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Blessed
Sacrament Congregation - World Leaders Meeting
(May 2003)
Saturday, 24 May 2003 (Bulletin 1) Dear Brothers, Convocation Greetings to you from the assembly of confreres participating in the Amplified General Council meeting here in Sydney, Australia. For the majority of participants this is their first visit to the southern hemisphere and to Australia. For some the journey by plane lasted from between 10 - 30 hours, depending on the route taken from their respective country. Time and distance to travel to Sydney has left a deep impression, and the return journey is yet to be undertaken. Without exception, everyone arrived in Sydney amid torrential rain. In all, 300mm. of rain fell in the four days during which people arrived. The rain has now passed; blue skies and sunshine abound along with a fresh chilly wind which carries with it the hint of the first snow fall on the Australian Alps. Yes, our seasons are changing ~ from Autumn/Fall to Winter. With the inbound journey behind them, our brothers have now settled in to their surroundings, they have adjusted themselves to the new time zone and the climate, and are enjoying the variety of meals provided each day. For good measure, they are also partaking of some fine Australian wines. Our meeting place and daily schedule The setting for the AGC is the Chevalier Resource Centre, located within the grounds of the Sacred Heart (Fathers) Monastery in the Sydney suburb of Kensington. Our location provides easy access to the domestic and international airports as well as to the city centre / downtown area. The MSC Community has made us very welcome from the moment of our arrival, and the staff in the Centre provide well for our daily needs. The Morning Prayer of the Church is prayed daily in linguistic groups; the Eucharist is celebrated together with the Presidency and liturgical preparation (for Eucharist and Adoration) shared around, thus providing variety in styles and experiences for us all. Participants Argentina-Chile Carlos Gerk, Spain Juan Jose Uranga, Australia Joachim Dirks, France-Switz Jean-Claude Cuennet, Belgium Maurits Gijsbrechts, Great Brt.-Ireland Patrick Costello, Brazil Eugenio Martins, Holland-Germany Harrie Verhoeven, Canada Ghislain Cossette, India Erasto Fernandez Dem. Repub. Congo Thaddee Mupapa, Italy Manuel Barbiero, Colombia-Peru-Porto Rico Juan Echevarria, Philippines Sebastian (Bong) Luistro, Senegal Denis N'Dene, Sri Lanka Nilindra Gunesekera, South Tyrol Josef Wenger, USA Norman Pelletier, Viet Nam Vincent Hoa, Rome Generalate Fiorenzo Salvi, Hans Van Schijndel, Venceslao Dal Cero, Andres Taborda, Omer Termote, Matteo Magri, Secretariat: Giulio Maccali (Rome), Peter Collins (Australia) Translators (All from Melbourne): Juanita Cartajena ~ John Dupuche ~ John Pagnin All have gathered for the AGC meeting which is important for the life of the Congregation. It is a time of communion and brotherhood. For some of the Provincials and Regional Superiors this is their first experience of such a gathering which provides them with the opportunity to get to know each other better. It is hoped that out of such a meeting there will emerge a deeper knowledge of the Congregation and each other, reciprocal respect and greater collaboration. Greeting of welcome In his opening greeting, Fr Fiorenzo noted that this AGC is taking place close to the beginning of the third millennium, and within the Easter season. Drawing from the Holy Father's reflection text on the new millennium, he noted "A new millennium is opening before the Church as a vast ocean onto which we are venturing forth, trusting in Christ's help" (NMI, 58). As Fr Eymard's family, we are called to make our contribution to the mission of the Church and to respond to the expectations of our generation "with the riches of God's love manifested in the Eucharist" (RL, 3). There are many challenges awaiting us, therefore we need also to follow the example of Eymard and trust in his intercession as we seek to fulfill with courage and creativity our mission. Let us therefore go forward with hope in the certainty that the Risen Lord accompanies us along the journey, revealing himself to us in the breaking of bread. The work begins - creating a portrait The nature and tasks of the AGC can be found by referring to our Rule of Life and General Statutes. From here has been shaped the programme for our time together and the goals we are called to achieve. Where would a conference be without Reports? Central to all our deliberations is the last General Chapter's document A Renewed Eucharistic Spirituality (RES). The idea behind the presentations is to create a picture presentation of our Congregation as it is at the present time in its history and how effective have been our efforts worldwide to realize this RES. The initial presentation was the report from the General Council of its administration in the period 1999 - 2003. More specific details were given by each General Councillor in his reflection on the geographical areas and specific matters in his care. Hans Van Schijndel Asia, Australia & USA, Venceslao Dal Cero Latin America & Canada, Andres Taborda & Omer Termote Europe, Omer Termote Africa, Andres Taborda First Formation in the Congregation Responses were sought with a view to assisting the General Team to improve its service on behalf of the Congregation. This is a matter being followed through in a continuing conversation. There followed something of a "pilgrimage" around the Congregation by way of the reports from each of the Provinces and Regions. Each report gave us a window view into the