SAINT MICHAEL WROTE... NEF

N. 140 NOUVELLES EN FAMILLE - 116TH YEAR, 11a series - 14 September 2018 In this issue The message of the superior general Conceived and brought to birth in the sources of the charism p. 1

Question: In what consists the religious perfection to which we Address of Pope Conceived and brought to birth Francis, 7 July 2018 must aspire under pain of mortal sin? Answer: In Charity. Q: and p. 4 in the sources of the charism what is the strongest and most unequivocal proof of charity? A: It is to conform our will to the will of God in all things, to make this The Vicariate of « Which religious is truly on fire with the spirit of our vocation? the object, the rule and the motive of all our desires and all our France-Spain p. 6 The one who applies himself entirely and exclusively to the duties of his enterprises: to want what God wants, as He wants and because International Session office with profound humility, a deep gratitude to God, a great generosity he wants it. Q: What must we do to act properly, Christianly, at Betharram p. 7 in responding to his grace, without running ahead, religiously? A. Apply this general principle to all our decisions and or going beyond the limits of his employment. » Summer camp in choices, to every little thing we do. | M 396 (DS § 233) Katiola: to dare, to act, to live p. 13

Father Angelo Bianchi Dear Betharramites, scj † p. 17

Notices from the In recent years, we have spent much time reflecting General Council... on our religious identity. The laity helped us from their p. 19 own perspective in the Church. And it has been a recur- ring theme during our meetings, a family theme that is History of a spiritual journey (8): A born and reborn. The General Chapter has also present- Generalate House mi via Angelo Brunetti, 27 spirituality of ed this as a challenge for the age in which we are living. Societas S Cordis Jesu 00186 Roma « Here I Am! » It asked us to go out to encounter life, but in what spirit Phone +39 06 320 70 96 together with B E T H A R R A M Fax +39 06 36 00 03 09 should we do it? What is the tangible sign of authentic Email [email protected] Bossuet p. 20 Betharramite religious life? www.betharram.net Saint Michael wrote... We can find answers by looking at our own vocation. p. 24 It is often born of a strong experience of God. A kind of «love story» that deeply marked us selves to «lose momentum» through It has pleased God to make Himself loved, and led us to follow a new orientation the success of their personal work, or and while we were still his enemies, he loved us so much as Christians. It is the result of an en- by the prestige they had legitimately that he sent his only Son: counter with Jesus Christ who called acquired through their pastoral chari- He gave Him to us to be us to the position we are in, even go- ty. the magnet which draws us to divine love, ing so far as to accept our hesitation Betharramite vocational identity to be the model which shows us the dynamic of love, (cf I Sam 3: 9-10). was forged in them as they met Je- and to be the means of attaining divine love: Many Betharramite brothers, whom sus (to follow him), and their brothers the Son of God became man. we remember today with gratitude for (to serve them). Their lives, like ours, their word and faithful witness, have are made beautiful in the eyes of God At the moment He entered the world animated by the Spirit of God His Father, challenged us to conversion, to an whenever we pronounce this obedi- He gave Himself up to all God’s designs for Him; inner transcendence, going beyond ent and loving «yes», which we call He took the place of all victims; our limits and our weaknesses. Their Ecce Venio or Ecce Ancilla Domini. He said: “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, life response - simple, unconditional To live today this experience of the but a body have you prepared for me; and generous - was accompanied by encounter, to devote time alone with in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. a confident surrender to the hands of the Lord, is to give Him all that we are Then I said: ‘Here I am, I have come to do your will, O my God.’” the Father. It was their secret which, and all that we have, that He may use Jesus began His life’s work by this great act which he never discontinued. by a free gift, became our spring ... how he wants. And this, without spar- From this moment onwards he remained always in a state of sacrificial offering, Therefore, no one can boast of his ing areas «where we do not let him annihilated before God. He did nothing on His own; His actions were always directed by the Spirit of God; own calling. Nobody was called to ful- in», No-Go spaces that we want to His disposition was one of constant abandonment to the orders of God, to suffer and do fil themselves by using the Congrega- keep in the shadows, spaces of world- whatever He wanted: tion as a theatre stage. On the other ly freedom, which he actually knows Exinanivit semetipsum, factus obediens usque ad mortem, mortem autem crucis. hand, we were called to give life, to all too well. [He lowered Himself, becoming obedient until death, death on the cross.] carry the Cross, to follow Christ. It was I sometimes meet brothers who the Lord who came to meet us while have conceived their religious iden- This is how God loves us: this is how Jesus Christ our Lord and creator we were « following the flock» (Amos tity as a kind of «garden of roses», became an indescribable attraction for our hearts, a perfect model and an all-powerful help. 7:15). There would be vanity and assumed in the early years of forma- self-sufficiency to not recognise it. tion but whose perfume has inevitably But we human beings are cold before God! What a joy to meet religious who evaporated over the years! The iden- Even among the priests there are very few who say as their divine Master did: are detached and happy to devote tity of the Betharramite missionary “Here I am, Ita Pater![Yes, Father]” themselves and be available to the must be cultivated throughout life, to missions entrusted to them! make it mature in the paschal dynam- At the sight of this marvellous spectacle, the priests of Betharram15 felt drawn to dedicate16 The generosity of St. Michael Gari- ic of a serious interior life, embraced themselves to imitating Jesus, humble and obedient, coits and Fr. Etchecopar was such that with passion. and to working wholeheartedly to bring the same happiness to others, they no longer cared for themselves, I share the following principle: under the protection of Mary; she was always disposed to do what God wanted so great had been their intimate ex- «Wherever a Betharramite evange- and was always submissive to what God did. perience of the merciful love of God lises in the name of Betharram, I am They have taken St Michael and St Ignatius Loyola as their patrons. the Father. The self-emptying of Jesus there too». This vicarial style of pasto- had permeated the vocational expe- ral presence is also essential to make 15) In 1838, the Congregation did not yet have religious brothers : they had to wait until 1840 for this. rience of our founder and his second the missionary community more au- 16) « To devote onself » meant in the past « to dedicate oneself by vows » ; the meaning remained here. » (Footnote by Father Miéyaa, successor. They never allowed them- thentic and able to give witness. It is a P724). From the beginning, Michael Garicoits wanted a real religious congegration with vows ; that is where he would find the stum- bling block with Monsignor Lacroix.

