Since the Consulta of the Regional Superiors was inspired by the spirit and directives of the last General Chapter, we thought it appropriate to recall briefly the scope of that Chapter and how it was articulated in the Acts. Its scope was threefold:

a. The Chapter urged us to interpret the world around us
It did this by outlining six "contexts" that challenge our mission: the post-modern, globalized dominant culture; the socio-economic and political situation which challenges the practice of justice and peace; the present-day religious context characterized by Islamic fundamentalism, the proliferation of sects, and the diminishing practice of religion - particularly in the western world; rapid change in both older established Churches and younger missionary Churches and how our work as missionaries fits in; profound changes taking place today in our own Institute and the response we are giving to the many challenges we face particularly in the area of formation and charism.
The Chapter taught us to remain alert to the signs of the times and to keep a watchful eye and an optimistic heart. It urged individuals and Regions to reflect periodically on the world around us especially those areas most closely connected to our vocation. This is the only way our missionary endeavor will avoid pointless and futile activity.

b. The Chapter reaffirmed that we are not just "missionaries" but "missionaries ad gentes"
This element, "ad gentes" was a Chapter priority. "The expression, "ad gentes," had been consecrated by use; it goes to the very heart of our Founder's original inspiration, our charism and the purpose of this Chapter. This is the fulcrum and point of convergence for everything that went before and everything that will follow." (p. 39). By concentrating on this concept the Chapter members sought to penetrate the most intimate area of our vocation - it is this very concept, "ad gentes," that defines us as missionaries and gives us our own physiognomy.
In line with the chapter's efforts to define the parameters of our "ad gentes" each of the Regions sought to determine the qualifying characteristics of their mission. Thus the journey began and this Consulta provides us with an opportunity to determine if we are on the right path.

c. The Chapter recalled the fact that spirituality is the foundation of a Consolata Missionary's life.
For the XCG, the term "spirituality" includes those elements Allamano considered a part of the Consolata Missionary's program of sanctity and the formative suggestions of the Church, our Mother and our Teacher. To mention but a few: the use of the Word of God; the need for ongoing formation as an "energetic renewal of all missionaries;" reflection on God's plan of salvation for the world - of which we are the agents; recovery of consolation as an element of our Institute's charism; Mary, the Consolata, must become a "model, guide, inspiration and mother" in the personal life and apostolate of every missionary; communion as the ability to live joyfully with our brothers working with all the vital forces of the Church, ready to see Christ in every individual.
This was the intent of the Chapter but what concrete impact has it had during these last three years on the lives of our missionaries and the commitments of the Regions? In spite of the difficulties of quantifying something like this, we would hazard an opinion based on our special perspective in the General Government. Our observations arise primarily from regional visitations and current general and continental collaborative projects. The following are some of the areas where - in our opinion - there has been greater impact on the operational level.
- Efforts to analyze the ongoing situation in a region or country by comparing it with the points of reference provided by the Chapter. This is especially true during the regional conferences.
- Discussion of the authenticity of our "ad gentes" and efforts to find new paths. This may well have been the strongest challenge the XCG made to both Regions and individual missionaries.
- Positive reception of plans for a new foundation in Asia. Objections were relatively weak if we compare them to the objections raised to our foundation in Korea.
- Launching effective and fruitful collaboration with the Consolata Sisters and carrying out projects of common interest.
- The need to establish communities with significant qualifications and a meaningful number of members. It is no longer scandalous to have three missionaries in each community!
- Willing acceptance of renewal projects adapted to the three stages of life: youth, adulthood and old age. Desire for sabbatical periods for confrères who cannot take advantage of the projects organized by the Institute.
- Appreciation of the role of the Continental Councilor and participation in projects launched on a continental level.
- Justice and Peace have been received with interest almost everywhere and have become part of the fabric of the mission.
- Renewed interest in the possibility of Lay Missionaries.
This is admittedly an incomplete list. The regional reports that follow will fill in this picture and describe how the Institute is responding to the challenges of the XCG.