community life, prayer and forms of service in each place. As much light as possible was shed on the reality of our life and mission in each place so that the beauty and the blemishes were presented. Only in this was can an honest assessment be reached and the life-lines for our future be discerned. An overview of the Congregation was then presented by the Superior General with a hope of mapping out some line for the future. He pointed out some common elements of our SSS life, lived in very diverse cultural, historical and contextual situations. He went on to highlight that the difficulties and challenges we face today as a Congregation are the same as those of the Church and religious life. Fr Fiorenzo's report was an exploration into the aftermath of the publication of the Congregation's document "A Renewed Eucharistic Spirituality". He suggested that this document has received a mixed reaction around the Provinces and Regions and from individual religious. "For the most part it is still a mysterious object to be discovered. The invitation to renew our life beginning with a renewed Eucharistic spirituality has not been properly evaluated, and, hence, has not yet had a significant influence on the life of the Congregation. Some have found it a difficult text, complex and unattractive. Others think it is somewhat theoretical, not very concrete as regards the project-mission of recent years, and that it does not respond to the apostolic needs of the religious. There is the impression given that the religious have not yet appreciated the value of the Chapter document, its discernment and its importance for our pathway towards the future". His reflection looked at living community life grounded in a eucharistic spirituality; then at the aspects of fraternal community, prayer and service. He posed questions for discernment and offered something of a map to guide our steps forward. Listening has been at the heart of this first week of our gathering. We are fortunate in having simultaneous translation in English, Spanish and French. All the reports have been made in the general assembly, while in language groups they were responded to and summaries made to select questions. The challenge of discernment The members of this AGC are being called to discern carefully the Congregation's present moment in its history in order to be able to prepare the path to our future. The task in hand at the end of this first week is now to identify the objectives that the next General Chapter will have to reflect on for the life of the Congregation. Still to come The AGC agenda yet to be addressed, includes items such as the place, date and agenda for the next General Chapter; the presentation of the Financial report by the General Treasurer; and discussion of a number of special issues. There are opportunities for evening gatherings dealing with topics of particular interest to Provincials and Regional Superiors. It is anticipated that a second Bulletin will be issued from here during next week. Eucharist and meeting with SSS Communities in Sydney Members of the AGC will journey to the city tomorrow for the Sunday Eucharist at St Peter Julian's Church. This will allow us the opportunity to celebrate with the faithful who gather there as well as with the combined SSS Communities in Sydney. After the liturgy there will be time for an informal social gathering to be followed by a shared evening meal. I hope this communication allows you a window view of what's happening here. We ask your continued remembrance of us in your prayer and at the breaking of bread in Eucharist. With warmest and fraternal good wishes. Thursday, 29 May 2003 (Bulletin 2) Dear Brothers, Welcome to this second edition of our Bulletin from the A.G.C. in Sydney, Australia. The Lord's Day The dawning of the sixth Sunday of Easter was a timely reminder that we are not gathered here in some form of splendid isolation, but rather that we are linked with each of our SSS Communities worldwide as well as with the universal Church and indeed the whole human family. During the morning hours, members of the AGC set about bringing a sense of closure to the intensive work of its first week of work. We began by listening to the summary reports from the various language groups, concerning the perceived reality / the portrait of our SSS Congregation at this moment in its history. In turn, the French, then the Spanish and finally the English speaking groups presented, through their group secretary, their response. There followed a time for clarification of any points that were not clearly understood. What emerged was a recognition that our Congregation which has a rich and deeply appreciated history, and which has reached this point in its evolution through the efforts of previous General Chapters and our various mission projects, is now at a very significant transition moment. The 'old model' upon which much of our life in community, our ministries and our Eucharistic spirituality and identity have been developed no longer suffices. Our lives are being lived in a world that has and is continuing to change dramatically in the various cultures in which the Congregation has been implanted. A new model is necessary; one that is to emerge from a Renewed Eucharistic Spirituality. Our ideals are ever before us and are expressed in the Gospel and our Rule of Life. The challenge is for us to embody and creatively respond to the hungers of the human family with the riches of God's love shared in the Eucharist. There has emerged among us here a very strong conviction that any new expression of our SSS community life will require of us a conversion to the