w 2 Nouvelles en famille N. 140, 14 September 2018 23 w was made before the foundation of the the abbreviated version of the faith. Also, style that appeals, that attracts voca- of sheep, not officials. institute, before the Ignatian retreats; at it is the profession of John: “I believe in tions, because young people see us • Live simply, live in a more aus- the time of the mystical manifestations of charity!” (I John 4, 6). It says everything. sincerely united and enthusiastic. tere way, live happily, expressing in Christmas 1829 and 1830, noted Father He is made man ; I believe it! He loves and The opposite is regrettable: community the joy of one who has his Morin5... he who loves does everything.»10 “Here I ego-centered and individualistic be- treasure where his heart is (Mt 6.21). In Cambo, Jeanne Dagoret introduced Am” is a near-equivalent of “love”! haviours, pastoral egoism, dissen- A Betharramite must have the char- her curate to the devotion of the Sacred To understand the influence of Bossuet, sion and envy, recurrent discredit to acteristics of his vocational ideal, but Heart, according to the customs of St one text is enough: Father Jean-Luc Morin authority, self-referentiality, whisper- also the traits and values of his own Margaret-Mary Alacoque. If Michael analysed it. ing against those in authority; all this culture, which enriches the whole. Garicoits never separated the Sacred gives rise to polemics, bitter fruits There may be a tension between cul- Heart from the person of Christ, it is The founding text that bury us little by little in the sad ture and the Gospel, but there is no because it was about “repairing, with all pit of progressive extinction. I would contradiction between one and the strength, what ungrateful men put the He agreed to appoint the “founding be tempted to say that they are the other when the values of that cul- Heart of Jesus through”. Getting closer text”. Although not signed, there was no cause of the dreaded vocational ste- ture express what is most human and to Bossuet distanced himself from the doubt: it came from the founder. And, in rility. Where fraternity is not a clear transcendent in us. Paray-le-Monial model: he preferred 1838, he himself placed it as the foreword sign, there will surely be no vocations. Although culture or cultures have “internalising the relationship with the to the Constitutions. With Father Miéyaa, The brothers who live this identifi- never been an «absolute» they must Incarnate Word which leads to apostolic he could speak of the “Charter of the cation with our charism help us not to be confronted and enriched by the action” to “the emotional compassion Congregation” that called for the religion be ashamed to express who we are. gospel. We know that God, and his portrayed by St Margaret-Mary”6. of love from the Sacred Heart».11 In one It would not be fair for us to live off Incarnate Word here and now, is the In Bossuet, abbot Garicoits discovered page, there was the whole spirituality of the glory of the works of our prede- only Absolute. It is a question of lov- an author who was “very strongly St Michael Garicoits! Fr Duvignau and cessors and then do nothing to sup- ing our roots and forming ourselves, Christcentric, leading everyone to Jesus, others made a guide for it to let people port the presence of Betharram in the to arrive at a synthesis of life, from the Word Incarnate”7. He made this way get to know this Spiritual Master. world today. which radiates the Gospel of Christ, of speaking his own: From the moment And yet, lots of sentences were copied To live authentically what we are, with its values that go beyond cultures of his divine conception, Jesus Christ from Bossuet, starting with the first line! with more passion and hope, I pro- and situations. exultavit ut gigas ad currendum viam8. Father Jean-Luc Morin12 allowed the pose some points of attention, that Our beautiful Betharramite synthe- From this moment, he cried out : “Here contributions to be identified. Below, in everyone can help increase in com- sis of Divine Love, which can anticipate I Am!”9 “Here I Am!” became the motto bold characters, is what Michael Garicoits munity: Heaven in every corner of the Earth, is of the Word Incarnate, the Sacred Heart! took from Bossuet without changing • A fruitful inner life: nourished by regenerating, developing, and being “Here I Am!” Here is the Heart of Jesus, anything; in italic letters, expressions which prayer, lectio divina, fidelity to the reborn before the eyes of people of here is the abbreviation of Christianity! To were close to those used by Bossuet. It sacraments of reconciliation and the today, who may seem distracted but believe in the love that God has for us, is was obvious that Michael Garicoits made Eucharist, the daily and sincere exam- have an undeniable thirst for God. the thoughts of Bossuet his own ! ination of conscience. suet : a simple footnote while reproducing the Preface of the Constitutions of 1838. (Refer to Page 724.) • Selfless service and attention to Fr. Gustavo scj

5) Jean-Luc Morin, Le Cœur de Jésus..., P50. Beñat Oyhénart scj the flock entrusted to us, especially superior General

6) Refer to Jean-Luc Morin, Le Cœur de Jésus..., P65. the poor.

