The General Council
The Superior General and his Council, the Central Government Team, are elected by the delegates attending the General Chapter of the Congregation that takes place every five years. Two of the various responsibilities of the Superior General and the General Council are the animation of the Congregation and the implementation of the wishes of the General Chapter. To achieve these tasks, the members of the General Council meet regularly during the year while the Superior General, accompanied by a General Councillor, makes regular official visits to the various regions (Provinces) of the Congregation. Once a year, there is an ‘Enlarged General Council’ meeting when the Central Government Team meets with the Regional (Provincial) Superiors.
Apart from their collective role, the members of the Central Government Team also have their individual responsibilities.
The following Josephites were elected as members of the Central Government Team at the General Chapter 2006 to serve until the General Chapter in 2011.
Very Rev Fr Robert Hamilton - Superior General
The Superior General is responsible for the leadership and spiritual life of the Congregation. Together with Fr. André he will work to promote the spirit of the Founder amongst confreres. He is also overseeing the development of groups of Associates.
Fr Jacob Beya - Vicar General
Fr Jacob, Procureur of the African Mission, is the spokesman for the General Council in matters concerning Africa. Together with Fr Martin Ashcroft, he is responsible for developing the spirit of the Founder in our schools in Africa. He takes the minutes during meetings of the General Council.
Fr Paul Janssens - General Secretary and Archivist
Fr Paul acts as Moderator during meetings of the General Council. He is responsible for administration and communication. As Secretary General, he is the administrative driving force of the General Council. Together with Fr Robert, he continues the collaboration with our schools in England and Belgium.
Fr Martin Ashcroft - Councillor
Fr Martin is responsible for formation within the Congregation. He is tasked with establishing a formation programme in dialogue with Regional Superiors. He will devise an audio-visual programme for pupils and teachers in collaboration with Fr. Jacob and Fr. André. He is responsible for the development of our new Website.
Fr André Bakampaka - Councillor
Fr André will work to promote the spirit of the Founder amongst confreres. He will also oversee the Liturgy.
Fr Willibrord Geysels
Although not an elected member of the General Council, Fr Willibrord attends relevant parts of the General Council meetings in his capacity as the Bursar General of the Congregation. He is also Administrator of the ‘Funds for Africa’ and Curator of the Museum of Kuba Art at Grammont.
