5. Fraternity and the exchange of experiences

    As well as all the structures and services it offers, the USG encourages fraternal friendship and the exchange of experiences. As Fr. Boyle C.P. noted in the introduction to a brief history of the Union of Superiors General which was read at the meeting in November 1988, "informal communication and exchange and informal discussion of common problems provide valuable assistance to a Superior. If that is especially true for a new Superior, it is still valid after 10 or 12 years of experience". Taking part in meetings is always stimulating and formative for everyone; it leads to more effective collaboration between the Institutes that belong to the USG.