7) Father Denis Buzy, quoted by Jean-Luc Morin, Le Cœur de • Accompany spiritually those on Jésus..., P65. 10) Pierre Duvignau, A Spiritual Master …, P65-66. Refer to the path of formation and allow our- Bossuet, Praises of St John, 3rd point. 8) “He set forth joyfully conquering”, P18 (19), 6. selves to be accompanied, to be men 11) Miéyaa, P741. 9) Pierre Duvignau, A Spiritual Master of the 19th Century, of God, shepherds who carry the smell P309. 12) See : Jean-Luc Morin, Le Cœur de Jésus..., annexe 5, page VII.

w 22 Nouvelles en famille N. 140, 14 September 2018 3 w A MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP OF ROME Address of Pope Francis at the conclusion of the dialogue with the Heads the Jansenists... Victor of the Churches and the Christian Communities of The Middle East Hugo accused him of Basilica of Saint Nicholas, Bari, 7 July 2018 persecution ! When Louis XIV wanted to limit the Dear Brothers and Sisters, power of the pope, he defended gallicanism, a I am most grateful for this world, but to the unarmed political-religious current graced moment of shar- power of the cross. [...] The which wanted to organise ing. As brothers and sis- faith of the lowly, so deeply the Church of France in an ters, we have helped one rooted in the Middle East, is autonomous way. another to appreciate anew the wellspring from which we our presence as Christians in the can draw water to drink and to be The Sacred Heart, who Middle East. This presence will be purified. [...] says: “Here I Am !” all the more prophetic to the ex- Encouraged by one another, we have Jacques Bénigne Bossuet (1627-1704) tent that it bears witness to Jesus, engaged in fraternal dialogue. It has Michael Garicoits the Prince of Peace (cf. Is 9:5). Jesus been a sign of our need to pursue to his mission, preached often, wrote the had to teach: he prepared himself ! does not draw a sword; instead, he encounter and unity without being Catechism of Meaux (1687) and wrote Without forge-tting anything that life had asks his disciples to put it back in its afraid of our differences. So it is with Meditations on the Gospel and Elevation taught him... If the themes dear to Berulle3 sheath (cf. Jn 18:11). Our way of be- peace [...]. We commit ourselves to of the Mysteries for the religious of his were to be found in him, it was Bossuet – ing Church is also tempted by world- walking, praying and working to- diocese. There his spiritual genius was himself a good Berullian – who manifestly ly attitudes, by a concern for power gether, in the hope that the art of developped. He managed to visit all of marked out most the young teacher and profit, for quick and convenient encounter will prevail over strategies his parishes. and his whole work4. The first approach solutions. Then too, there is the real- of conflict. In the hope that the dis- Very present in his Diocese, Bossuet ity of our sinfulness, the disconnect play of threatening signs of power entered again into some controversy: 3) Jean-Luc Morin, Le Cœur de Jésus chez Saint Michel Garicoïts, mémoire in preparation for his Theology degree, Gregorian between faith and life that obscures will yield to the power of signs: men against protestants and jews; against University, 1994, P45. our witness. We sense our need for and women of good will of different Fenelon (Archbishop of Cambrai); against 4) Father Miéyaa spoke very little about the influence of Bos- renewed conversion to the Gospel, beliefs, unafraid of dialogue, open the guarantee of authentic freedom, to the ideas of others and concerned and our need to do so urgently, as for their good. [...] The French School of Spirituality : everything except a school ! the Middle East endures a night of War is the scourge that tragically as- The French School of Spirituality? Under this term, in the 1920s, abbot Henri agony. As in the agony of Jesus in the sails this beloved region. The poor Bremond, a historian, put the Catholic Reform of the 17th century into ordinary garden of Gethsemane, it will not be are its principal victims. [...] War is French. This spirituality put the accent on the incarnation ; it clarified the relationship flight (cf. Mt 26:56) or the sword (cf. the daughter of power and pover- of the Word Incarnate with active charity. Mt 26:52) that will lead to the radiant ty. It is defeated by renouncing the Pierre de Bérulle (1575-1629) is the first name to mention. We add Saint Vincent de Paul dawn of Easter. Instead, it will be our thirst for supremacy and by eradicat- (1581-1660), the founder of the Company of the Mission (Lazarists) and St Jean–Eudes gift of self, in imitation of the Lord. ing poverty. So many conflicts have (1601-1680), a member of the Oratory of Jesus, then founder of the Congregation of Jesus The Good News of Jesus, crucified been stoked too by forms of funda- and Mary (Eudists). Afterwards came St Jean-Baptiste de La Salle (1651-1719), trained by and risen out of love, came from the mentalism and fanaticism that, under the Sulpiciens and founder of the Brothers of Christian Schools, and St Louis- Middle East and has won over human the guise of religion, have profaned Marie Grignon of Montfort (1673-1716) who was behind several congregations. hearts down the centuries because God’s name – which is peace – and Sometimes we refer to Bossuet who made a mark on Michael Garicoits ! it is bound not to the powers of this persecuted age-old neighbours. Vi------from Wikipédia

