The formal opening of the EGC took place during Solemn Vespers at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 22nd. Fr. Alain Mayama, Superior General, presided over the prayer and officially declared the Council open. In his deeply inspiring address, he reminded delegates of the pilgrimage we commenced together in 2021—a journey marked by storytelling, listening, and the collective discernment of God’s call for the Congregation today. Fr. Alain called attention to the prophetic words of Isaiah, “Behold, I am doing something new…” (Is 43:19), inviting all present to remain alert and receptive to the movements of the Holy Spirit in these times of great change and challenge.
He expressed profound gratitude: first to God for the gift of this gathering; then to the delegates for their availability and generosity; and finally, to the wider Spiritan family across the globe, whose prayers, reflections, and mission continue to enrich and uphold our common life.
Quoting the ever-relevant voice of Venerable Francis Libermann, Fr. Mayama stated, “The world has moved forward… let us therefore embrace the new order with frankness and simplicity and bring to it the spirit of the Holy Gospel…” (ND X, 151). These words served as both encouragement and challenge—to recognize that change is not a threat, but a call to renewal; not a rupture, but an invitation to respond with creativity, faith, and Gospel conviction.
He concluded his address with a vital call to discernment: “The Lord is always at work. It remains to us today to learn to discern the seeds of the new world—the Kingdom that God is building. We must know, believe, and understand the signs and traces of God today.” These words echo Pope Francis’ repeated exhortation to be a discerning Church, attentive to the movements of the Spirit and courageous in missionary engagement.
