tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26229178115679698722024-03-06T05:02:04.571+01:00Just a BrotherInformative. Thought-provoking. Incisive. <br>
These are just a few of the words that will not be used to describe the blog of the Provincial Minister of the Capuchin Province of Saint Conrad (Mid-America).JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-27772596931933692072019-10-25T00:01:00.000+02:002019-10-25T00:24:21.629+02:00Brothers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richard (1954-2019) and Annie (1959-2019) Schenk</td></tr>
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When I started this (now, sadly neglected) blog, many people asked me why I chose such an offensive title. One of the reasons, as I explained in my first post, was the reaction I (and many of my fellow lay brothers) receive when I tell people that I am not a priest -- "Oh, so you're just a brother." Rather than being offended by that remark, I find it to be ironic. Calling someone "just a brother" is like calling the Grand Canyon "just a ditch", or Mount Everest "just a hill". Being a brother to someone, I think, is about the greatest compliment that you can pay to someone. After all, Jesus came to be our <b>brother</b>, and if it is good enough for him, it is good enough for me!<br />
This is a tribute to the first person to teach me about being brother -- my brother, Richard. We did not choose to be brothers to one another; we were just sons of the same mother and father. Over time, however, in increments too small to detect, we grew into being brothers in ways that went beyond genetics.<br />
He was the trailblazer. Although I wanted to imitate him, in truth I could never match his bravery. To his credit, he never gave up on me and helped me to overcome some of my timidity. One instance that sticks clearly in my mind is the first time we went skiing in Colorado. I had spent a total of one hour on the "bunny slope" learning the basics of skiing, when he took me to the top of a black diamond trail -- the most difficult level -- and told me he'd see me at the bottom. I had some choice names for him when I finally caught up with him, but I felt a great sense of accomplishment that day.<br />
It was only in my adult years that I learned that once, when he saw that I was being bullied at school, he let the bully know that he had better back off. That's the thing about being a brother -- you become so much a part of each other's life that you do not pay much attention to it. It is like the air; you only notice it once it is gone. Richard was like that for me -- always there for me, but never making a big deal of it. Now that he is gone, however, I feel the deep void in my soul. I know that the void will eventually heal, and as every wound does, it will leave a scar. I will cherish that scar, however, because it will remind me of what it is to be a brother.</div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-10832987980255709582018-09-15T17:37:00.003+02:002018-09-15T17:37:39.848+02:00Before and After<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here is what twelve years on the general council does to you!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-11062414404629841572018-09-14T17:59:00.003+02:002018-09-14T17:59:28.138+02:00Pope Francis encourages and challenges the Order<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Early this afternoon, around 250 Capuchin friars, including the capitulars, capitular staff and a few friars from the General Curia, met briefly with Pope Francis in the Sala Clementina of the Vatican. He greeted the outgoing general minister, Br. Mauro Jöhri, and the newly-elected Br. Roberto Genuin, and, after a few words of appreciation from both of them, Pope Francis addressed the assembly. He began by telling us that he had a prepared talk, but that it was "too formal for Capuchins" so he decided to speak without notes. If you want, however, you can find the text of the prepared talk <a href="http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2018/09/14/180914g.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the Sala Clementina after the Papal Audience.</td></tr>
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He began by noting that he has now personally met four Capuchin general ministers. He met Br. Flavio Roberto Carraro at a Synod of Bishops. He also met Br. John Corriveau, who "stole a friar from my country to make him a general definitor." He then added, "but we made John Corriveau a bishop so now we're even!" Pope Francis first met Br. Mauro in Argentina, when he was still the Cardinal of Buenos Aires.<br />
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He went on to note three distinguishing characteristics of Capuchins. The first, he said, was our nearness to the people. We are rightly called "Frati del popolo" (Brothers of the people) because we remain close to everyone, especially the poor and the marginalized. He recalled his recent visit to the Capuchin Day Center in Dublin, where the people are welcomed with no questions asked. All are welcomed and treated with dignity.<br />
