Nature and Purpose of a General Chapter
Supreme Authority
It is the supreme authority of the Congregation, exercised in a collegial and temporary way.
Legislative Power
It is the only assembly of the Congregation with “legislative power,” which is conferred on it by the Church and the Constitutions. Its deliberations are valid for the whole Congregation.
Executive Power
It is an assembly qualified to elect the Superior General and her Council - a governing team with executive power conferred on it by the Church and the Constitutions, by virtue of which it can ask the members of the Institute to observe the Constitutions and carry out the choices made by the Chapter.