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| Redemptorist Newsletter | Number 36 |
Rome, Italy
April 16, 2008
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NEWS FROM THE PROVINCES:
Madrid Encuentro
Madrid Province ONG
Italian Provinces'Convegno
Lviv Province moves forward
Lisbon: 50th Anniversary of the Center of Charity
REDEMPTORISTS IN THE NEWS:
Thailand orphanage saved
350th Anniversary of Ste-Anne de Beaupré Shrine
Irish volunteers head for India
ALPHONSIANUM:
Essays in Fundamental Moral Theology published
VITA APOSTOLICA:
Father Catalá's 5th installment on religious life
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Father General to lead retreat in the USA
PHOTO GALLERY (on-line only):
Photos from around the Redemptorist World
FEATURED MEDIA:
Now Showing on CSSR.TV
www. pope2008.com
TRANSITIONS:
Professions, Ordinations, Anniversaries, Deaths, Electoral News
The Redemptorist World is a busy place and we have much news to bring you this month. Also, Father Félix Catalá, Director of the Center for Spirituality, has another thought-provoking installment of his series on religious life. So let us go right to it. Wishing that this Easter season brings...
Grace and Redemption for all!
Gary Ziuraitis, C.Ss.R.
Madrid
Meeting of Fr. General and the Redemptorist Provincials of Europe South in Madrid.
IVICON News
The purpose of the meeting was to search for ways of collaboration between the different Provinces and Regions.
Fr. General and four General Consultors took part with the Provincials. They analyzed some aspects of collaboration between the Units that are in operation in recent years such as a common Novitiate and meetings of formators and missionaries.
Likewise, because of present anxieties, they searched for suitable forms of integration and collaboration between the Provinces in order to facilitate the evangelizing mission of the Congregation.
Europe South is composed of the Italian Provinces of Rome and Naples, the French Provinces of Lyon-Paris and Strasbourg and the Provinces of Lisbon and Madrid.
Madrid
Meeting of General Consultors with Redemptorist NGO 'Solidarity Association'.
Victor Chacón, C.Ss.R.
The Solidarity Association is a Redemptorist NGO of the Madrid Province. It began in 1996 in the context of Redemptorist Youth Ministry as a response by a group of young people to their concerns about social justice and solidarity with countries of the South. They decided to organise this NGO as a means of combining all the efforts and solidarity commitments of the Province.
Religious and lay Redemptorists joined together for a common purpose, namely that all the actions and solidarity efforts of the Madrid Province be carried out through this Association. It would be the agent that would render visible the charity and commitment of the Spanish Redemptorists through their parishes, sanctuaries and all the groups united by the Redemptorist charism.
This initiative obtained its endorsement and official recognition from the Province at the XVII Provincial Chapter of 1998 and in the Provincial Assembly of 1996 and is known as the Redemptorist NGO of the Madrid Province. In this way the Congregation is expressly recognised and its association is defined in its statutes; in addition the mechanisms of coordination and presence of the Province in the NGO is linked to the Redemptorist mission and structured for delegates from the communities. For many years already solidarity has been possible through this shared commitment.
During the General Visitation of the Province in February the General Consultors, Frs. Enrique López and Athanase Nsiamina met with the Governing Body of the Association for Solidarity. The object of the meeting was to share projects, hopes, successes and challenges for the future.
Since the beginning the work of the Association has centered on three fundamental activities:
- - Sensitizing our milieu to a greater awareness of the reality of the Third World and poverty
- - Voluntary work: offering the possibility of participating in the mission fields where Redemptorists work and offering courses in volunteering.
- - Finance and support, both human (as volunteers) and economic, for developing projects in Africa and Latin America, primarily for Units connected to the Province and in general where Redemptorists are present.
Our NGO is distinctive in that the missionaries and volunteers on the ground propose the projects and the aid is delivered to these local helpers who then supervise the carrying out of the project. Every project responds to a concrete necessity of development in a Redemptorist community of a southern country.
Those of us in the Association are convinced that development is credible and sustainable when its execution and motivation are the work of the beneficiaries themselves. We believe that the total redemption of mankind is only possible through autonomy and personal action in favor its own development. As St. Alphonsus said'God does not wish to save us without our help'. For this reason we think it opportune to operate as an NGO for development.
In the last campaign at Christmas we faced the challenge of constructing a health center:'Perpetual Help'at Bouaké in the Ivory Coast. Among the activities of the missionaries carried out in the barrio of Boukro were a Social center, a Church and now a sanitation project. Thanks to numerous activities such as a benefit supper, the sale of art works of the mission produced by the mission, a solidarity walk, and above all to the generosity of helpers and co-operators, we succeeded in covering the total cost of the project which was €79.611.
