#564

Francis Alencherry, Provincial of Kolkata (Calcutta) - also a pre-capitular member - shares his opinion on how 'much' and how 'little' has been achieved by GC25 so far:
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The first month of the Chapter is already through. I ask myself: what have we achieved? Much from one point of view; little from another. 
'Much' if we consider that we have come to know one another better. Most people are making the effort to mix and get to know the others. There is a spirit of acceptance and respect for one another, in spite of cultural and language differences. Certain hurdles regarding the structures too have been overcome. I would say we form a sort of mega community. 
The 'little' comes from the fact that after one month of discussing and drafting, we are nowhere near a final document. The procedure is laborious and often frustrating, particularly to those who have to spend hours and hours drafting documents. Many are asking themselves whether a better and faster method could not be used. Perhaps there is a better method. It needs to be explored. But here, as in many other fields, the fear of change is a gripping factor. The unknown is frightening. It is safer to hold on to what one has already tested. The result is that we go from one frustration to another. Will someone have the courage to suggest something new by way of procedure at least? 

All said and done, the frustration itself is a formative experience! 
Happy Easter!

Francis Alencherry
Provincial of Kolkata, India

<francisalencherry@hotmail.com> 

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Thinking aloud is a private initiative that seeks to share impressions among English-speaking participants at a time when the Chapter is at its peak. 
It is a response to a query from confreres back in the provinces: 'Can't our delegates tell us what they think ?' 
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