c) The General Council's view

5. We devoted time to this topic in two plenary sessions. To me, the Councilors' exchange of ideas was a rich and open one, and helped me to compose this Circular. However, the contents of the Circular are not exactly the result of a synthesis of the Council's collective effort. Neither is the Circular indicative of a consensus on the Council.

Having said all this, I will continue on and present my ideas under three headings, followed by a concluding section. The train of thought that runs through this letter is a simple one.

An effort to examine reality (our material goods, and what they are used for in our community life and our apostolates). Making some evaluations. Pointing out criteria for further thought and action.