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The second distinguishing characteristic is our ability to bring peace, especially peace within consciences through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Here he recalled a famous Capuchin confessor in Argentina, who spent hours each day in the confessional and helped to reconcile many people and families. [He refers often to this Capuchin friar, and once related how, after a long day in the confessional, he went to the chapel and prayed, "Forgive me, Lord, for being too lenient today, but remember: you were the one who set a bad example for me!"]<br />
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Thirdly, he spoke of our prayer life, and especially our contemplative prayer. He urged us to become schools of prayer for Christians.<br />
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The audience started about 45 minutes late due to his heavy schedule this morning, but he still took the time to greet each of us personally. It was almost 3 o'clock in the afternoon before we arrived back at the International College and could eat our lunch, but the smiles on the faces of the friars said that the chance to meet the Holy Father was worth the wait.</div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-11972185664188379352018-09-04T22:28:00.001+02:002018-09-04T22:28:05.691+02:00Last thoughts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I realize that my posts have become less and less frequent in the past several years, in part because I began using Twitter and Facebook more, but also because my Muse seemed to desert me. Seeing that as of Thursday, September 6, I will no longer be a general councilor, however, I thought it appropriate to write something. I presume this blog will live on after my return to the province, but it will take on a different tone.<br />
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The last twelve years of my life have been an amazing journey, and not just in a metaphysical sense. I have flown almost 1.5 million miles during these years and have at least stepped foot in 53 countries. I have met thousands of Capuchins -- I only wish I could remember the names of half of them. My world has greatly expanded since the days when I was a small boy in Olmitz, Kansas.<br />
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I wish to express here my gratitude to the friars who had enough faith in me to elect me as a general definitor in 2006 and re-elect me in 2012. I likewise thank all the brothers who supported me, prayed for me, and welcomed me when I visited and made me feel at home. It was a great privilege and honor to serve in this capacity. The examples of faithfulness and cheerful dedication that I saw in so many friars confirmed me in my vocation.<br />
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Finally, I want to express my gratitude to the other definitors/councilors with whom I worked during these twelve years. We sometimes had our differences, and once in a while we stepped on each other's toes, but at the end of the day, we were still brothers. Special thanks goes to Brother Mauro, under whom I served for all twelve years. He was and is a great brother, a man without guile. He taught me much about leadership. I can honestly say that I grew as a person and as a friar by my association with him.<br />
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I am very happy to be returning to my province, but I will always consider these years in Rome, while not without their moments of frustration and loneliness, as a time of grace in my life. I wish all the best to my successor, and pray that his experiences are every bit as rich as mine were.</div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-13153379234193015492017-12-18T18:20:00.002+01:002017-12-18T18:20:56.490+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It would be a great boost to the Order if this project were to get the funding it needs to produce and air this documentary....<br />
<a href="http://www.cantalamessa-series.com/" target="_blank">http://www.cantalamessa-series.com/</a></div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-63519533891253020832017-11-24T18:08:00.000+01:002017-11-24T18:08:00.056+01:00500 Years After<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When Pope Francis visited Assisi a few years ago, he challenged the various branches of the Franciscan Order to work together more closely. On November 23, 2017, about 400 Franciscans Friars — Friars Minor, Conventuals, Capuchins, TORs and Atonements — were granted an audience with Pope Francis in order to inform him of the progress that has been made in this regard, and to express their commitment to continue working together.<br />
