97. The role of superiors at different levels (general, provincial, local) and of chapters and councils is vital for the work of evangelization. Their first task is surely that of promoting evangelization. Superiors and chapters will make every effort to encourage total dedication to the work of proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom. All Servants desire to receive from their superiors, besides their administrative service, words of encouragement.
98. Those in charge in the Order will also be an to the members of gospel proclamation to the people. This is what we see in the lives of the saints such as St. Philip and St. Anthony Pucci: they carried both leadership and evangelization activities. The superiors are of course called to re-evangelize again and again the members of the Order by calling them to conversion and faith in the gospel (see Mk 1, 15).
99. The government of the Order has the duty guaranteeing the necessary means, there where evangelization requires special resources, such as in the missions and new foundations. Special attention will be given to the struggles and difficulties of all who work in these areas. Special attention will also be given to lay members and to the elderly; they will be encouraged to make their own contribution to the new evangelization.
100. Lastly, the superiors will promote communication among those involved in the various evangelization projects. They will foster an exchange of information, goods and services among the communities. The sharing of goods deserves special attention as a sign and means of spiritual, fraternal and apostolic communion (see the Rule of St. Augustine, ch. 1 and the recommendations of the 1989 general chapter, n. 202-203).
Questions for community reflection
1. What does each one expect from the leadership of the Order at all levels with regard to the new evangelization?
2. What kinds of cooperation already exist or should exist among the communities and provinces with regard to evangelization?
3. What can the superiors do to promote within the Order a sense of apostolic cooperation?
101. These reflections and suggestions are offered with simplicity to the communities of the Order by the general government. They are the result of meditation on the Word and of dialogue with many members of the Order. May God help us to hear what “the Spirit says to the communities” (Rev 2, 7) today. And may the Virgin Mother of the Incarnate Word continue to be with us in this new stage of our evangelization mission.