w 4 Nouvelles en famille N. 140, 14 September 2018 21 w HISTORY OF A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY A spirituality of « Here I Am! » together with Bossuet olence is always fueled by weapons. stead of schools, hearing the deafen- You cannot speak of peace while you ing explosion of bombs rather than From Cambo, Michael Garitoits spirituality of Berulle1 flooded his are secretly racing to stockpile new the happy din of playgrounds. May went to Betharram! From his mind and combined with the arms. This is a most serious responsi- humanity listen – this is my plea – to shortest stay - of 20 months - Ignatian elements to end up in bility weighing on the conscience of the cry of children, whose mouths to his longest stay - of more a synthesis”. nations, especially the most power- proclaim the glory of God (cf. Ps 8:3). than 37 years... His spirituality Michael Garicoits met ful. [...] Only by wiping away their tears will was developped and the Bossuet first, then Ignatius of With deep anguish, but with constant the world recover its dignity. Congregation of the Sacred Heart Loyola; it would be better to keep hope, we turn our gaze to Jerusalem, With this concern for the children [...] of Jesus was born. Various encounters this order ! a city for all peoples, a unique and we will shortly let our desire for peace had already shaped Michael’s reflection. sacred city for Christians, Jews and take wing by releasing some doves. The main thing – unquestionably – is Bossuet, “the Eagle of Meaux” 2 Muslims the world over. A city whose [...] May our hearts remain united and the illumination at Oneix : God revealed identity and vocation must be safe- turned to heaven, as in the days of himself to be full of love. And now ? ••• Jacques Benigne Bossuet (1627-1704), guarded apart from various disputes the Flood (cf. Gen 8:11), in expec- Bishop of Meaux, was a preacher and and tensions, and whose status quo tation of a fresh twig of hope. And What “spiritual masters” ? French writer; a writer indeed, and orator, demands to be respected [...] may the Middle East no longer be an with his eulogies. And he was so much Hope has the face of children. In the ark of war lying between continents, In his presentation of the Spiritual more! Middle East, for years, an appalling but an ark of peace that welcomes Doctrine, in 1949, Fr Duvignau scj wrote : A priest from 1652, he went often to Paris number of young people mourn vio- peoples of different backgrounds «Amongst the teachers who had for the sermons and praises of saints. So, lent deaths in their families and see and beliefs. Beloved Middle East [...] quite a deep influence on him, we must he had different influences, especially that their native land threatened, often “May peace be upon you” (Ps 122:8) mention St Augustine, St Bernard, St of St Vincent de Paul, whose conferences with their only prospect being that of [..], may justice dwell within your bor- Alphonse of Liguori, while clarifying that he listened to. flight. This is the death of hope. All ders, and may God’s blessing come he did not have a particular attachment In 1670, he became Bishop of Condom too many children have spent most to rest upon you. Amen! • to any of them. The only one who left his (in Gers). A year later, he abdicated and of their lives looking at rubble in- mark on him was the Basque saint from became the private tutor of the son of Loyola, Ignatius. During his retreat in Louis XIV. Though his Eulogies were Toulouse, Father Garicoits appreciated masterpieces of eloquence, this art of the male virtue of the Exercises. This book expression did not much lend itself to the became his main spirituality manual.» 10-year old child! However, his task only In 1963, at the publication of « A ended in 1680 with the marriage of the 19th Century Master of the Spiritual heir to the throne. Life », the same priest expressed it in a In 1681, he became Bishop of Meaux different way : (East of Paris); hence the “Eagle of “During his years of seminary teaching, Meaux “. From then, he gave everything Fr Garicoits met Bossuet […]. From then on, Bossuet would be the inseparable 1) See box on next page. companion of his nights until his death. 2) The nickname came from Voltaire. The eagle could fly in front of the sun without being dazzled. Bossuet was the only He combed through all his works, pen religious to stand up to Louis XIV, the Sun King, even giving in hand […]. Through Bossuet, the a sermon on the duties of the rich towards the poor ! (Refer to Wikipedia.)

w 20 Nouvelles en famille N. 140, 14 September 2018 5 w LIFE OF THE CONGREGATION NOTICES FROM THE GENERAL COUNCIL The Vicariate of France-Spain ◊◊◊ In the meeting of the General Council on August 7th From June 20th to July 28th, with him our desire to live a more 2018, the Superior General, with the consent of his our Vicariate was blessed with two fraternal life, even if sometimes we Council, admitted to the final profession great events; the International Youth are struggling in creating communion Session and the first canonical visit of among us. Br. Gnaoré Vincent Didier ALLELET Father Gustavo Agin. ••• Father Gustavo also pointed out Br. Joseph OUEDRAOGO signs of hope that may be significant Br. Cossi Habib YELOUWASSI Our Superior General encouraged today: us to move on without being affected - a rich spiritual heritage linked to from the Saint Michael Garicoits Region by the current events of the Vicariate our places, Betharram and Ibarre of (Vicariate of the Ivory Coast) that could lead us to resignation and course, without forgetting Pau, Pibrac discouragement. On the contrary, and Anglet. This spiritual wealth SCHEDULE the inheritance received from our largely compensates for the worries ◊◊◊ The next Council of the Congregation will take place in Rome, Founder urges us to keep hope alive: caused by our real estate heritage that at the Generalate House, from November 5th to 10, 2018. “we are called to keep our hearts is often an encumbrance. Our poverty open and generous, without giving in also calls us to a financial sharing that ◊◊◊ The Meeting of the Council with the Regional Bursars will to discouragement”, Fr Gustavo said. has been improving and still requires take place from November 12th to 14th, still in Rome, at the In our communities and during our our efforts; Generalate House (cf. Acts of the General Chapter nr. 42) personal meetings with him, we spoke - a life of personal and community The Superior General asked the Regional Superiors to about our great poverty due to the prayer that attracts people from take part in this meeting too. lack of vocations and to our difficulty in outside and is a sign of fidelity to our understanding God’s call in the young vocation as consecrated persons; ◊◊◊ The Superior General is currently making the canonical visit to people we meet. We also shared - close and enriching bonds with the Vicariate of the Ivory Coast (from September 13th to the laity of the October 6th); his next canonical visit is going to be to the reli- Fraternité Me gious of the Vicariate of England next December (dates to Voici, and with be set); initially planned at the end of the year, the canonical many others visit to Thailand has been postponed to early 2019. with whom the religious share the mission. The meeting of July 28th in Betharram speaks volumes ◊◊◊ The Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of on this point; Apostolic Life granted an indult of departure from the Congregation to - an Fr. Joachim Viravit Sasai (Vicariate of Thailand) to be incardinated into international the Diocese of Ubon Ratchathani. (cfr. RL 314-316) opening At the assembly of the Vicariate experienced by many religious