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Together we have responded to that challenge in several ways. The three branches of the First Order (OFMs, Conventuals, and Capuchins) have worked together to plan a celebration of the 8th centenary of the Pardon of Assisi and a commemoration of the 5th centenary of the Papal Bull "Ite Vos" that cemented the division between the Conventuals and Observants. Earlier this year, a <i>Capitolo generalissimo*</i> was held in Assisi with participants from the three branches of the First Order plus representatives of various other Franciscan congregations. The chapter was held exactly 500 years after the <i>Capitolo generalissimo</i> that Pope Leo X called in order to heal the divisions among various Franciscan groups, but that never took place.<br />
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In addition to these celebrations, the three branches of the First Order have begun to collaborate in some very practical areas. The course for missionaries offered in Brussels each year is a joint effort of the three branches of the First Order. They also run an institute for higher studies in Lusaka, Zambia. Efforts are currently underway to combine the Antonianum, Seraphicum and Franciscan Institute of Spirituality in Rome into a single Franciscan University. The first steps have also been taken to establish fraternities with members from each branch of the First Order.<br />
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I have spoken to my OFM and Conventual counterparts, and we agree that much more collaboration could be done in North America. All of us, for instance, struggle to provide adequate preparation for those destined to work in the area of formation. Setting up a common course for formation personnel seems to make sense. There are also vast areas of the United States and Canada that have almost no Franciscan presence. Forming an inter-obediential fraternity in these areas could benefit both the local church and our Order.<br />
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Brothers, let us begin.<br />
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* It is difficult to translate <i>Capitolo generalissimo</i> into English. One might write: "Extra-general chapter", in the sense that while a general chapter (as opposed to a provincial chapter) is for the whole Order, an extra-general chapter is for all the Orders. </div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-19689664684944207682017-11-23T17:44:00.000+01:002017-11-23T17:44:01.278+01:00Franciscan Friars Walking Together<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Holy Father Pope Francis gave a wonderful talk to the 400 Franciscan friars present at a private audience this morning. A link to the text is provided here:<br />
<a href="http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2017/11/23/171123d.html" target="_blank">Minority as a place of encounter</a><br />
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JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-82246159350251095222017-11-19T20:16:00.003+01:002017-11-19T20:16:49.362+01:00Solanus Casey beatification - 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In a show of faith and the effectiveness of a listening ear, over 60 thousand people braved the rain and cold to attend the beatification of Solanus Casey at Detroit's Ford Field on Saturday, November 18, 2017. Among the faithful in attendance were nearly 350 Capuchin friars from many parts of the world. It was a joyous occasion for everyone.<br />
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JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-31812741934063102292017-11-18T03:54:00.002+01:002017-11-18T03:54:42.803+01:00Solanus Casey beatification - 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Capuchins from all parts of North America are gathering in Detroit this weekend for the November 18 beatification of Br. Solanus Casey, the first North American Capuchin to become a Blessed, and only the second American-born male to reach this honor. Many of those present in the city came together on Friday evening for Evening Prayer and appetizers in one of Detroit's Capuchin Soup Kitchens this evening, and then were transported to the other Capuchin Soup Kitchen for dinner. The joyous occasion of Solanus' beatification was made even more joyous by the presence of so many Capuchins.<br />
