It is obvious to all of us that a General Chapter is not a political convention or assembly. Nor is it an athletic contest that determines winners and losers. Synergy, according to my dictionary, is the cooperative action of distinct agencies, such that the total effect is greater than the sum of the effects taken independently. Stephen Covey, writer on effective leadership, says that the process of synergy unleashes the greatest powers within people. It opens the mind and heart to new possibilities, new alternatives, new options.
Results can be totally unexpected, but very satisfying.
Synergy happens when relationships are grounded in love and intimate union, and when dialogue is sincere, open, and respectful. That great document of the 39th General Chapter, popularly called The Declaration, was the fruit of synergy. Prior to the Chapter, there was no movement to compose a document on the identity of the Brothers and their mission. In the process, they opened their minds and hearts to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In a few minutes we will celebrate the Eucharist - for the first time as the General Chapter community.