However, though there have been many projects carried out by the Association since its launch, their quantity or the amount of financial aid are not of so much importance to us as its identity with the Redemptorist mission and the support of the most abandoned and the poor. With this assurance we shall continue planning for a common project uniting laity and religious in a common purpose to proclaim the Gospel according to the Alphonsian charism
Cortona, Italy
Meeting of the Italian Provinces
Italian Redemptorist Missionaries in a Changing Italy giving their lives for Plentiful Redemption'.
Salvatore Brugnano, C.Ss.R & Ivo Camerini
In what is now the Hotel Oasi Neumann, formerly the House of Studies of the Roman Province, 40 Redemptorists from both the Roman and Naples Provinces assembled for a meeting February 25-27. For some it was a nostalgic occasion as they recalled their student days in this beautiful setting and the priests who taught them philosophy and theology.
The theme of the meeting was'giving one's life for plentiful redemption – missionaries in a changing Italy'.
The following gave lectures:
1. The Bishop of Arezzo, San Sepolcro and Cortona, Mgr. GUALTIERO BASSETTI, spoke on the direction the Italian Church is taking in recent years.
2. Dr. PAOLO NEPI lectured on the direction of the Italian Church as seen in the last four ecclesiastical congresses (1976-2006).
3. Professor FRANCO VACCARI gave an interesting report on the'Verona Congress for the renewal of pastoral ministry in Italy'.
4. Fr. GIUSEPPE ORLANDI, C.Ss.R recalled the work of Fr. Antonio Tannoia'The year that God ordained for the birth of our Congregation'SCALA, 09. November 1732'.
5. Fr. SABATINO MAJORANO, C.Ss.R gave a profound meditation on'Giving witness to Plentiful Redemption: the vows in the C.Ss.R prospective'.
It is not our intent to give a detailed report on all the subjects raised at the meeting, which can be found in the Acts of the Convegno. However I want to refer particularly to the reports of Professors Nepi and Vaccari that are of importance in so far as they call for a greater involvement of the laity in our country. The two reports give a clear history of the Italian Church in the past thirty-five years as it moved from one century to another and the fact that both Professors are from the province of Arezzo and directed by their local bishops is significant. As Mgr. Bassetti stressed we cannot construct the Church without involving all in the ministry, that is, we must understand the people and the society that is being formed today. If we do not appreciate the changes we cannot direct the flock. To guide them it is necessary to give the answers of the Gospel to the anthropological questions of today and to the problems of contemporary ethics.
Fr. Angelo Divona, C.Ss.R., a former Director of the Oasi Hotel Neumann and now in the community of Francavilla a Mare stressed that this meeting marks an annual stage in our formation; a religious, philosophical and cultural updating that has a double purpose. One is to check our fidelity to our charism and the other to direct our attention to a changing society. We must always be involved in preaching the Gospel to the poorest not merely in the material sense but also in the spiritual sense. A changing society challenges us to be attentive to the signs of the times, to be able to adapt the Good news to the changes in line with the Magisterium of the Church and to give correct interpretations to sociological and anthropological problems.
The meeting was organised by Frs. Danilo Bissacco. Among those present were Fr. Antonio De Luca, Provincial of Naples and many former students of the Cortona House including Frs. Vincenzo Ricci, Franco Desideri, Sergio Santi, Giovanni Biondi, Gilberto Silvestri and Filippo Indovina.
The General Consultors, Frs. J. Andrade and J. Dembek who had closed the Visitation in the Naples Province also took part. Fr. General presided at the final Eucharist and then with the General Consultors met with the Extraordinary Councils of the two Provinces.
Lviv, Ukraine
The historical heritage and the present situation of the Province in Lviv, Ukraine
Volodymyr Hruza, C.Ss.R.
In 1913 the first Redemptorists came to the Ukraine from Belgium. They took root and learned the Ukrainian language. Desite many difficulties and challenges they prospered and the number of priests and students grew.
World War II signaled the beginning of a time of persecution. The monasteries were destroyed. The Church went underground. But religious life stayed alive secretly. Students were privately taught. This was not easy. During the day everyone blended in with the population. It was only at night that study or pastoral care could take place.
These conditions persisted for almost 51 years until 1991, when the Ukraine received independence from Communist domination and the state formally recognized the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church. The first years of freedom were a time of many challenges. After such high hopes initially, there was a massive economic crisis and many people were disappointed. Under such conditions the Redemptorists continued to proclaim the Gospel and a renewed Christian life and morality.