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Speaking to the assembled friars during Vespers, the General Minister, Br. Mauro Jöhri, spoke of how Venerable Solanus Casey modeled the Capuchin charism for us. While he never traveled to a distant land, he embodied the missionary spirit by welcoming and accepting everyone who came to him, in the same way that Jesus welcomed all the sick, the suffering and even sinners. Although this is the first beatification of an American Capuchin, Mauro reminded us, it should not be the last. The path to holiness taken by Solanus is open to all of us, and now that sixty years have passed since the death of Solanus, it is time for others to follow his lead. Even if we have done nothing up until now, let us begin again, brothers!</div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-27734105489790023062017-11-11T00:04:00.002+01:002017-11-11T00:05:05.756+01:00Chapter of the Province of Australia<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uROsSDUCNgN5xHL1JVATqzZQi33mMdNB5yuiEkJIPHEAjizfClKwA3OUNl97m6fPxrrazxgWe1nyH_N-5KCUfdT49aW0BeNcCY2pqmUYRmg_-vY_KMSFZJ7Uswu8B6ehHlI8_HWlfW-b/s1600/00010_Resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uROsSDUCNgN5xHL1JVATqzZQi33mMdNB5yuiEkJIPHEAjizfClKwA3OUNl97m6fPxrrazxgWe1nyH_N-5KCUfdT49aW0BeNcCY2pqmUYRmg_-vY_KMSFZJ7Uswu8B6ehHlI8_HWlfW-b/s400/00010_Resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Provincial Council (l to r): Thomas McFadden, Lam Vu, Gerard O'Dempsey, provincial minister, Julian Messina, provincial vicar, and Michael O'Dwyer</td></tr>
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Please include in your prayers the newly-elected provincial council of the Province of Australia. It is always a joy to spend quality time with my brothers throughout the world, and this week was certainly no exception. As this was likely the last chapter at which I will preside, however, the week was bittersweet for me. I will miss these opportunities in the future.JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-37492572067041954282017-10-20T03:06:00.003+02:002017-10-20T03:06:53.182+02:00Chapter of the Stigmata Province<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Meet the new provincial minister and council of the Province of the Sacred Stigmata of Saint Francis (aka the New Jersey Province). The provincial minister is Br. Remo DiSalvatore (center), the provincial vicar is Br. Robert Williams (second from the right), the second councilor is Br. Francisco Arrendondo (far right), the third councilor is Br. Ronald Giannone (far left) and the fourth councilor is Br. Robert Perez (second from the left).<br />
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Congratulations and godspeed. </div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-22695117322914713142017-10-01T19:06:00.002+02:002017-10-01T19:07:59.900+02:00At the Service of the Church as Capuchins<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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About half of our Capuchin bishops attended the gathering held for them in Assisi on September 13-15. We are extremely proud of these men - dedicated both to serving the Church and to preserving their Capuchin spirit.</div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-52178443602661782142017-07-24T04:22:00.000+02:002017-07-24T04:22:01.384+02:00Profession of temporary vows<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One downside of being on the general council is that I cannot attend most of the celebrations in my province. An advantage, however, is that I can attend the celebrations of other provinces. This evening, I had the privilege of attending the profession of temporary vows by Br. Sunil D'Costa in Toronto. His vows were accepted by Br. Mauro Jöhri, who is visiting the Province of Central Canada at the moment.<br />
Best wishes and prayers, Br. Sunil!<br />
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JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-56042617803249153672016-05-21T00:55:00.000+02:002016-05-21T19:52:40.105+02:00The changing face of the Order in North America<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new provincial council of the Province of Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd (left to right): Br. John Juhl, Br. Henry Alva, Br. Germaine Kpakafi, Br. John Frampton and Br. Paul Duplessie</td></tr>
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The Province of Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd (Central Canada) celebrated its tenth ordinary provincial chapter during May 16-19. The underlying topics of discussion would have been familiar to most of the provinces in the North American-Pacific Capuchin Conference: how to deal with the financial, fraternal and ministerial challenges brought about by the aging and shrinking of the province's membership, and how to assure quality formation for the young men who want to join the Order, to name two of the topics. This chapter, however, was unique in at least one respect. It was the first chapter in the history of the Order in North America to elect a provincial minister who is neither a native of North America or of the founders' country. The new provincial minister, Br. Henry Alva, is a member of the Province of Karnataka (India) who opted several years ago to minister in this province. To put an exclamation point on this unique situation, the newly-elected provincial vicar, Br. Germain Kpakafi, is a member of the General Custody of the Congo who has been ministering in Canada for the past few years.<br />