w 6 Nouvelles en famille N. 140, 14 September 2018 19 w of Parma: firstly as Parish Priest at surprised by his ability to teach with of the Vicariate during their religious for the wellbeing of the whole San Vitale Baganza, then at Parma an “unfailing kindness” even with lives; this experience has shaped congregation; the fidelity of the elders as co-worker in the parish of Sant’ difficult, exuberant and at times pro- them and is an asset for today’s spirit does good to the young religious of Andrea in Antognano and finally here vocative young people. He certainly of welcome; our Vicariate needs this the other Vicariates. in Langhirano. drew his strength from a mysterious fresh air coming from elsewhere: this We express our gratitude to Father source, which he indicated to a good firm belief is shared by all of us. Gustavo Agin for his encouragement. c) As for the simple lifestyle of number of people in the secret of the This visit was a blessing for us and Father Angelo, I believe that, for those confessional. encouraged us to persevere in our Laurent Bacho scj who knew him, there is no need to commitment as consecrated persons Regional Vicar comment. A Master of Mathematics, I believe I can say that Father An- he lived in the greatest simplicity... gelo lived out the mission that the An almost exagerated and disarming Lord entrusted to him in the style Feast of the Holy Cross simplicity. Many among you, in re- of, and according to the virtues of, at Betharram, 2018 membering him now, use the same the Heart of Jesus, by leaving us Way of the Cross expression to characterise him: “a an unforgettable testimony of a life on Sunday, September 9 simple person”. A great value and a made of apostolic devotion and li- at the Calvary. beautiful witness in the times we are ved out in simplicity and gentleness. Vespers and blessing of living in. For that, we give thanks to the Lord the Holy Sacrament at for sending him to us and we commit the Chapel of the d) For the last trait of the Heart of ourselves to following his example. Resurrection. Jesus, contemplated by St Michael Garicoits and lived out by Father An- Fr. Piero Trameri scj gelo – unfailing kindness – I will bring Regional Vicar in Italy to mind a personal memory: When I was at school with him in Colico, I was International Session at Betharram | from June 20 to July 28, 2018

First and foremost I would like to and region, to know more better express my sincere gratitude to all our about the Sanctuary of Betharram, fathers, brothers, lay Betharramites Stations of the Cross, St. Michael’s and friends of Betharram for their Chapel, Resurrection Chapel, generosity, availability and service Lourdes, Maison Neuve etc. Thanks during this session 2018. I am so to Fr. Jacky Moura who in deed In memoriam glad too to share my experience in guided us in this regard. On June 12, at Rho (Italy), died Mr. Gabriele Canavesi, brother of Fr Antonio animating the international session The Second part (2nd week) was Canavesi SCJ, of the community “Bel Ramo” of Albiate (Vicariate of Italy). 2018. We had the joy of having 12 “to go back to our original love We join Fr Antonio and his family in praying for the repose of the soul of participants, helped by Fathers: for God”. We reflected on our own their dear one. Glacimar and Simone. Our session families, our own proper vocation was divided into 5 parts. First part and our baptism as Fr. Bacho Laurent (1st week) was “to know one another, narrated us the Life story of St. to know better each other’s vicariate Michael Garicoits in Ibarre, Oniex,

w 18 Nouvelles en famille N. 140, 14 September 2018 7 w IN MEMORIAM

Hosta, Garris and St. Palais. of St. Michael, personal weekly Father Angelo Bianchi scj The third part (3rd week) was “to see accompaniment, testimony of our Passirana de Rho, 11 June 1937 – Langhirano, 3 August 2018 how we live today the Gospel of missionaries, walking to Lourdes, Christ” in our present Betharramite personal time in the room of our way of Life, through the vows of founder and in front of the relics etc.. In giving us life, the Lord entrusted Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. We too had enriching moments like to each of us a mission in the Church Heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Fr.Gaspar meeting our elderly missionaries, and in the world. Each one of us is Fourthly (4th week), we travelled dialogue with the youth who a gift for our family, our friends, our to Loyola and Javier where we were preparing to go to Katiola, fellow-religious and for all those we reflected on the themes of Charism encountering the lay betharramites meet on our journey. and Mission of Betharram. etc. Our brothers shared sincerely When we pay hommage to The Fifth part (5th week & 6th week) their experience with them all and someone who has just passed away, dealt with the beauty of community especially impressed the way the it is important, I think, to figure out life, the challenges of media, internet youth shared their faith life. It is to the message that person has left us and alcohol. We remain grateful to state that language is not a barrier by how they lived their life, to keep Fr. Gustavo, Fr. Austin and Fr. Jean for our fraternal living and sharing. them in our memories and to give Luc. All that we need is the language of thanks to the Lord. The division of 5 parts was done in love. This language of love ruled Father Angelo was called to dedi- order to keep alive the aim of the every activity of ours. It was a sincere, cate his life to the Lord in the family he obtained a master’s degree in session i.e. to deepen, to enrich genuine effort of our participants. of the Religious of the Sacred Heart Mathematics in 1968. He then im- our convictions and to share the At the end of the session, our of Betharram and in priestly ministry. mediately and enthusiastically made same joy/happiness with others. participants were once again He was ordained priest in Milan in himself available when asked to put In designing our international refreshed “to go out” to share the 1962, after having completed his stu- his studies to good use and open a sessionists’ project, grown up as we same joy with all whom they will dies in Theology at Albiate. new Scientific Sixth Form College, are, our youngsters emphasised on meet in their respective missions. St Michael Garicoits asked of his with some other brothers, in Bormio interiorization and personalisation community that they live a lifestyle where he taught for 21 years, taking on the various themes, through Stervin Selvadass, founded on the virtues of the Sacred on responsibility for the budget, the our prayer together, readings General Councillor for formation scj Heart: directorship of the Sixth Form Colle- and reflections on the letters - An absolute obedience ge and the leadership of the commu- and availability; nity. - A simple life; - An unfailing kindness. b) Once the Bormio experience My experience of the session ••• So, Father Angelo tried to faithful- was over, he continued to teach ly follow this lifestyle and we can all Maths and Physics at the Sacred • I will tell my experience like a chronicle; better. Fr. Jacky presented to us the Sanc- testify that he managed it. This is the Heart College in Colico for another because, first of all, I’m not good at writing, tuary and the Stations of the Cross. In the message that he leaves us: ten years. and secondly, because the simple story of art of these two sites, there is the whole At the age of 60, Father Angelo the lived experience already conveys what history of salvation. They are places of a) He obeyed promptly when, as made himself available for a radical I want to tell you. We have first discovered meditation, which must be visited several a young priest, he was sent to do a change in his own life by dedicating the Sanctuary of Betharram and we had times, which could surely have been done University course first in Lissone, then himself with a renewed enthusiasm the opportunity to get to know each other by Fr. Garicoits. Then, Ibarre, birth-place of at the University of Rome, where to parish pastoral care in the Diocese

