14th OND General Chapter Formally Opens

The congregation of the Oblates of Notre Dame (OND) formally opened their 14th General Chapter on 30 June 2025 at the OND Convention Center in Tamontaka, D.O.S., Maguindanao del Norte. Prior to this, the Chapter delegates had their six-day Chapter Retreat from 23–28 June 2025, with Fr. Samuel Canilang, CMF as their guide, focusing on the theme of the Chapter.

The Superior General, Sr. Erlinda C. Hisug, OND, declared the opening of the General Chapter and welcomed the 27 ex-oficio and elected delegates, and support teams. After reviewing the Chapter’s functions based on Article 146 of the OND Constitutions, Sr. Hisug called on the participants to continue engaging in the synodal journey of collective consultation and discernment, sustained and accompanied by the Virgin Mary, thereby becoming signs of hope and comfort for God’s people.

The General Chapter has adopted the theme “I Choose to Walk with You” (cf. Lev 26:12) denoting God’s close communion with each one in Jesus – an expression of the Trinitarian unity. The sisters, journeying with the People of God as Church, have also chosen to walk with Christ, so that everyone lives to be a “pilgrim of hope” – the theme of the Jubilee Year 2025.

As the highest lawmaking body in any religious institute, the OND General Chapter will deliberate and deeply reflect on the needed steps towards renewal after assessing the congregation’s state of affairs for the past four years.

Fr. Juan Percy Bacani, MJ, has been invited by the OND as their 14th General Chapter resource person and chapter observer facilitator.

The convened assembly will conclude with the election of a new set of congregational leadership, specifically, the Superior General and her four General Councilors.

The OND sisters will be very grateful for your prayerful support for the envisioned nine-day General Chapter. Thank you for your prayers! (Sr. Marietta H. Alo, OND | Photos by Cleofe Jean Masungcad)