CSSS

From Monday, May 12th to Thursday, May 15th five Companions and three Associates gathered for the 112th General Chapter and Retreat at the Convent of the All Saints Sisters of the Poor in Catonsville, Maryland. Companions from New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania arrived over the course of the afternoon and evening at St. Gabriel's Retreat House. Over the next three days retreatants attended daily mass, matins, and vespers with the sisters and said the offices of the little hours together in St. Gabriel's chapel. The Rev'd Mother Cathrine Grace of All Saints joined us at meals.

The retreat began with Monday vespers sung with the sisters in the convent chapel. At dinner those present renewed their acquaintance and exchanged news. Silence began after dinner with the first of three exceptional meditations given by The Rev'd Edward Schmidt, OSB, Chaplain to All Saints Convent. Over the next 24 hours, Fr. Schmidt spoke to the Salvatorians on Easter Joy, Ascension Glory, and Pentecost Power. Silence ended with Tuesday vespers.

The 112th General Chapter opened on Wednesday morning with a Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit. The Father Master's Address centered on how praying the daily memorials binds us together as a congregation. The majority of the chapter meeting focused on outreach. Those present also voted to make a gift to The Most Rev'd Robert G. A. Okine, Archbishop of West Africa and tentatively scheduled next year's General Chapter for late May at the Convent of the Transfiguration in Glendale, Ohio.

On Wednesday afternoon and evening there was more time for fellowship and to discuss future plans for the life of the Congregation. Compline and Benediction at St. Gabriel's was our last corporate office. After matins and mass on Thursday morning those present gathered for one last meal before returning home.