w 8 Nouvelles en famille N. 140, 14 September 2018 17 w whoever says unity, says fraternity! To to play but I did not have the proper from all over the world. The be brothers, all together ... shoes, and a young Ivoirian left me her next day we came back for Venance (Ivorian) own. You understand? I gave so little the International Mass: an ex- and yet received so much in return! traordinary experience. Then I came back from the camp These three weeks were incredible, we with Fr. Gaspar, we reflected delighted: I lived great moments sang, danced, laughed - enormously - on the vows, in particular by of discovery as much by the places worked, prayed, tasted the beauty of going to draw from the source visited as by the meetings. I found a friendship and also the bitter taste of of the profound experience of human richness, smiling and hospitable fatigue, a fatigue that however gave the love of God, manifested in people. The work camp itself was also us a lot of peace. A song comes back Jesus. Our vows have mean- a challenge in the face of sometimes to my mind. It goes, «One drop, Lord, ing only if they are the fruit of technical work, but team spirit and you put in my hands, a single drop that an intimate and profound re- mutual support allowed us to succeed you now ask of me.» I look at my hands lationship with the Lord. With- beyond our expectations. today, Lord, and on the little crucifix out that, they are nothing. I come out of this camp full of hopes, I am wearing on my wrist, I see a little This is one of the illuminations optimism for the future and even more stain of paint remaining. Someone told that I keep preciously from rooted in my Christian faith of sharing, me that the reason was very simple: You this session. simplicity and humility. painted with me, You walked with me, We had visited Cambo and Elodie (French) You danced - surely better than me - but we celebrated Holy Mass in with me! Thank you for these wonders Saint Michael, where his vocation and his the Church where St. Michael himself cel- In Ivory Coast, I experienced this life that You have placed before my eyes. great desires were born and matured. In ebrated so many times. We visited Bay- force - surprising, irresistible, wonderful «Wonder» is a word that we have often discovering his house, his poverty, his “in- onne-where our Saint was ordained a - that is love. When I talk about love, I repeated these days, or better yet, we itial destitution”, we were able to drink at priest. We went to the port, to the precise think back to all the beautiful smiles, sang, sang and proclaimed it, it became the source of our own respective families, place, may be, where Betharramites left the hands of children and women, our motto and I think it was so: we had our origins, our desires and the source of for America in 1856. What a family! What a full of scars and yet so beautiful. And a wonderful experience. I have so many our vocation. This was one of the most lineage! Then, we left for Mendelu (Spain). what about hugs, those eyes full of things to say, but even poets, in front profound moments for me: going back to From there, we went to Loyola and Xavi- amazement, like those of Isaac when of the most beautiful things, cannot my origins. er to taste from our Ignatian source. We he saw a camera for the first time. In find the words. Thank you and thank We had visited Anguélu, where Michel had visited his house where Ignatius was Ivory Coast, the first thing you are told you again to those who allowed me to discovered the God of tenderness; Oneix forged his great ambitions when you arrive is «Akwaba», which experience this Land. I thank the fathers and Saint-Palais, where we discovered the [ gioia ] and where he underwent his means «welcome». I felt welcome, and of Betharram, my family, my travelling house of Fr. Etchecopar and the history convalescence until he gave beloved too, because I received a lot, companions, the African friends I just of him. There, we had himself completely to God. [ commitment ] a lot of good. Africa, if you do not live knew and whom I keep in my heart. understood the impor- We had been in the room where it, you cannot describe it. I saw only a Finally, I thank Saint Michael, who still tance of Fr Auguste who knew how to pre- [ signe ] the Saint had definitely convert- small part of it, and yet it seems I have today encourages us to say «Here I am» serve the spirit of the charism of Saint Mi- ed. At Xavier, we were connect- seen everything, that is to say the without fear. I also wanted to say my chael Garicoits. He is our co-founder. We ed to our missionary dimension. essential. I cannot help think of the last little “Here I am” to Africa and today I also went on pilgrims to Lourdes between Let us never forget that our missionary Sunday with the children of the villages am happy. Forward, always, to Heaven. prayers and conversations, between mo- impulse is the same impulse that animat- without smiling: we had organised a ments of silence and moments of solitude. ed Jesus to live in a state of permanent football match with them, and I wanted Alessandra (Italian) There we shared our faith with people mission. We are simply men full of won-

