General Congregation 35 opens with 226 delegates from around the world'

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General Congregation 35 opens with 226 delegates
from around the world.!
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Mother Church of the Jesuits ( The Society
of Jesus)
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The Delegates vested in alb and stole move in
procession into the Gesu Church
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The entire Congregation before the main altar at
the Gesu Church in Rome.
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His Excellancy Cardinal Franc Rode incenses the
altar at the beginning of the Inaugural Eucharist
at Gesu at 10.30 am on January 7, 2008.
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Three Jesuit Cardinals attending the Opening
Eucharist of the GC 35 at Gesu Church.
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The principal celebrant was Cardinal Franc Rodé,
former Archbishop of the church of Slovenia and
currently Pro-Prefect of Congregation for
Institutes of the Consecrated Life and Societies
of Apostolic Life. He was flanked by Father
General Kolvenbach (left) and Father Frank Case
(Oregon Province) (right), Secretary of the
Society.
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At the end of Mass, Fr. Kolvenbach proceededto
the side altar where St. Ignatius of Loyola is
buried. The very large painting in the niche
above the altar was gradually lowered in silence,
revealing behind it the magnificent baroque
silver statue of St. Ignatius.
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According to the artistic tendencies of the time,
Pozzo conceived the altar as a dramatic
presentation composed of various scenes.
Following the taste of the day, he created a
piece of cloth which usually concealed the statue
of Saint Ignatius. On given occasions, by means
of a clever mechanism, the cloth would slide down
and the statue would appear in all its splendour.
This piece of cloth has great artistic value. The
passing of time and the humidity of Rome caused
the cloth to deteriorate but now it has been
restored." - Jesuit Press and Information
Office, Rome
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At the end of the Inaugural Mass, a lamp was lit
by Father Kolvenbach at the altar of Saint
Ignatius in the Gesù Church. The lamp will be
burning during the time the Congregation meets.
Similar lamps will be lit in Jesuit chapels all
over the world as symbol of the continuous prayer
for the success of the Congregation.
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The GC lamp burning at the tomb of St.Ignatius of
Loyola, at Gesu Church, Rome.