in reproducing theology but also and above all to produce; to be available to help and also accompany other commissions, especially that of the First and Ongoing Formation particularly in the development of its different programmes. The Commission according to him could also extend its scope in setting up other means of communication that would enable presenting our spirituality and charism to the younger generations and reach a larger audience.

Then, Father José A. Rivera, a General Consultor and head of the Commission, expressed his joy at seeing its members gathered in Rome after the various meetings that took place in zoom mode. For him, this meeting, while being of capital importance, is also a fraternal meeting, a time of sharing experiences that will be interspersed by periods of prayer and celebration together.

After these two interventions, the participants set about organising the way the Commission’s work would be best coordinated. Thus, Father Abraham Faye was chosen as secretary, Father Hans was designated translator and Father José Antonio ensures the coordination of the Commission.

Following this exchange, the members of the Commission reflected on the mandate received from the last General Chapter in order to have a clear idea of the task to be done and the expectations of the Congregation. To realise this, the members of the Commission commit themselves to work in order to help the Congregation, in all its components, to continually improve and deepen their knowledge of the charism and the Eucharist in order to become effective apostles of this sacrament through our lives, our celebrations and in our missions.

To fulfil its task of animation and formation adequately, the Commission intends until 2030 treating various themes and producing two publications each year. To achieve this objective, it does not envisage working alone; it will be open to certain resource persons who will contribute according to their competences.

As for future publications, the Commission will continue the same procedure that was used, which last year enabled realising the four publications marking the fortieth anniversary of our Rule of Life.

During its work in Rome, the Commission chose and addressed four themes that it will develop in its publications during the coming years.

• Eucharist and Ecology
• Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament outside of Mass and/or contemplation
• Eucharist and Truth
• Eucharist and Cenacle

This meeting in Rome came to a close but the work continues, because the Commission will have to suggest other themes for the animation of the Congregation. Apropos this, hence, a meeting was planned to take place online in April to continue reflection.

Father Abraham Faye, sss
Secretary of the Commission