From October 26 to 29, the annual meeting of the Conference of Major Superiors of European Entities (COSENEUR) took place in Neustadt, Germany. As in previous years, the treasurers of the European Entities also gathered during the same period.
The role of the major superior does not consist in exercising power, but in serving the confreres and the mission that the Lord entrusts to us. In this spirit, nourished by daily meditation on the Gospel and fraternal discussion, the annual meeting of the Conference of Major Superiors of European Entities (COSENEUR) took place from October 26 to 29 in Neustadt, Germany. As in previous years, the treasurers of the European Entities also gathered during the same period.
Behind the Numbers, the People
The initial moments of sharing served to provide an update on the current situation of the Entities. During these moments, numbers always emerge to paint a picture of reality, but we know well that numbers can also deceive. Behind them lie stories, real individuals, and an apostolic zeal that sometimes calls for new forms. For this reason, the provincials also discussed a possible reconfiguration of the European Entities.
Signs of Hope: The Bologna Seminary
The Old Continent does not live solely on declining vocations and diminishing resources, but also on a hope fueled by concrete facts. One of these is undoubtedly the positive experience of initial formation in Europe. This has taken on a new face with the restart of the Studentate of Bologna, where three new seminarians arrived from the Portuguese,Polish, and Northern Italian Provinces. The Provincials expressed their support for theological studies in Bologna for future European candidates as well. For non-European confreres, however, an experience that has already proven positive will continue in Fribourg.
Exchange of Confreres
During the meeting, the document containing guidelines for the exchange of confreres was also discussed. There is a desire for greater transparency through concrete projects that allow the candidate to prepare well. Furthermore, a mentor is needed to accompany the confrere in the new mission, outside their own cultural and ecclesial context. It was emphasized that human and emotional relationships have a decisive impact on the effectiveness of the mission.
Presence on Social Media
A very timely topic was the discussion on how to regulate social media presence, both institutional and personal. We must ask ourselves what purpose our online presence serves and how to put it more at the service of evangelization. It must also be remembered that the rules are not dictated by the publisher, but by algorithms.
Toward the 150th Anniversary Jubilee
Among the most pressing matters, attention was drawn to the Jubilee for the 150th anniversary of the Congregation,which will be celebrated in Rome on June 28, 2028. Reflections were shared on which initiatives could accompany it:in addition to the main event, moments of reflection and sharing within individual Entities. The European Commission for Youth Evangelization, whose statutes were approved, is preparing a pilgrimage for young people involved in our apostolates.
The Treasurers’ Meeting
Alongside the annual COSENEUR gathering is the meeting of the treasurers of the European Entities, and this concurrence provides an opportunity for broader exchange. The treasurers examined the NAB (Norms for the Administration of Goods), which are the Congregation’s rules on property management. They focused particularly on distinguishing between the role of the treasurer and that of the Superior with his Council. Furthermore, an appeal was made to direct investments toward prudence and long-term sustainability. The treasurers also proposed reviewing competency thresholds to better distinguish between ordinary and extraordinary administration. Fr. Leo Zampa, General Treasurer, presented the ongoing work at the Generalate, measures to prevent irregularities, and criteria for providing aid to the Entities in greatest need.
Confirmations and Next Appointment
At the conclusion of the COSENEUR meeting, elections were held for president, vice-president, and secretary, who serve two-year terms under the statutes. The same confreres were reconfirmed: Fr. Stefano Zamboni as president, Fr.Stefan Tertünte as vice-president, and Fr. Radek Warenda as secretary. The next meeting will be held in Krakow from October 17 to 21, 2027.