radical nature of the Gospel and the spiritual life with its primary commitment to Christ, together with a pedagogy that will promote this, and the lived expression in a new and fresh approach to community life. Ours is a time rightly described as a 'crisis' moment - one of potential grace and new life, albeit with the possibility of success and failure. It is a time for choice. The model of our Congregational life is (seemingly) ending, not the Congregation! The emergence of a new model will find its birth through the interiorization of the vision of the Eucharist as in our Rule of Life and a Renewed Eucharistic Spirituality. The biblical image of the Emmaus story has once again been set before us as a powerful invitation to enter into a renewed relationship with the Risen Lord. A small working group has taken up the various contributions and is presently engaged in refining them with the purpose of establishing the principle objectives for the next General Chapter in 2005. The AGC will be asked to approve of these. Obviously, during the next two years we shall all be called upon to engage in the preparatory work at our local community and Province / Region levels. The next General Chapter The General Statutes state that the date and place for the General Chapter are determined by the AGC. The place has been chosen and the preferred time of the year has been nominated. It is the prerogative now of the General Council to make these details publicly known. Eucharist with SSS Communities With six and a half days of solid work behind us, there was sense of great relief (to be moving off-site for a few hours) when everyone boarded the coach in the afternoon for the short journey to our city church / shrine in Sydney. We gathered with our brothers (Haymarket and Chatswood Communities) at St Peter Julian's Church in the Haymarket (bordering on Chinatown district) for the scheduled 3.30pm celebration of the Eucharist. The Presider was the Community Leader (Fr Marcellus Glynn), and Homilist (Fr Hans Van Schijndel). Fr Fiorenzo Salvi (our Congregation General) and Fr Joachim Dirks (Province Leader - Australia) were the concelebrants; with the remainder of us joining the assembly. Following the Eucharist, the local SSS Community showed the warmth of its hospitality to its international guests in a relaxed manner. A brief computer generated "power point" presentation for the forthcoming 50th Anniversary (August 2003) of the Sydney foundation, preceded the evening dinner. As happens, all good things come to their end; so too did this delightful social occasion. Work resumes … Finance As it turned out, the full working day of Monday was taken up with the matters of finance. Our General Treasurer (Fr Matteo Magri) presented a detailed and informative report covering: (1) the financial situation of the Congregation, (2) the financial situation of the General Curia, (3) a number of particular items, and (4) some questions for reflection and consideration. Once some clarifications (concerning aspects of the report) had been given, the report was discussed in the three language groups. The late afternoon assembly provided the moment for the presentation of the summary report from each group. Night session After dinner there was an opportunity for AGC members to gather informally for some sharing on topics / issues of personal interest. The issues covered were: (1) problems in formation, (2) restructuring the Provinces in Europe, (3) inculturation of our charism, (4) option for the poor, (5) collaboration with the laity, (6) the future of our house in Brussels, (7) specific and specialised SSS ministries, and (8) matters related to sexual abuse. The opportunity has been provided for these conversations to continue this week. Free Day … tourists in Sydney Tuesday, 27 May, was designated (and enthusiastically welcomed) as a Free Day for everyone. The inclement weather (cold winds and rain) of the preceding days yielded to a most pleasant day with only a couple of brief showers. Once again, we travelled by coach from our Conference Centre this time to Sydney's stunningly attractive Darling Harbour precinct. There were embarked on a 4 hour cruise of Sydney Harbour, enjoying what the Aussies call a Bar-B-Q (our American confreres call it a 'cook-out') lunch cooked onboard the vessel. Many aspects of the day were caught on film and I'm sure there will quickly develop an 'oral story' associated with this enjoyable occasion. Interestingly enough, at the Eucharist prior to our departure, the comment was made that we were setting out together on this free day, and that we were in a sense opening ourselves to a new form of engagement with a 'new world'. Following the Harbour cruise, there was an opportunity for people to explore parts of the city for three hours before gathering at a restaurant for dinner, and then the coach journey home. The generosity of the Australian Province for organizing the events of the day, and meeting the costs, was acknowledged and enthusiastically applauded. Special thanks to Fr Graeme Duro (Australian Province - Treasurer) and Fr Marcellus Glynn (Sydney Community) for their thoughtful planning and preparations! Work resumes The day's work was introduced with an outline of the section of the agenda named as "Special Issues". A number of as yet unresolved issues fall into this category, some are simply the communication of information, others are clarifications, while others require consultation among the members of the AGC. The first of the issues concerned the Length of the SSS Novitiate. Fr Andres Taborda (General Consultor responsible for Initial Formation in the