Currently the province of Lviv consists of 125 confreres (80 priests, 5 Brothers, 30 students, 5 novices & 5 candidates). We have been blessed with five active, Redemptorist bishops. The confreres live and work in 11 communities, including a Mission House in Siberia. Several monasteries and churches had to be rebuilt, renovated, or newly built.
Redemptorists continue to strive to serve the most abandoned poor and respond to current needs. Apart from parish ministry, the province focuses its activities in the following ways: Eight day Missions in the parishes; retreats; Youth programs; youth and children's"vacation with God"camps; pastoral care of prisoners, pastoral care to the homebound and elderly, and a new project called"In Faith and Light"for the disabled.
Because of the economic situation, many Ukrainians migrate abroad. The Church strives to give pastoral care to these people abroad as well as do Redemptorists. A main focus today is the spiritual education and formation of young people. The young are always searching for the Lord and we Redemptorists are always seeking new ways to reach out to them.
A great gift for the Universal Church and particularly for our re-emerging Church and religious community were the June, 2001 beatifications of our four Ukrainian Redemptorists. May they intercede for us!
Lisbon, Portugal
50th Anniversary of the Center of Charity Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Redemptorist News
On January 25 at 3 p.m. the Official Opening Ceremony of the 50th Anniversary of the Center of Charity Our Mother of Perpetual Help took place. The actual anniversary date was the 26th, but His Excellency, Dom Manuel Clemente, Bishop of Porto, was unable to be present on that date. D. Manuel presided at the solemn Eucharist in the assembly hall.
After the Eucharist there followed a well organized program for all those connected with the Center, students as well as the elderly who participate in the social programs. First to speak was the President of the Center. In his talk the President praised the work and accomplishments of the Center. Then our Father Provincial in a few short words underlined three important aspects of action for everyone: appreciate the gift of the Center, cherish the fundamental spirit of charity, and continue to make history. Finally, Dom Manuel stressed how important it is that all social action be inspired by the Gospel, as the Center itself is. Following this a number of artists performed to the pleasure of all present.
Besides those who were present in an official capacity, many other persons who work at the Center attended. Besides our Father Provincial, other Redemptorists took part in the ceremony, namely, Fathers Faustino, Antonio Marinho, and Jose Maneiro.
The overall program, entitled"50 Years Joined to the Future", will celebrate the following events:
Exposition of 50 years Joined to the Future; the March 19 Sport Tournament; History of Charm, a celebration for Preschoolers; April 18, Alumni Dinner; May, Tuna Festival; June, Electronic and Informational Work Show; July 27, celebration of the educational community for Basic Teaching; July 3, Meeting for the"Golden Oldies"; August 29, Founding Director's Night; September, Amateur Theater Group; October, Solidarity Conference; November, Meeting with Pedro Eiras, Writer; January 26, the official closing.
One more announcement regarding the Center: Former student Arsenio de Souisa Pires accepted the invitation to take part in the direction of the Center. He was nominated and confirmed officially by D. Manuel Clemente.
Thailand
Thai orphanage saved
Independent Catholic News, London
Editors's note: You may recall that in Scala#33 (January, 2008) we reported on the possibility that the Pattaya Orphanage might be closed. Here is a follow-up to that story.
Children and staff the Pattaya Orphanage in Thailand, have a special cause for celebration this Easter, after learning that the threat of closure has been lifted.
The center, founded by the late Fr Ray Brennan, [C.Ss.R.] which has cared for thousands of abandoned babies and children over the last 25 years, was in danger of being shut down after the local diocese took it over from the Redemptorists in January and evicted a number of workers and volunteers. At one point the media in Thailand reported that there were plans to sell the buildings. The main funders of the orphanage, the UK-based Pattaya Orphanage Trust, were obliged to stop their support, in order to comply with charity funding regulations.
More than a thousand supporters signed an on-line petition urging the Bishop of Chanthaburi to keep the orphanage open. The charity's director Andrew Scadding and trustee Fr Marcus Stock traveled to Thailand to discuss a new agreement.
On Monday, Mr Scadding told supporters in a letter: "I am delighted to be able to tell you that the new management at the Orphanage and the Pattaya Orphanage Trust have reached an agreement that will enable the Trust to continue to support the Orphanage with confidence and enthusiasm.
