From December 9 to 13, 2013, the General Council met at Le Grand Séminaire at Issy-les-Moulineaux, just outside of Paris. They were joined by the three Provincials from France, Canada, and the United States, as well as by the General and Adjunct Treasurers of the Society of Saint Sulpice. The entire group joined the seminary community for daily Eucharist and meals.
On Friday, 13 December, the Council had the opportunity to visit the construction site of Lorette, the location of the former Philosophy Seminary, which is being prepared for long-term rental to the School of Engineering at l’Institut Catholique de Paris. All were impressed with the progress made in the total renovation of the building, which is scheduled to open by April 2014. This rental will help the French Province enormously by providing a stable source of income, along with the rental from four houses that were constructed on other seminary property a couple of years ago.
Another highlight of the meeting was a visit to the confreres and residents of La Solitude, the French Province’s retirement house, which is located just behind the seminary. Despite the lack of heat (because of a busted boiler!), the visit was very warm and friendly.
The Council and Provincials spent most of the meeting preparing the next General Assembly, which will be held at Issy-les-Moulineaux next July 6 to 19, 2014. The facilitator for the Assembly Father Robert MALONEY, cm, former Superior General of the Vincentians, was also present for the planning sessions.
Below are some pictures from the visit to the construction site and to the Solitude.
