Constitutions and Statutes - The Mill Hill Missionaries

ORGANISATION OF THE SOCIETYINTRODUCTORY (51-53)THE GENERAL CHAPTER (54-75)THE GENERAL SUPERIOR &THE GENERAL COUNCIL (76-88)THE SOCIETY ASSEMBLY (89-91)C51C52The Society is governed by the various Superiors andRepresentatives, assisted by their Councils andoperating at their respective levels. The Superior has areal personal authority for the task entrusted to him,and responsibility for decision making. He shares thetask with the members of his Council, delegating tothem specific functions and responsibilities, andendeavouring to reach a consensus with them whenmaking decisions. Together they adopt and exercise acollaborative model of leadership and ministry. Incertain cases the law lays down that the Superior, inorder to act validly, can act only with the consent ofhis Council. In a few instances the Superior (as primusinter pares) and his Council, act collegially (cf. Can.746 of C.I.C.).Where certain offices and functions are determined byelectoral procedures, all those concerned seek to fulfilGod's purpose, both those who vote and those who areelected. If there is an initial consultation,the views of Associates are elicited separately.Voting for candidates is by secret ballot. The electionofficers are bound to secrecy about the way individualshave cast their votes. As a general principle the resultsare made known to the electorate, and to theAssociates.15