"At a meeting on February 12, Fr Marcus Stock and I had the opportunity to discuss matters thoroughly with the Bishop of Chanthaburi and the new management team. Our Thai colleagues, once they properly understood our situation, were happy to agree to report on the use of our funds, and to adopt and implement a child protection policy. Our support for the Orphanage has now resumed.
"The very widespread support for the Orphanage and the children which was evidenced by the petition is a great encouragement to all of us, and we thank you most warmly for caring. Nothing else could have pointed up the urgency of achieving a solution so effectively as these very many signatories from so many different countries.
For more information, visit www.pattayaorphanage.org.uk .
Canada
350th. Anniversary of the Sanctuary of Sainte-Anne de Beaupré
Vatican Radio
The oldest French-speaking Sanctuary in North America is celebrating its 350th Anniversary this year. It is the Sanctuary of Sainte-Anne-de Beaupré, along the St. Lawrence river in the heart of Quebec, Canada. The celebration of this jubilee year that bears the title'350 years of light in our lives'began on Easter Sunday with a solemn ceremony presided by Mgr. Maurice Couture, Archbishop emeritus of Quebec. It was attended by thousands of the faithful.
The earliest chapel of the Sancturary, later handed over to the Redemptorists, was erected in 1658 on land donated by a French colonist, Etienne Lessard, who wished it to be dedicated to Saint Anne who is much venerated in New France. The present basilica in Neo-Roman style was consecrated by Cardinal Maurice Roy in 1976. Each year it welcomes more than a million and a half pilgrims. Devotion to Saint Anne is also very popular among the native people, especially the Uroni Indians. They will hold a special celebration on June 29 in memory of the first pilgrimage of the Urona Nation in 1671. The numerous ceremonies celebrating the anniversary will conclude with the traditional Novena in mid July.
Ireland
Student nurse to help the poor in India
The Mayo News; Michael Commins
Student nurse Shelly O'Neill is making plans for a trip to India this summer. She will be part of a team of 14 volunteer workers from around Ireland who will assist the SERVE group working on projects in Bangalore and Kerela. The SERVE organization emerged from partnership relationships between young Irish adults, Irish Redemptorists and marginalized communities in the developing world. It now works to empower vulnerable and excluded groups and communities to become agents of their own transformation.
As stated, during the summer of 2008, 14 SERVE volunteers, led by two experienced leaders, will travel to India. They will work on projects in Bangalore and Kerela. These projects will include HIV/AIDS projects, a leprosy project, a slum educational project, a project assisting the disabled, a homeless project, orphanage program and a mental health program. These projects reach the most vulnerable, and offer assistance to the weakest and the poorest members of society.
Shelly, who is doing her nursing studies in Castlebar, is looking forward to the challenge during her six weeks in India in July and August. Another girl, Frankie Dolan, who is a third year nursing student at the GMIT in Castlebar, is also making the trip as one of the volunteers.
“It will be a whole new experience for all of us. It's all for a very good cause and we hope our time among the people in that part of India will have a positive outcome for those we will assist during our six weeks in the country,"says Shelly.
Alphonsian Academy
Presentation of the Volume of Fundamental moral theology,'Figli nel Figlio'Edizioni Dehoniane, Bologna, 2008
Réal Tremblay, C.Ss.R and Stefano Zamboni.
The presentation will take place in the Aula Magna of the Alphonsian Academy on Thursday, April 17, 2008. Speakers: Professor Klemens Stock, Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome; Professor Ángel Rodríguez Luño, Pontifical University of Santa Croce, Rome; and His Excellency, Professor Ignazio Sanna of the Lateran Pontifical University, Archbishop Metropolitan of Oristano.
Description of the work.
The structure of a scientific discipline such as moral theology can never be final and definitive. The need to attempt further development is motivated by various factors such as the continual profound cultural and social changes, the consideration of the systematic exposition of moral theology since the Council and various phases in the renewal of moral theology up to the present. In addition there is new biblical theology research with its consequent implications, which are waiting to be expounded in organic reflection at the level of fundamental moral or special moral. The Christocentric option desired by Vatican II and strongly presented in the Encyclical Veritatis splendor (1993) is still open to further profound development.
The title of the volume as well as the contents centers on the mystery of our filial adoption.
Summary
Presentation: Why a new treatise of fundamental moral theology'(L. Lorenzetti).
General Introduction (R. Tremblay).
