On Monday, October 13, the first Assembly of Major Superiors for the2024-2030 term began.
The Superior General warmly welcomed the participants, highlighting the value of hospitality and introducing the members of the extended Definitory present on this first day. Brother Pascal emphasized that the Assembly is a concrete expression of collegiality and the synodal journey undertaken, offering an ideal context to address activities, challenges, and dynamics of the Hospitaller Family of Saint John of God’
In his opening speech, the Superior General reaffirmed that the Order’s work during this term will be guided by the motto of the General Chapter: Let us spread Hospitality! This is not just a slogan it is time to act. It is a concrete invitation to translate the charism into incisive and inclusive actions in response to the emerging needs of our time. The Order is called to be a living sign of God’s mercy, and Hospitality stands as a prophetic response to contemporary challenges. The miracle of Saint John of God was not his strength, but his vulnerability transformed by grace, said Brother Pascal. Religious and collaborators are called to turn difficulties into opportunities for faith and hope.
Another central theme was the legal protection of ecclesial heritage. The Superior General stressed the urgency of adopting appropriate legal structures, not only for administrative compliance but as an expression of true ecclesial responsibility. Finally, Brother Pascal reminded everyone that today marks the twelfth anniversary of the beatification of the 24 Hospitaller martyrs, and under their patronage and that of Holy Mary, he bid farewell, wishing a week of hope, fraternity, and missionary zeal.
Today, October 17, 2025, the Assembly of Major Superiors concluded after an intense week of work,discernment, and fraternity. These days have seen participants engaged in a collective exercise of leadership, listening, and sharing, with a keen eye on the challenges of today’s world and the hospital mission of the Order.
A particularly meaningful moment was the audience with Pope Leo XVI on Wednesday, October 15, during which the Holy Father offered a profound and provocative catechesis( https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/audiences/2025/documents/20251015-udienza-generale.html). A strong call to evangelical simplicity, to responsibility lived as service, and to the need to free oneself from self-centeredness in order to rediscover the true joy of vocation.
This was echoed by the General in his closing speech, that the positions of power do not bring happiness.
Brother Pascal invited everyone to rekindle the fire of the hospital vocation, reminding us that the religious is not a manager, but a guardian of human dignity, a craftsman of divine tenderness. He emphasized the urgency of breaking free from mediocrity and rigid habits to welcome the change the Holy Spirit wants to bring to the life of the Order.
With heartfelt words, he urged that we do not let the fire of our vocation be extinguished. May your hands remain open, your hearts burning, your works bold and Spirit-filled.
“It is time to choose!. We are promoters of hope”. He said with conviction to come out of the night, to let oneself be renewed by the Spirit, to dare like Saint John of God.
Hospitality, he reiterated, is now more than ever a choice of courage and faith, a way to make hope visible in the world. With this certainty, Brother Pascal entrusted the Major Superiors with the mission until the next Provincial Chapters in 2026, assuring the closeness of the General Government and the guidance of the Lord.