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The uniqueness of this situation may not last long. Most of the circumscriptions in the NAPCC have some form of collaborative arrangement with one or more circumscriptions in other countries. The phenomenon is again changing the face of the Order in the conference. The first change took place decades ago as provinces gradually became "americanized", even while keeping some vestigial customs of their founding provinces. Now, the provinces here are becoming increasingly multicultural, or as some would prefer to say, intercultural. The change is taking place not only because friars from other circumscriptions are coming here temporarily to minister, but also because the North American provinces are getting vocations from a wider range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Given this situation, it will not be at all surprising if provincial councils in the NAPCC begin increasingly to portray the global reach of the Order. </div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-16813149820707009162015-12-09T11:56:00.000+01:002015-12-09T11:56:06.573+01:00Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm conducting an economic visitation of the Province of Malta. Last night, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, I was able to witness one of the religious processions for which Malta is famous. This short video doesn't really do justice to the experience, but it will give you an idea.<br />
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JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0Cospicua, Malta35.8806753 14.52183379999996835.8678098 14.501663799999967 35.8935408 14.542003799999968tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-83520010049363824772015-10-17T13:01:00.005+02:002015-10-17T13:03:23.729+02:00NAPCC meeting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The North American-Pacific Capuchin Conference met in Beacon, New York, on October 15 and 16. As usual, the agenda was quite full, but our executive secretary, Patrick McSherry, kept us focused so that we could finish on time. In this meeting, Francis Gasparik was re-elected president of the Conference, Nick Mormando was re-elected vice president, and David Nestler was re-elected as member-at-large. There were a number of other appointments, which will be made public in due time.<br />
The most important agenda item from my point of view was the approval of the English translation of the 2013 Constitutions and Ordinances of the General Chapters for use in the conference. The text will now be presented to the general council for approval.<br />
Our hosts, the Province of New Jersey and Saint Lawrence Friary in Beacon, treated us very well, which added to the enjoyment of the gathering.</div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com1Beacon, NY 12508, Stati Uniti41.5048158 -73.96958319999998841.457247800000005 -74.050264199999987 41.5523838 -73.88890219999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-54432358089786608622015-07-18T03:53:00.000+02:002015-07-18T03:53:35.471+02:00Challenges and hope in Quebec, Canada<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For the past three weeks I have been conducting a visitation of the Sacred Heart Province in Eastern Canada, assisted by Br. Pio Murat. Like most North American provinces, the Sacred Heart Province is receiving far fewer vocations than in the past, and as a result it has had to close some fraternities in order to reinforce fraternal life in those that remain. It was the first province in North America to enter intentionally into a project of fraternal collaboration with provinces in other parts of the world. Currently, there are six brothers from the Province of Kerala-St. Francis and four from the Province of Madagascar working in Eastern Canada.<br />
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One of the historical hallmarks of this province was its engagement in the issues regarding the poor and marginalized of society. Many of those issues have now faded, and as the number of friars has decreased and their ages increased, they can no longer be as engaged as before. Yet you can still sense that spark among the brothers; they have an interest in the what is happening in the world and in the Order beyond the borders of the province. One of the manifestations of this interest is their simple lifestyle, mindful as they are that many people even in North America struggle to make ends meet. Pio and I were also impressed by the brothers' commitment to prayer.<br />