I. BRIEF REVIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN MORAL TRADITION IN A FILIAL PROSPECTIVE.
1. Filial morality of the Old Testament (A-M Jerumanis
2. Filial morality of the New Testament (A-M Jerumanis)
3. Some significant stages of the Christian moral tradition up to Vatican II (M. Doldi).
4. The second Vatican Council and contemporary moral reflection (M. Doldi).
II. ROOTED IN THE SON. FUNDAMENTAL FILIAL CHRISTOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY.
5. The glorious Cross, a revelation of the God who is love (A. Chendi).
6. The Trinitarian God and his design (A. Chendi).
7. The glorious Cross, the realisation and foundation of the divine plan of filiation (R. Tremblay)
8. From the human person capax Dei in Filio to the filial person (R. Tremblay).
III. THE DYNAMIC ETHIC OF THE FILIAL ANTHROPOLOGY.
9. Moral filial action (A-M Jerumanis)
10. Filial liberty in harmony with the Spirit in the love of the Father (P. Laird).
11. Moral filial conscience (F. Maceri).
12. Gifts of the Spirit for filial activity (A-M. Z. Igirukwayo).
13. The virtues for filial activity (A-M. Z. Igirukwayo).
14. The law of God for the sons (A-M. Jerumanis).
15. The departure from and return to the Father's House (S. Zamboni)
IV. THE FILIAL LIFE.
16. Baptism and Confirmation, the doors that lead to filiation (C. Cannizzaro).
17. The Eucharist, a deepening and development of the filial life (R. Tremblay).
18. The filial life: brotherhood, nuptials and maternity of the sons (J. Mimeault, C.Ss.R).
19. Some sketches of the filial life (S. Zamboni).
20. Sons ever new (R. Tremblay).
Notes on editors.
REAL TREMBLAY (1941), a Canadian Redemptorist, earned his doctorate in Regensburg (1975) under the direction of the then Professor Joseph Ratzinger. He is ordinary professor of fundamental moral theology at the Alphonsian Academy and professor in the Pontifical Lateran University, (specialising in Dogma, Christological section). He has published: La manifestation et la vision de Dieu selon S. Irénée de Lyon (Münster 1978), Irénée de Lyon'L'empreinte des doigts de Dieu'(Rome 1979) and L'“homme"qui divinise'. Pour une interprétation christocentrique de l'existence (Montrèal-Paris 1993) in the Edizioni Dehoniane (Rome), Cristo e la morale in alcuni documenti del Magistero (1996) e Radicati e fondati nel Figlio. Contributi per una morale filiale (1997) in the EDB,'Voi, luce del mondo...'La vita morale dei cristiani: Dio fra gli uomini (2003) and"Ma io vi dico..."L'Agire eccellente, specifico della morale cristiana (2005).
STEFANO ZAMBONI (Trent 1974) is a Dehonian priest. He graduated in philosophy at the University of Bologna and earned his doctorate in moral theology at the Alphonsian Academy. In 2007 he published"Chiamati a seguire l'Agnello". Il martirio, compimento della vita morale (Edizioni Dehoniane, Bologna, 2007).
Vita Apostolica
Religious Life 5
Félix Catalá, C.Ss.R.
In the previous section we considered briefly some points on the character of our religious life. One cannot forget, however, that religious life has been considered and lived in various ways throughout the history of the Church. Changes in the world brought about changes in the Church, and, consequently, in religious life. I think it is important to take a quick look at the more recent changes so that we can, as a Congregation, perceive with greater clarity the challenge of the present. Obviously we can only touch the surface of the issues here, that's obvious. The hope is we can go deeper into a consideration of our experience as a Congregation so that we are able not only to orient our re-structuring process, but also deepen our consecration for mission in the practice of the vows.
There are three elements which configure the specific identity of religious life: the experience of God, community life and apostolic mission. These have given consistency to religious life throughout its various phases in history. These three elements are, of course, fundamental dimensions of Christian life and spirituality. Each has its own internal consistency. At the same time each is present in the others. One element does not really make sense without the others. Religious life understands the relationship among them in a radical way. The identity of religious life in the Church develops as it conjugates creatively and in an original fashion these three elements.
The"modern"world – modernity - which was kept at bay before the II Vatican Council by prescriptions and the insistence on the observance of norms, has come into religious life with full force. This mentality had begun to dictate values culturally, socially, economically and politically in Europe since the beginnings of the Renaissance. It slowly transformed the whole world view of the Middle Ages. It has given birth and consistency to the age of instrumental reason, neo-capitalism, etc. This new way of understanding humanity and history has reached into practically the whole world today by way of globalization.
