The Sixth General Chapter was celebrated at Ariccia (RM) in the Divine Master House, from March 20 – April 23, 1999, reflecting upon the theme “Eucharist Priesthood Liturgy. What proclamation for the 3rd millennium?”
Aware of the need to develop the gift received and to contribute to the growth of the Body of Christ in the world, especially in the third Christian millennium that was soon to begin, the chapter assembly faced the challenge of a re-interpretation of the specific apostolate of the Congregation.
The final document entitled “Communicate Jesus Master within cultures” was published. This was the result of the synthesis of the Chapter Inquiry in which they studied “the current situation of the Congregation in its various cultural contexts. Within our communities shines the face of a Church-communion in the light of the Holy Spirit who continuously guides her” (Introduction, Final Document). In light of the general objective – Called and sent by the Risen One, faced with the challenges of a world in constant change, we, as disciples propose to understand anew our mission in its “unity”, renew our life, discern our presence, in order to “communicate” Jesus Master within the various cultures in the third millennium – the chapter assembly undertook decisions that were determining factors for the entire re-organization of the life, structure, and apostolate of the Institute.
Among these decisions, the most relevant were: to initiate the process of the erection of Provinces in those circumscriptions which met the requirements; prepare a model of organization which fosters the coordination of the various areas of our life and mission while respecting the principles of subsidiarity; create a commission to study and propose an international “logo”, which would be an identifying symbol for the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master. The chapter deliberation that was more decisive and determining for the successive journey of the Institute, however, was that of studying and deepening the Constitutions in light of the new vision arising from the international seminar on the unity of the three dimensions of the apostolate; to observe and evaluate the new practices which would be developed over time regarding the life and mission and underscore the modifications that would affect specific articles.
The chapter assembly also elected the General Government with M. M. Paola Mancini being re-elected as Superior General. Some of the Councilors were re-elected: Sr. Maristela Bravin as Vicar General, and Sr. M. Luciana Dal Masetto. The other newly elected Councilors were: Sr. M. Regina Cesarato, Sr. M. Gemma Victorino, Sr. M. Annunziata Pak, and Sr. M. Lucia Botero.
After the modifications were approved by the Holy See in 1994, with respect to articles 190 and 191 of the Constitutions regarding the election of the General Secretary and the Treasurer, the Superior General, with the consent of her council, nominated Sr. M. Gabriella Giannini as Secretary and Sr. M. Franca Riba as Treasurer.