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Speaking to the brothers in the fraternity of the infirmary this morning, Pio remarked that every stage of life has its gifts. This is as true of provinces as it is of individual friars. These past three weeks have reminded me that just because a province is older and smaller, it nonetheless has gifts to offer to the Order.</div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-31683904235145204252015-06-07T17:59:00.001+02:002015-06-07T17:59:27.068+02:00Thank you<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A few months into the current term, the general council decided to commission an organizational audit of the general curia to help us evaluate things such as staffing levels, internal and external communications, and professional standards. We eventually choose Fr. James Grummer, S.J., a general councilor of the Society of Jesus, to conduct the audit. Having just finished reading his final report, I felt moved to share one part of it with my readers (if I have any left since my posts have been few and far between).<br />
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Fr. Grummer rightly points out the <b>generosity</b> and the spirit of <b>self-sacrifice</b> of the brothers who were called and who graciously accepted to work in the general curia. The general council depends on the work of twenty-six (more or less, as the number seems to constantly change) brothers in various roles. You may never know the names of many of them, or at most you might see their photographs in <i>BICI</i> when they begin or end their service in the curia. The fact that they work anonymously, however, does not make them less important. They keep the wheels of the Order turning while the general councilors are globe trotting.<br />
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Having worked in the curia myself for many years before being elected to the council, I can testify to the sacrifices they make. Being able to live and work in Rome seems like the dream job to some people, and it is ... for about two weeks. The reality is that life here is often difficult. Although we live in a large fraternity, there is a certain loneliness that comes with living far from one's home. The brothers here often miss important family occasions, such as wedding, funerals and the birth of nephews and nieces, as well as provincial events, such as professions and ordinations. There are, of course, consolations; I enjoyed, for instance, meeting and interacting with the brothers from other parts of the world who are constantly passing through the curia. Overall, however, most of the brothers are quite happy to return to their province at the completion of their term of service. Yet they are not begrudging in their service, and it shows in the positive, joyful spirit that is common in the fraternity. The general councilors have often shared among themselves that we look forward to returning to the general curia after being away for several weeks or months.<br />
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As if that was not enough reason to be thankful, Fr. Grummer also points out the fact that most of the brothers who work here are doing something that they have had little or no training for. Due to the frequent staff changes or new ideas from the general council, many brothers were given additional assignments after having worked here for a while. For the most part, we have found willing, generous acceptance on the part of the brothers.<br />
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So please join me in thanking these brothers who have generously accepted to serve the Order and the Church by working at the general curia. How about a round of internet applause?</div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-36298455318496946472015-03-22T22:11:00.000+01:002015-03-22T22:11:04.284+01:00Japanese Bishops on "ad limina"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today I represented the Order at a reception held in Rome by the Japanese Episcopal Conference for all the religious congregations working in Japan. It was a good occasion to talk to Bishop Berard Oshikawa, OFM Conv., of the Diocese of Naha, where the curia of our custody is located. Bishop Oshikawa was the successor of our own Bishop Peter Baptist Ishigami, OFMCap., who passed away last year just shy of his 94th birthday. In the accompanying photograph, I am standing with Bishop Oshikawa. I'm not sure what caused me to be blurry - the camera or the wine.<br />
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I also had a good conversation with Bishop Dominic Miyahara of the Diocese of Fukuoka, where we have a small presence. The Bishop expressed his fervent wish that we send more brothers to work in his diocese.<br />
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Both bishops expressed their gratitude for the presence of our brothers, and had high praise for their work. </div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-45362751115376712832015-03-22T19:38:00.001+01:002015-03-22T19:38:58.370+01:00Blessing of the Relic Chapel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Many of the brothers who visited the generalate before it was renovated may remember seeing the Relic Chapel. It was usually one of the highlights of the visit, and not just because everything else about the visit was incredibly boring. When planning the renovations, it was decided to move the Relic Chapel to a more suitable location. This necessitated the work of a skilled carpenter because the size and shape of the new room was slightly different than the former. Last Saturday (21 March), we were finally able to view the results, and the verdict is overwhelmingly positive. The new chapel is as beautiful and the old.<br />