Early in its history, the Congregation established a normative codification in order to transmit the Redemptorist spiritual experience and its way of life at an international level and for future generations. Besides the Rule, there were manuals that structured the way one attained an experience of God that was considered Redemptorist. The key word was observance. During the novitiate one had to internalize practices and traditions, make them one's own. To deviate from these endangered one's vocation and meant the beginning of a pattern that lead the person out of the Congregation. Redemptorists gathered in community in order to live what was prescribed as the way to holiness and to carry out the work of the Congregation. Students, both clerical and brothers, prepared themselves to continue the work that others were already carrying out. Redemptorist work and life style were outlined and regulated by the Rule and the manuals. One could go to any house we had throughout the world and one would find pretty much the same life style (down to the details of what was allowed in each one's room) and apostolic work.
Literally everything seemed to have changed after the II Vatican Council. Codifications, traditions and norms lost significance. The key word became personal experience: the centrality of perception and the subjective capacity to experience the presence of God. The authority of tradition was no longer sufficient to transmit what Redemptorist life was to be. When filtered by the criterion of personal experience, older practices and models no longer mediated a personally valid experience of God. The concept of the creative freedom of the individual took the Congregation by storm. The whole process of discernment changed to take into account this new experience, incorporating psychology vigorously into its methodology. Community life changed dramatically. The practice of prescribed common acts as the heart of community is substituted by a whole universe of personal relationships. Community life becomes a support structure for self-realization. Communities became smaller to make possible personal relationships, communication and growth. Community meetings multiplied. Authority is understood as the center of communion, service and discernment, in a spirit of shared responsibility and community participation. Apostolic work was now seen as constitutive element of the process of initial formation. Formation is structured with a clear pastoral dimension. All in all, each Redemptorist was to put his own gifts at the service of the Congregation and felt no overwhelming responsibility to continue the same apostolates that were being carried out in his Unit. At very least they could be changed to accommodate what each had to offer as a person.
In this transition our"new"Constitutions are the fruit of the mammoth effort to reach into the past in function of the present in order to trace new avenues in fidelity to our charism. I have been told that even the Holy See was impressed by the work we carried out in the Chapters that led to the approval of the Constitutions. The continuity of the three elements of experience of God, community life and apostolic mission were faithfully expressed in the Constitutions in fidelity to the charism of the Institute and to the traditions which shaped us. Many Redemptorists had already begun to study our history and rediscover our charism in the experience of the origins. They were already convinced that changes had to come about to purge many elements acquired that were not truly according to the intention of the founder and were not faithful to the best of our tradition. There were many Redemptorists already involved in the theological renewal of the Church. They provided a solid basis for the work that had to be done.
But everything becomes much complicated by the forces of modernity at work among us. The Congregation opened up to the"modern"world: many quickly and uncritically assumed a capitalistic, bourgeois mentality, structuring life along questionable values of modernity. The «I» has become a quasi sacramental mediation for discernment and truth. In this perspective much is said about the poor, but they remain the"others"outside the horizon that defines us and gives meaning to our lives. One has only to ask what has happened to the prophetic dimension of our religious life.
The II Vatican Council had challenged religious life to begin a process of renewal guided by fundamental criteria: (a) a return to the Word of God, especially the Gospels, (b) a return to the spirit of the founder and the founding values of the origins, and (c) the need to give a concrete response to the signs of the times. These principles were spelled out in Perfectae Caritatis and in Paul VI's Ecclesiae Sanctae. These have not lost their relevance for us today. Neo-conservative solutions are of little or no help, they simply ignore the challenge in order to find security in structures and concrete solutions of the past. I believe that each Unit of the Congregation is called to take stock of its present situation and seek the grace of conversion that will put our religious life at the center of our concerns.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Tucson, Arizona, USA
Father General to lead Retreat
June 23 – 27, 2008
Father General, Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. will lead a retreat on the Consecrated life in the English language at the Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, Arizona, USA, from June 23 to 27, 2008. All confreres from around the world are invited to come and spend a few days in the beautiful Sonoran desert of the southwest United States for what will be a memorable time of reflection. For further information and/or reservations for the retreat please do not hesitate to call the renewal center at (520) 744-3400.
1, Mr. Franco Vaccari (center) addresses the Italian Redemptorist Convegno on the topic of the Verona Congress for the renewal of pastoral ministry in Italy. On the left is Fr. Danilo Bissacco, provincial superior of the Rome province and on the right is Fr. Antonio DeLuca, provincial superior of the Naples province.
2. Father Giuseppe Orlandi from our own Historical Institute in Rome, addresses the Italian Redemptorist Convegno on the topic of the Congregation's first years and the influence of Antonio Tannoia.