Congregation) presented the paper and responded to questions of clarification and the subsequent conversation on this topic. The objective was to try to establish a united criterion for a common approach (to the length of Novitiate formation) in our Congregation. The norm of the Rule of Life states one thing, the recommendation of the First Formation document (and other Congregation texts) state something different. The interpretation and the application differ from place to place around the Provinces / Regions. The lengthy discussion was indicative of the varying opinions and concerns emerging from various Provinces / Regions. The conversation was drawn to a close with support being given to a formal proposition to be put to the General Chapter. The second issue to be presented was that of The Congregation's "Logo". Fr Jean-Claude Cuennet (Provincial - France/Switzerland) presented this issue on behalf of the commission (Brother Gary LaVerdiere, Fr Jean-Claude Cuennet and Fr Giulio Maccali) entrusted with its promotion. His preliminary remarks traced something of the origins of the tradition of a Congregation logo and the various steps taken in recent years. Now, the General Council desires that we have a common logo that will identify us in different parts of the world as a religious family of the Blessed Sacrament : a logo that will be truly "A sign of unity". You may be interested in the criteria for the "language" of the logo, as presented by the Commission. So that the logo could be clearly readable and easily understood : 1 The logo would have to be simple 2 It should be easy to print in black and white without shading, nor grey 3 It must be easily recognizable (in every Province / Region) without explanation 4 It should be able to be printed whatever its size - be a clear image 5 It must be of lasting significance and not depend on colours in vogue 6 It must have a dynamic quality, not closed in on itself 7 It should be able to stand on its own with a text to explain it. Some additional points : 1 The logo should evoke the Eucharist as entirely taking its inspiration from the Gospel and make the word of God visible 2 The elements constituting the logo should express the Eucharist in its Christological, ecclesiological, social aspects unambiguously and in a way that is understandable in all cultures 3 It must evoke in an immediate way the Eucharistic identity and specific quality of our Congregation 4 It must express a vision of the Eucharist according to the Rule of Life 5 It should evoke the Eucharist as a force for the renewal of the world. Three proposals were presented for consideration and discussion. Obviously this is a matter requiring further development after this initial consultation at this AGC. The third issue centred on a Revision of the discernment process for the election of the Superior General; and the fourth (final item for today) focused on the Ongoing revision of the General Statutes, proposals and proceedings. Both of these issues require follow-up work by a special task group in the period between now and the next General Chapter. Till next time! Saturday 31st, May 2003 (Bulletin 3) Dear Brothers, Greetings once again from Sydney, Australia, venue for the Congregation's Amplified General Council meeting. This is our third and final communication from here, since today we have drawn our deliberations and lived experiences to a conclusion. I think it fair to say that we have created a special bond of communion with each other during these last two weeks. Whilst much of the time found us engaged in long working sessions, intermingled with small group work and then occasions for personal reading, study and reflection, our time has been enriched and depthed in our daily liturgies, the sharing of the word of God, informal conversations and our daily table fellowship. Continuing from where we left off … The role of moderator was shared between Fr Fiorenzo and Fr Hans, alternating each day. On Thursday May 29, we began the day by returning to the next point in the list of "Special Issues" (information, clarification and consultation). Fr Hans presented a report concerning the financing of LITE. A more in-depth discussion of the report and the formulation of a response to a number of questions given in the text were handled within the language groups, after which the summaries were shared in the assembly. It emerged that across the Congregation LITE is very much appreciated, and is a valid instrument of Eucharistic evangelizing, though acknowledged to but one of a number of Congregational initiatives worthy of support both financially and through our encouragement and collaboration. There was also a strongly expressed conviction that from a financial perspective, LITE would hopefully benefit from the guidelines offered it by the Congregation's International Finance Commission. Fr Hans responded to a number of questions and clarified a few points regarding the emerging conviction amongst the LITE teams worldwide, e.g. that rather than focus on international LITE congresses, the accent would best be given to those on a national level. A synthesis of the points was later made and the next General Council will be asked to further evaluate LITE in view of its future development. Fr Omer then introduced his report concerning the Eymardian Places. The Acts of the 32nd General Chapter (cf. "Proposals and voting on various issues", p.210) provided the link with the purpose of this report. "The General Chapter proposes that the General Council in dialogue with the Commission on Eymardian Places, will see to it that steps be taken to return La Mure the original