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To mark the occasion, Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, presided at a ceremony to bless the new chapel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXDZop7qsMfWdfpR61-cIN7iekp5RcYNvYpKN8IQ49tzSfXB9OQTcGsexGu6gr-T53QpTMLUJLM4rmdVvfX5ySY26DqYkjbokyjW8A2ZKrVBNLI3zDRd5U3jj2_SSWFU0R0Un9e3k3qVp/s1600/IMG_20150321_121017898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXDZop7qsMfWdfpR61-cIN7iekp5RcYNvYpKN8IQ49tzSfXB9OQTcGsexGu6gr-T53QpTMLUJLM4rmdVvfX5ySY26DqYkjbokyjW8A2ZKrVBNLI3zDRd5U3jj2_SSWFU0R0Un9e3k3qVp/s1600/IMG_20150321_121017898.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Card. Amato preaching about the importance of relics</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHscNHxUCMcRFEVUV2WjsUaid_YWaZrrL9GTA4cMJn5jyV8INPdlAYZxKsSUidUp-KQnLCFLklFCu95FwRN8KzLqf5J3iHbvXR2xkf5DTE4C4HVoq1UkNpPf2Vu0ypoIBZy0x4KWISjxre/s1600/IMG_20150321_125203877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHscNHxUCMcRFEVUV2WjsUaid_YWaZrrL9GTA4cMJn5jyV8INPdlAYZxKsSUidUp-KQnLCFLklFCu95FwRN8KzLqf5J3iHbvXR2xkf5DTE4C4HVoq1UkNpPf2Vu0ypoIBZy0x4KWISjxre/s1600/IMG_20150321_125203877.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the niche containing the relics <br />of Saint Conrad of Parzham</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbeHLTLxtaCVIILOe6Q4yGpLSK0hpoBkZcP3U6IrTwARF_XSj4r9be8ctr2gWWWRcEVIqXBTGeOfpGAjZBDP6G1fLwVFooP6SkgFi0mqfTn8pKEM3sVqH2XHf78v4nsEysveTg78ow9-n/s1600/IMG_20150321_125049645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbeHLTLxtaCVIILOe6Q4yGpLSK0hpoBkZcP3U6IrTwARF_XSj4r9be8ctr2gWWWRcEVIqXBTGeOfpGAjZBDP6G1fLwVFooP6SkgFi0mqfTn8pKEM3sVqH2XHf78v4nsEysveTg78ow9-n/s1600/IMG_20150321_125049645.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't promise you a niche for your relics,<br />but we might have a drawer for them!</td></tr>
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JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-22574165614183462022015-03-15T10:56:00.000+01:002015-03-15T10:56:06.014+01:00A fable<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I says to the guardian: "How about buying a new Ferrari for me?"<br />
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So he says: "Sorry. But I will buy you a used Lamborghini if you promise to use it often."<br />
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So I says: "No problem!"<br />
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<a href="http://cliparts.co/clipart/2407325" title="Image from cliparts.co"><img alt="clipart-crying-smiley-emoticon ..." src="http://cliparts.co/cliparts/BTg/E5r/BTgE5rXkc.png" width="350" /></a></div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-61345552401943013972015-01-24T18:35:00.000+01:002015-01-24T18:35:38.371+01:00A Quintet of Secretaries<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SACNfpDTE5_ST7cBQ7mBYvw6jgym-l1_GoPRR10kxr16xFrhmXamt1lTqh_q9NVWyZKFaN0PRWXOJfFQiFcOyOx1nhH_QRLVB4m6xeqEZ4JXG6rO_F3X_ZItG-Z6A14xuS9f45iJzJfQ/s1600/General_secretaries_trimmed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SACNfpDTE5_ST7cBQ7mBYvw6jgym-l1_GoPRR10kxr16xFrhmXamt1lTqh_q9NVWyZKFaN0PRWXOJfFQiFcOyOx1nhH_QRLVB4m6xeqEZ4JXG6rO_F3X_ZItG-Z6A14xuS9f45iJzJfQ/s1600/General_secretaries_trimmed.png" height="257" width="400" /></a></div>
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There was a rare sighting in the refectory at lunch today — five current or former general secretaries of the Order were present. We had this picture taken to commemorate the moment. From left to right they are:<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Br. Clayton Fernandes</b> (Province of Goa, India): 2013-present. </li>
<li><b>Br. Sidney Damasio Machado</b> (Province of Paraná-Santa Catarina, Brazil): 2007-2012. Currently pursuing a doctorate in liturgical art in Rome.</li>
<li><b>Br. Marek Przeczewski</b> (Province of Warsaw, Poland): 2002-2006. Currently serving as the guardian and director of communications in the general curia.</li>
<li><b>Br. Gandolf Wild</b> (Province of Switzerland): 1995-2002. Currently serving as assistant secretary to Bishop Paul Hinder in the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia.</li>
<li><b>Just a Brother</b> (Province of Mid-America, USA): 1994-1995. Currently writing this blog entry.</li>
</ul>
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To my knowledge, there are only two other former general secretaries still living:<br />