3.Attendees of the Italian Redemptorist Convegno gathering for Eucharist.
4. Father General and Juventius Andrade, Consultor General, participated in the Italian Redemptorist Convegno.
5. During their visitation to the Lisbon Province, Fathers Serafino Fiore, Vicar General, and Raymond Douziech, Consultor General, congratulate the team from the Mother of Perpetual Help Center for Charity in Lisbon, Portugal on their 50th anniversary.
6. Cardinal Cláudio Hummes lays hands on our confrere Fernando Guimarães conferring episcopal ordination at Sant'Alfonso, the Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. The last Redemptorist to be ordained bishop at the shrine was Blessed Nicholas Charnesky.
7. The Casa Sant'Alfonso confreres congratulating Bishop Guimaraes at the festive cena. From left to right: Father Kénol Chéry from the Region of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, studying spirituality at the Teresianum; Father Gabriel Boudreault of Quebec Canada, a former missionary to Japan and now a translator for the General Curia; Bishop Guimarães; Father Tony Mulvey of Dublin, longtime translator for the General Curia; Father Moise Bagonda Nkonso from the Vice Province of Matadi, also studying spirituality at the Teresianum.
8. The head table at Bishop Guimarães'festive cena. Among the dignitaries are, third from left, Cardinal Cláudio Hummes, Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy; Bishop Guimarães, Father General, and Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Prefect for the Congregation for Bishops.
The Holy Father will be visiting the United States from April 15 to April 20. Many of the Catholic television stations on our WWW.CSSR.TV website, under the"News"(St. Peter's icon) menu will have beginning-to-end coverage of the Pope's visit in various languages. These include EWTN and CATHOLICTV in English; EWTN in Spanish. There are other streaming TV stations on our site that may also offer coverage in other languages. Please be advised that the scheduled events are taking place according to the Eastern daylight savings time zone of the United States (-4 GMT). For complete press coverage you may be interested in the English language sites: WWW.POPE2008.COM and WWW.USPAPALVISIT.ORG and WWW.USPAPALVISIT.ORG
What's Playing on WWW.CSSR.TV
This month on our CSSR.TV main screen, you can view clips of Bishop Guimarães'episcopal ordination and Father General's Easter Message to the Congregation, along with other interesting vídeo from around the Redemptorist world.
Recent noteworthy events in the Redemptorist Family. For a complete record of Transitions visit the Officialia site
First Profession of Temporary Vows:
Julio Cañete Britez, Vice Province of Asunción, February 2, 2008
Juan Carlos Cayra Quispe, Vice Province of Perú-South, February 2, 2008
Américo Guevara Mego, Vice Province of Perú-South, February 2, 2008
Dilmer Huamán Galvez, Vice Province of Perú-South, February 2, 2008
Yuri Valencia Bellido, Vice Province of Perú-South, February 2, 2008
Eugenio Dominguez Alama, Vice Province of Perú-South, February 25, 2008
Isaías da Costa, Province of São Paulo, February 2, 2008
Daniel António da Silva, Province of São Paulo, February 2, 2008
Tiago dos Santos, Provine of São Paulo, February 2, 2008
Elizeu Gomes Craveiro, Province of São Paulo, February 2, 2008
José Luís Queimado, Province of São Paulo, February 2, 2008
Paulo Henrique Ribeiro Inácio, Province of São Paulo, February 2, 2008
José de Jesus Rodriques, Province of São Paulo, February 2, 2008
Anísio Tavares, Province of São Paulo, February 2, 2008
Profession of Perpetual Vows:
Aloísio dos Santos Mota, Vice Province of Bahia, February 3, 2008
Devaldo Vieira de Menêz, Vice Province of Bahia, February 3, 2008
Leonardo Valdez Ibarra, Vice Province of Asunción, February 7, 2008
Yuler António Espirilla Salazar, Vice Province of Perú-South, February 25, 2008
Idelso Melgarejo Quispe, Vice Province of Perú-South, February 25, 2008
Augusto Paniura Santisteban, Vice Province of Perú-South, February 25, 2008
Sizwe Hamilton Zungu, Province of South Africa, March 27, 2008
Ordination to the Priesthood:
Anderson Trevenzoli Assireu, Province of Rio de Janeiro, March 8, 2008
Episcopal Ordination:
Rev. Fernando José Monteiro Guimarães, C.Ss.R., Province of Rio de Janeiro, formerly Capo Ufficio of the Congregation for the Clergy, ordained bishop, March 31, 2008 at Sant'Alfonso, the Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Rome. Will take possession of the diocese of Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil on June 1.
