VOS’USM: new person in charge

At this year’s General Assembly of the Union of Major Religious Superiors of Switzerland VOS|USM, held on 26 and 27 June 2023, it was not possible to secure a successor for Father Jean-Michel Girard. However, the outgoing President was available for preparing and facilitating the next meeting of the Committee. At this October meeting, Fr Andy Givel, Provincial of the Swiss Pallottines, was appointed by the Committee to assume the duties of President until the next General Assembly, on a provisional basis. The members of the VOS|USM were informed of this decision by letter dated 31.10.2023 and approved it without opposition.
The landscape of religious orders in Switzerland has changed considerably in recent years. Many communities have joined forces across national borders to benefit from synergies, and many communities are ageing considerably or are reaching their limits in terms of personnel. As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult to take on tasks on superior committees. The next General Assembly will once again have to reflect on what the tasks of VOS|USM are.