w 16 Nouvelles en famille N. 140, 14 September 2018 9 w der for Jesus and the Gospel. We are mis- is to reproduce and to manifest the impulse Testimonials entrust him with the rest of our stay. sionaries because we are “of of the Heart of Jesus. of some of the young people We had some problems with the Jesus”. There would naturally [ unidad ] Special thanks to all contributed specially organisation in Côte d’Ivoire, including be a lot more to say. The the donors, formators, councilors to have From my point of view, the summer the integration of young Ivoirians but intercultural experience, [ frères ] this memorable session • Reegan Vincent scj camp was a very rich experience at overall everything went well. the sharing of tasks, the ca- different levels. In conclusion, this experience has pacity to form a community • The session was for me At the humanitarian level, first of all been really good from my point of view all that made the session a key moment in [ disponibilidad ] a rediscovery of “Bethar- we were able to accomplish what we and I am ready to leave for another my training. We are a small, big family that ram” that I believed to intended at Katiola. The infirmary was project in Ivory Coast again or in another desires to be “of Christ” and share with knew, seen this preparation year lived in painted and decorated and a garden country. everyone what makes us happy. • Leandro this same place. Indeed, being part of the was made at the entrance. The chapel Nelly (Ivorian living in France) Narduzzo scj community that welcomes and at the same was thoroughly cleaned of its spider time as a sessionist, I lived the simplicity of nests and the dust that had accumulated Before the arrival of our European • The session was indeed a special oppor- fraternal life and the joy of service. I was all these years. The tree trunks and brothers, I saw in this camp the tunity for me to enrich, share also touched by the reality of the interna- bricks that encumbered the yard, and opportunity of an exchange between and deepen my convictions [ servizio ] tionality of the congregation, through the on which the students might have been cultures, a fermentation and a time of about the consecrated life, “Here I am” of St. Michael Garicoits with injured, were moved and the yard was fraternity. In any case, that was what I the spirituality of St. Michael my brothers from cleaned. Drains were made to prevent was expecting ... My brothers arrived [ préférence ] Garicoits and live the de- different regions, Vi- rainwater from stagnating and even an and this is precisely the journey we [ simplicity ] mands of the dimensions cariates and commu- old pump was restarted. So at this level made together. of our congregation. nities, and presentations of I felt useful even if I wanted to do more. What am I taking back with me? moreover I understood the meaning of Ec- [ love ] their missions in these coun- Unfortunately we only had one week. The exchange between cultures. I have ce-Venio. As per the theme of the session: tries. The fraternal atmos- At the human and relational level also learned new things through these ‘to drink from the same source’ the session phere both with the formators, the session too, we were able to share wonderful exchanges and have been able to give Tooke me to the basic root of our family taking fathers, members of the session, moments. We have been able to forge what we have: joy and love. We return of Betharram. The session revealed to me gave me an inner joy. strong bonds with others; sharing the home happy to know that others are the very identity of Betharram- to be sim- To drink at the source in the footsteps of room, the bathroom and the meal happy too and that they are happy to ple and poor. Each and every minute of the St Michel, in this beautiful village of Ibarre all together has been beneficial to bring with them what they have learned session was indeed worthful to deepen my where nature still breathes it’s a good fra- strengthening our links. Moreover, we from us. understanding of Betharramite. There was grance, it was a time of contemplation, were put in teams of life in a random I learned a lot too. We found joy, enthusiasm, freedom and co-operation meditation and thanksgiving. From Ibarre way which made it possible to better ourselves one day in the bush, lifting to mingle with the participants and forma- can come a Saint, yes a Saint who has discuss and to get to know each other. logs, using paintbrushes, to do DIY tor throughout the session. I realised there opened his heart to Jesus Christ to do Friendships were created and we decoration... These little things helped the language was not a barrier. The stay and his will. Moreover, all the conferences and became a more united group. us to know our place with others; when outing, food was pleasant and memorable beautiful testimonies of our missionary fa- At the spiritual level, we had regular we are with others, we always learn ... one. thers and brothers, allowed me to re-ap- prayer times, including lauds and and when we learn, we always live love I thereby declare the session made me to propriate what is spiritual life (according morning Mass, which we organised and know joy. And with love and joy, we realise that I am blessed to be a part of to the RdV No. 4) which takes into account ourselves in Katiola. In the evenings we will be happy and victorious wherever Betharram family. The lesson that I carry the four dimensions: “the life of prayer, had the common prayer that allowed we are. back home is to live the simple lifestyle and the life of personal consecration, com- us to be able to share together, to say One word to define what we joyful community life. Therefore my mission munity life and the apostolic life“. I give thank you to God for the day and to experienced? I would say ...: unity. But

w 10 Nouvelles en famille N. 140, 14 September 2018 15 w help and placed under guardianship, emphasising serious support and thanks for this exodus lived and the joy of • I remain greatful to God for giving me but as the most important resource creating more encouraging spaces meeting and discovering our “Holy Land”. this opportunity to walk in the footsteps of for a better future, and as the part of for sharing and fraternity. • Habib Yelouwassi scj our founder. I am passionated by St. Mi- society most able to understand the Finally, the pillar of the life of faith. chael’s zeal for the love of God and he kept challenges of the present time. The The meeting with the Other, the Lord • As per the theme of the session “to the love of God alive. Through this session youth meeting gave everyone the Jesus, the God of life, marked the drink from the same source”, I gained a lot I learnt the importance of encountering impetus to face the future with hope beginning and end of each day of the of knowledge on our founder Christ. Because it alone adds meaning to [ valore ] and decision. camp, to remind young people that it S. Michael, his spirituality and my religious life. Now I’m convinced that The second pillar of the experiment is He who calls them to come out of charism. This session also the true happiness is found only in Christ. was to act in solidarity. In the week themselves, to love and to discover guided me to reread my [ humility ] Having found the true way to happy reli- of August 6 to 11, the young people during each day the signs of His vocation story and sing gious life, I wish to become a witness to accomplished various tasks in the love for them. Sunday Masses, lived magnificat to God for the gift Christ as «to bring the same happiness to college of Katiola: repairing the in the Ivorian style of celebration, of vocation. The virtue I wish to carry back others”. • Stephen Banjerd scj chapel, unblocking the channels that filled young Europeans with joy and home and in my ministry is the very identity [ source ] collect rainwater and building new amazement and certainly regenerated of Betharram, “simplicity - being simple and • To live this international ones... their way of standing before the livng a simple life style”. A Betharramite is session with brothers who share the same Divided into 4 groups, of mixed Lord. The exchanges on the life of called to be the ambassador of the virtue of aspirations and who drink from the same nationalities, the young people rolled each group of young people related simplicty. • Andrew Manop scj source, it comforts me and strengthens me up their sleeves without hesitating to Betharram were also profound. in my choice. [...] And in the heart of our before the task. It was a long and Everyone has found suggestions and • At the end of this international session changing world, I want to prefer Christ more hard week for them, but it paid off for incentives to grow in the family of St. rich in emotion and in spirituality, I commit than anything and to share with others the both the college and the fraternity. Michael. These meetings were also a myself to live a daily Pentecost by making same happiness. The fruits gathered at the By getting closer to each other, they great opportunity for us Betharram myself docile to the spirit of God through end of this session are: joy, faith and trust in made the best effort to go out of religious: listening to young people the life of personal and community prayer. God who gave me brothers to love and who themselves, forgetting their own has given us many challenges and the • Hippolyte Yomafou scj gave me the opportunity to live the gospel positions and joining forces to build certainty that they are a treasure which of Christ on a daily basis. • Vincent Didier scj together something that was seen we can embrace as we consider the • I commit myself to live the Gospel, with by all as the work of ‘a group’ and future with determination and hope. an awareness of all that Sequela Christi • This session brought me rich experi- not that of separate individuals. At It is they who sometimes reveal new implies. Sometimes with joy, sometimes ences with lot of challenges and convic- the end of the week, there was a ways that we have not seen. “Always with crosses. I will do this tions. Through this session [ passion ] time of evaluation where everyone forward, to Heaven!” Said St. Michael. by living in a religious [ familia ] I am convinced that my shared with simplicity and truth the This camp was really an opportunity community, living personal life will be meaningful only critical points, the challenges and for everyone to look forward with prayer and sharing the when I give myself totally to God, that is the fruits of the Camp. In all, there renewed confidence. Word with others. May my religious life in a detach from the materialistic world and emerged the desire to renew this kind community be a testimony. attach myself to Christ and His values. I of experience, by further promoting Simone Panzeri scj By living chaste, obedient and poor, wish to live my conviction by giving im- the space of sharing and reciprocal integrated into a reality like that of ‘La portance to prayer, vows, community encounter. This desire to continue Colmena’, I commit to carry this project by life and being available for mission. By the journey together is a stimulus to saying “Here I am”. Without delay, without attaching myself to the God of love, I improve the style of animation among reserve, without return; all for love. Amen. wish to be sign of God’s love to others. young people throughout the Region, • Cristian Romero scj • Shamon Devasia scj