Deaths:
Rev. Kevin David Whiting, 88, Province of Canberra, February 18, 2008
Rev. Frans Boogaerts, 82, Province of St. Clement/Region of Flanders, March 3, 2008
Rev. Colm Kernan, 74, Province of Dublin, March 7, 2008
Rev. Lukasz Kocik, 76, Vice Province of Bahia, March 9, 2008
Rev. Renaldo Zierhut, 29, Province of Campo Grande, March 9, 2008
Rev. Hubert Schöpping, 71, Province of St. Clement/Region of Cologne, March 11, 2008
Rev. Stephen Mahoney, 84, Province of Dublin, March 12, 2008
Rev. Louis Lemarié, 81, Province of Lyon-Paris, March 12, 2008
Br. Kazimierz (Czesław) Sieprawski, 67, Province of Warsaw, March 13, 2008
Br. Brendan Redmond Lockhart, 93, Region of Aotearoa, March 16, 2008
Rev. William Joseph Harbison, 73, Province of Baltimore, March 20, 2008
70th Jubilee of Ordination:
Enrique García Santamaria, Province of México, April 24, 2008
60th Jubilee of Profession:
Heribert Küper, Province of St. Clement/Region of Cologne, April 29, 2008
Felix Schlösser, Province of St. Clement/Region of Cologne, April 29, 2008
50th Jubilee of Profession:
Stephan Flörchinger, Province of Munich, April 24, 2008
Josef Wolfram, Province of Munich, April 24, 2008
50th Jubilee of Ordination:
Alojzy Sławek, Province of Warsaw, April 6, 2008
Jan Szczepański, Province of Warsaw, April 6, 2008
Aleksander Drogoś, Province of Warsaw, April 6, 2008
Stanisław Golec, Province of Warsaw, April 6, 2008
Stanisław Czyż, Province of Warsaw, April 6, 2008
Ludwik Kozłowski, Province of Warsaw, April 6, 2008
Stanisław Wyczński, Vice Province of Resistencia, April 6, 2008
Kazimierz Prończuk, Vice Province of Resistencia, April 6, 2008
Kazimierz Zymuła, Vice Province of Bahia, April 6, 2008
Henryk Smólski, Vice Province of Bahia, April 6, 2008
25th Jubilee of Profession:
Keiichi Lazaro Suzuki, Vice Province of Tokyo, April 2, 2008
Akira Paulo Ida, Vice Province of Tokyo, April 2, 2008
25th Jubilee of Ordination:
Ignatius Arokiaswamy, Province of Bangalore, April 17, 2008
Jose Poovanikunnel, Vice Province of Alwaye, April 20, 2008
Electoral News:
Rev. Stanislav Přibyl re-elected Provincial Superior of the Province of Prague. Confirmed on March 5, 2008.
Rev. Josef Michalčik re-elected Provincial Vicar of the Province of Prague. Confirmed on March 5, 2008.
Rev. Paul Pazhangattu re-elected Provincial Superior of the Province of Bangalore. Confirmed on March 8, 2008.
Rev. Davide Perdonò elected Provincial Superior of the Province of Naples. Confirmed on March 15, 2008.
Rev. José Rafael Nieto Cabrera re-elected Provincial Superior of the Province of Quito. Confirmed on March 15, 2008.
Rev. Clement Vadakkedath re-elected Vice Provincial Superior of the Vice Province of Alwaye. Confirmed on March 15, 2008.
Rev. Saverio Santomassimo elected Vicar Provincial of the Province of Naples. Confirmed on March 26, 2008.
Rev. Eric Nicolás Pérez Guerra re-elected Vice Provincial Superior of the Vice Province of Caracas. Confirmed on March 27, 2008.
Nomination:
Rev. Jean Marcel Beco, Region of Belgium-South, nominated Vice Archivist General for an additional three years. March 16, 2008.
Erection of Province:
The Vice Province of Alwaye will be erected as The Province of Liguori (5100) on June 27, 2008. Approved March 19, 2008.
Status of Region:
The Region of Belgium-South, originally approved"ad experimentum,"approved for an additional three years. March 19, 2008
Erection of Houses:
Domus ¨Nitya Sahayak Mata,"in the city of Kemtatoli, Basia, Gumla District, Jharkhand State, India (in the diocese of Gumla) canonically erected on March 26, 2008.
Domus"Nithyadar Nivas,"in the city of Alangar, Moodbidri, Karnataka State, India (in the diocese of Mangalore), canonically erected on March 26, 2008.