General Chapters: 1932-1954

From Als Antwort Auf Gottes Ruf (In Response to God's Call), (Bonifatius, 2016) by Sister Anna Schwanz, SCC, translated into English by Sister Mary Perpetua Rehle, SCC:

"The 10th General Chapter in August 1932, during which Mother Anselmis Nickes was elected General Superior, took place in the period immediately before the Dictatorship [in Germany].  One of the main topics was the discussion of the revised Constitutions, which had become necessary after the new Code of Canon Law went into effect in 1918. As a result of the First World War, the matter was not considered until the Chapter in 1920.  A Commission of Sisters from all Provinces was appointed to undertake the task.  It decided to change only those things prescribed by the new law and, to the joy of the Sisters, 'to leave the first part as Mother Pauline had written it'" (p. 83).

[From 1932-1948, political circumstances made it impossible to convene a General Chapter.  The history of the Congregation during that time included lawsuits, court proceedings, arrest and incarceration of Sisters, exile of the Superior General, bombing of the Motherhouse in Paderborn and the tremendous devastation and deprivation brought about by war.]    

"In August [1948], a General Chapter could once more be convened, the first in 16 years.  Representatives from all the Provinces gathered for exchange and deliberations.  The Chapter was characterized by solidarity and a strong sense of unity within the Congregation" (p. 127).
. . .

"The General Chapter that convened [in 1954] decided: 'In order to remind ourselves more often of our secondary title, 'Daughters of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception,' the religious name of the Sisters will be preceded by 'Mary.' In practice, to distinguish from double names, it will be shortened to 'M.'

"The Chapter also considered the possibility of moving the Generalate from Paderborn to Rome.  This had been Mother Pauline's wish and had been decided upon in the Chapters of 1926 and 1948.  Each time the project was derailed by circumstances at the time and political obstacles."

. . . 

"A further important topic in the General Chapter, which had also been addressed in the foregoing Provincial Chapters, was besides the evaluation of the spirit of the Congregation and the observance of the Constitutions, 'the expeditious adaptation of religious life to the times.' What was meant by that statement was by no means clear.  In September 1952, the first international conference for religious superiors had been held in Rome.  The contemporary renewal of religious life was discussed.  This theme was quickly taken up by the media and commented upon.  While the main discussion there was 'relaxation of religious discipline' the communities focused on inner renewal.  The Circular Letter of the 1954 General Chapter to all the Sisters stated: 'Contrary to the many sensational press releases, the Holy Father sees as most important in the renewal of religious life, a return to the basics of religious life.'  A means to this renewal is the return to the original spirit of the founder."

. . . 

"In general, a definite move forward was felt, but there was also an anxious holding on and a certain need to regulate everything precisely. The Second Vatican Council would strongly influence the time to come" (pp. 132-133).
____________________

Do you have questions you would like us to address in these posts?  Please reply to this post and let us know!

The Sisters of Christian Charity of the North American Eastern Province will hold our Provincial Chapter from February 14-18, 2019.  Please join us in praying the prayer for our Provincial Chapter.