historical objects/pieces that had special links to the Founder…" The present report outlined the work-to-date undertaken by the General Council and that of the European Conference and an inter-European group of investigation. This last group is expected to have its final document completed in the month of June for a presentation to the European Conference. Moving along … the next "Issue" focused on the "Writings" of the Founder. The purpose of this report was mainly to provide information concerning the project currently underway which aims to provide and integral and faithful edition of the writings of Fr Eymard. The importance of this project, an estimate of the expense involved, the consultation throughout the Congregation to-date, and some details outlining the financial support from various Provinces / Regions, were the key items mentioned. It was noted that this is an ambitious project as well as an investment for the future whereby we preserve our patrimony and at the same time share it as a gift. It is hoped that the work will be completed by 2006 (the year we shall celebrate the 150th anniversary of our foundation). In the conversation related to this topic, concern was expressed that in the wider domain people (in many instances very traditional / devotional and "right wing" Catholic groups are managing to obtain, re-print and circulate certain editions of works attributed to Eymard. All this is occurring without any reference to the Congregation or any Province. It seems that, in part, it is due to the fact that the copyright has lapsed, therefore we (SSS) have no control over such publications. These publications are not "critical" editions; rather they contain texts we now know not necessarily to have been written by the Founder. It was pointed out that our project currently underway would help provide a more "critical" set of texts. A brief report from the Procurator General was made available for personal reading and comment. Some helpful advice was presented for Province and Regional Leaders. The same also for the new edition of the Vade-Mecum. This publication is seen as a "tool" available to Provincial and Regional Leaders to assist them to respond to a number of special duties, issues and needs in their dealings with the General Administration. An edition in French is currently available; with an English and Spanish edition eventually to be circulated. The last of the "Issues" was addressed in a report on the Centre Eucharistia, offering a survey of its activities and forthcoming challenges for the future. The Centre has undertaken and overseen a number of significant projects and its director (Fr Tony McSweeney SSS) continues to be the link holding it together. A number of points were highlighted, viz. (1) financially, the Centre functions well; (2) the place where the Centre is presently located does not allow for easy access, hence the hope that it can be re-located in due time; (3) the continuity of the Centre, that is, an eventual successor to the present Director; (4) in response to the slow but steady growth of initiatives and contacts, there is a need for a manager for the Centre. It was noted that at present, the website www.eucharistia.org currently features texts in five languages. Communications from the General Secretariat Fr Giulio offered some practical advice to improve collaboration between the SSS General Secretariat the Provinces / Regions. These included: (1) each Province / Region having a Secretary (presumed in the presentation to be an SSS religious); (2) the priority of e-mail as the preferred option for most forms of correspondence concerning ordinary communication and information bulletins; and (3) the importance of maintaining up-to-date personnel records. In the ensuing conversation on this last point, it was noted that "Privacy Laws" now exist in some countries and that the keeping, accessing and transferring of personal information is regulated by law and a sensitive issue for all concerned. Drawing together the treads … Each of the SSS Conferences was invited to provide a summary of any significant points arising from its meetings prior to the commencement of the AGC. The information served as a reminder of the continuing items on the agenda of each Conference. Some final points were shared in the conversation between the General Council and the Provincial / Regional Leaders; notably those from the point of view of the General Team. These were received as good, practical and acceptable. For the Team, Fr Hans offered an outline of how the work of the AGC might be communicated and progressed for the benefit of all the religious of the Congregation and for our Eucharistic mission as we journey toward the next General Chapter. Our "moment in time" captured and celebrated amid thanksgiving … The AGC was formally concluded after which expressions of thanks were given; then the group photograph taken. Our concluding Eucharist provided the most appropriate occasion to celebrate with thanksgiving all that had been accomplished during the two weeks we were together. It is our hope that these three communications to you, our confreres worldwide, have been informative and welcomed. Each Provincial / Regional Leader will no doubt find ways and means of communicating further from his experiences much of what has occurred here, and the challenges we each are being called to accept and respond to especially as we make our way towards the next General Chapter. A final greeting to each and all of you as we take our leave from Sydney, Australia. |
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Peter Collins SSS (AGC - Secretariat) |