Dominiek Desplentere (Province of Flemish Belgium): 1988-1994, and<br />
Saturnino Ara Burugorri (Province of Spain): 1982-1988.<br />
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In my defense, I was cleaning my room before lunch and was not expecting to have my picture taken.</div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-31812076340830363972014-12-25T10:24:00.001+01:002014-12-25T10:25:56.362+01:00Christmas 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Et Verbum caro factum est!</i></span><br />
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Happy Christmas to all from your brothers in the general curia. </div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-59851900476611336532014-11-27T15:57:00.001+01:002014-11-27T15:57:15.408+01:00Thanksgiving<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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Can you say "Yum"?<br />
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Besides a nod to Thanksgiving Day for the Americans in the Curia, we also celebrated the birthday of Luis Eduardo Rubiano and the feast day of Massimo Rosina. But wait! There's more. We also anticipated by one day the celebration of Jaime Rey's feast day, I should be able to walk again by Saturday.</div>
JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2622917811567969872.post-90682547029133198382014-11-24T11:27:00.000+01:002014-11-24T21:42:56.164+01:00General Curia named "House of Life"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In a ceremony conducted on Sunday, November 23, the Capuchin generalate was awarded the distinction of being a "House of Life" for its role in saving thousands of Jews from deportation to concentration camps during World War II. The plaque that was unveiled during the ceremony recalled the deeds of Father Marie Benoit, a French Capuchin who risked his life to save the Jews in Marseilles. When his activities there were discovered by the Gestapo, he was assigned to teach in the International College in Rome, where he intensified his activities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXv6n47SGJQdHZtZenyWENfe30khsEXMc6yo_AvwsUcvJVfLnWVcw063sgCPest82HVA32cef3rr57WGgGfIeYCTKfC5sAMlwbBa3FCux_F6RD19OQLtEdIs0SqOv-IgK4bHF2Fzk_D5uv/s1600/IMG_20141123_162735879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXv6n47SGJQdHZtZenyWENfe30khsEXMc6yo_AvwsUcvJVfLnWVcw063sgCPest82HVA32cef3rr57WGgGfIeYCTKfC5sAMlwbBa3FCux_F6RD19OQLtEdIs0SqOv-IgK4bHF2Fzk_D5uv/s1600/IMG_20141123_162735879.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Br. Mauro and Ms. Silvia Constantini unveiling the plaque</td></tr>
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The honor was bestowed by the International <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raoul_Wallenberg" target="_blank">Raoul Wallenberg</a> Foundation, which is named for a Swedish diplomat who worked to save the Jews in Hungary during the same period. Ms. Silvia Constantini and Mr. Jesus Colina, both vice presidents of the Foundation were on hand for the ceremony. About a dozen associates of the Foundation, including other members of the Righteous among the Nations, also participated.<br />
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While several other sites in Rome and Italy will receive this recognition, the Capuchin generalate was the first to be identified for recognition. Unfortunately, the ceremony had to be postponed, first because of the renovations that were underway at the generalate and then due to scheduling conflicts.<br />
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The website of the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation has an explanation of the <a href="http://www.raoulwallenberg.net/news/raoul-wallenberg-foundation-and-a-unique-education-program-across-europe/" target="_blank">Houses of Life initiative</a> and a page about the <a href="http://www.raoulwallenberg.net/saviors/life-saving-shelters-houses-of-life/wallenberg-foundation-life-saving-shelters/" target="_blank">choice of the Capuchin generalate</a>. A fair summary of Br. Marie Benoit's efforts can be found <a href="http://www.raoulwallenberg.net/saviors/events-75/catholic-saved-thousands/" target="_blank">here</a> on their site. I can also recommend the recently-published book, <i><a href="http://www.iupress.indiana.edu/product_info.php?products_id=806747" target="_blank">Père Marie-Benoît and Jewish Rescue: How a French Priest Together with Jewish Friends Saved Thousands during the Holocaust</a>,</i> by Susan Zuccotti. The book is generally well-researched, except when it deals with the attitudes of Marie Benoit's superiors and of the Holy See toward his work, where it veers into generalizations that are usually unsupported and sometimes contradicted by the <br />
evidence.<br />
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JABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04105516457156795165noreply@blogger.com1