The Society of Christian Doctrine (M.U.S.E.U.M.) looks upon authority as partaking in the authority of Christ within the Church. Therefore, authority is nothing but a form of service. In line with the Gospel’s vision of authority, superiors (local leaders) are at the service of their fellow SDC brethren, enabling them to dedicate themselves to the Lord.
The administration of the Society is entrusted to the Superior General and the General Executive Council, individuals elected through the General Chapter of the Society.
Members in positions of authority should cultivate a strong sense of loyalty and support for the Superior General. Through their own conduct, they should inspire members to exhibit loyalty and respect for the established SDC Rule of Life. Simultaneously, all members should nurture a sense of trust in their leaders, underscoring the unity of purpose, spirit, and mission within the Society.
The Superior General
and the General Executive Council
In the organizational structure of the Society of Christian Doctrine (M.U.S.E.U.M.), the Superior General, supported by the General Executive Council (G.E.C.), assumes a pivotal role as the individual vested with comprehensive responsibility for the entire Society. This authority encompasses governance and discipline, empowering the Superior General to make decisions aligned with the nature of the issues at hand, as specified in the General Directory. The tenure of the Superior General spans six years, with the possibility of re-election for a second term. Paramount among the Superior General’s duties is the preservation of unity among the members and ensuring adherence to the established SDC Rule of Life. The Superior General has the authority to incorporate new members into the Society.
Additionally, the Superior General possesses the prerogative to designate Delegates for the administration and animation of groups of SDC Centres, as well as to appoint Local Superiors where a Delegation is absent, thus exemplifying the pivotal role played by the Superior General in sustaining the Section’s cohesion and efficacy. Presently, the SDC Centres in Malta and those in Australia are grouped into two different delegations led by their respective Delegates chosen by the Superior General after a consultation with all the members of each delegation. All the other Centres that do not form part of any delegation respond directly to the Superior General.
The 2021 General Chapter of the Society elected Roberto Zammit as the Superior General for the ongoing six-year term. Following this, Oliver Aquilina was appointed by the Superior General as his Assistant Superior General. The General Chapter also elected Ruben Pace (Secretary General), Philip Bezzina (General Treasurer), and Joseph Gauci as members of the General Executive Council.