w 14 Nouvelles en famille N. 140, 14 September 2018 11 w • I discovered and meditated the source importance and value a deep relationship Summer Camp in Katiola 2018: TO DARE, TO ACT, TO LIVE and origin places of our religious family, with God in a religious life of in prayer and cultures and living memo- discernment. «To change the world, you first plumbing .... The « other » was the [ vocação ] ries of the congregation. I want to follow Jesus, have to get out of bed!». This was the Ivorian Betharramite communities as This allowed me to better [ identidad ] in conforming more and challenge launched by Pope Francis well. The« other » is God whom we understand the spirit of the Congregation more to Him every day on the Eve of World Youth Day in must discover in the gifts of which to better integrate it into my life as a young through the vows. I renew Krakow 2016. And this is what young He fills the days lived together in the Betharramite religious. Thus, I come out my commitment to this Betharram family Betharramite lay people from France, effort and the joy of fraternity. strengthened in my conviction that it is in by making the vows which help me to Italy and Ivory Coast have taken to To dare to encounter was the Betharram that the Lord has reserved for grow in love and service. • Iran Lima scj heart in living the experience of a first challenge that young people me a place to respond to his plan of love. summer camp in Katiola. ••• embraced. The young people: 6 This vocation can only be realized in a re- • For this project of life to be possible French, 4 Italians and 8 Ivorians ligious community where openness, avail- for me as for the brothers who accompany During two years of preparation immediately set to work to form a ability and sense of responsibility are part me, I commit myself to live faithfully the for this project, (sponsored by the group that was as unitified as possible, and parcel of the fraternal atmosphere. life of personal and community prayer; January 2017 Regional Chapter), in which the sharing and the work done • Joseph Ouedraogo scj and with my brothers, to live the gospel they first committed themselves to together would be real and authentic, where and when Jesus will call us and develop a project of sharing that despite the difficulty of reconciling the • By living these days of session and send us ...And let others could see it as a would take them out of their comfort more individualistic style of European community experience, I discovered the true witness of unity. • Jeferson Silvério, scj zone to « stir themselves » and go out culture with the more open and social to meet other young people of other style of Ivorian culture. The meeting cultures and other countries, and with the Betharramite communities Fruits of our Session grow together as brothers and sisters. of Adiapodoumé, Yamoussoukro They built this project on three and Dabakala, gave them a chance We believe God has chosen us and called us to this very dear family of Betharram to be pillars: to dare to encounter, to act to experience an African familial His sign of God’s love. Through this session, we are convinced of our vocation in the family in solidarity, to live in faith. From July style and to better know the reality of Betharram, and enhanced our desire to love and be part of this family. We also are 31 to August 15, 20 young Africans of Ivorian life with its challenges and convinced that our vocation is meaningful if only we experience and encounter Christ who and Europeans modelled their lives beauties. In each place visited, the is poor, chaste and obedient. Thus we prefer Christ more than anything and imitate Him around these three words, primarily young people took time to listen to through our prayer life, personal consecration, living with our brothers in the community to change the world ... starting from the young people who lived there and and in our mission. themselves and the challenges of learning of their experiences helped To make these convictions a reality, we want to live the following: meeting with the « other » which, if it is them know the richness and freshness Our profound and intensed prayer life: both personal and community prayer. not always easy, is certainly rewarding. of their (Ivorian)gifts. This richness is a Our daily examination of conscience and personal accompaniment. The « other » was represented by gift for our Congregation, and we can The discernment in using the media, technology and other material the stranger to be welcomed, be receive a strong impetus via young things. it European or African, and listen, people to go out and encounter life The frequent evaluation of the personal project. understand the cultural diversity and and venture with hope towards the To live our mission with joy of the Gospel, being a living testimony life experience of each; «the other ». future. As stated in the Instrumentum of Christ. There was also a whole continent to Laboris of the upcoming Synod: Young To live a simple way of life which is the identity of Betharram. discover: Africa, with its beauties and people do not perceive themselves as Thus, we share the same happiness to others. contradictions. The «other » was a disadvantaged category that should also the work of painting, gardening, be protected as subjects needing

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