Friday, February 03, 2006
JESUIT GENERAL STEPPING DOWN
ROME, FEB. 2, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Father Hans Kolvenbach, superior general of the Jesuits, announced his intention to resign from his office, adding that he will convoke a general congregation to elect his successor.
In a letter he sent to the members of the Society of Jesus, Father Kolvenbach officially convoked the order's 35th General Congregation. It will open Jan. 5, 2008, in the General Curia of Rome.
The letter, published today, said: "During the Congregation of Procurators of 2003 and during the recent meeting of Major Superiors of the Society of Jesus, it became increasingly clear that the Society has reached a situation foreseen by Saint Ignatius in the Constitutions (680): in which there are 'very difficult things touching upon the whole body of the Society,' 'for more service to God our Lord.' It is a situation that requires a General Congregation."
It's a good thing this doesn't have to be accomplished quickly. A year and eleven months to plan a General Congregation?
The article goes on to state that the Jesuit General is chosen for life, and that Kolvenbach's predecessor Fr. Arrupe was the first to step down.
