at seeing the spirit of St Michael alive and comes known it will enlighten us, his thriving in the Congregation: virtue will sanctify us and we shall bear NOUVELLES EN FAMILLE Fr Etchecopar continued: “In spite of the abundant fruits of light and life, in the
NOTICIAS EN FAMILIA year th general in uence of what our Founder course of this century which is growing series, nr 85 September 2013 NOTIZIE IN FAMIGLIA th th used to call le mal du jour, I have noticed darker in its pride and is breaking up in its 14 10 111 that a breath from on high is lifting us and revolutions”. (15 August 1890) FAMILY NEWS carrying us along in the footsteps of our News bulletin of the Congregation beloved Father Garicoits. I am convinced Pierrre Duvignau, SCJ of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Betharram that the better his spiritual doctrine be- (to be continued)
Pensées du R.P. Garicoïts, this booklet was written by Fr Etchecopar from December 1888 to A WORD FROM THE SUPERIOR GENERAL February 1889, drawing from the notes he had taken himself during Saint Michael’s talks and from Saint Michael’s letters. The book will be published in 1890. Betharram through its Regions Sarrance, 1st December 1888. Fr Etchecopar wrote in a letter: and Vicariates “Dear Sister, I am wondering if divine Providence hasn’t brought me here at this point in time to enjoy a peace unknown so far and The Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to put in order some thoughts of Father Garicoits. It will be a small was founded one day in October 1835 when the volume but will be full of the most solid and most generous piety. In this issue rst companions decided to live in community I have written to Betharram about it and I shall wait and see what Page 4 • Saint Michael wrote ... under the leadership of Father Garicoits so as to advice they will give me. I am sure that I shall act wisely and accor- Page 5 • The World Youth Day put into practice what he had been sharing with ding to the will of Heaven. (L1068) them. The community grew and scattered be- 2013 (1) Here the solitude is so deep and the peace so total that I have taken cause of the nature of its mission in the service the resolution to make the best of it to note all the instructions and Page 13 • Narratio fidei... by Father of small colleges or in popular missions in the thoughts of our Founder which I have already collected. And since Michael Garicoits diocese of Bayonne. they continue to encourage me from Betharram to try, I am going Page 16 • Bird’s eye view of the In 1856 a small party set out for Argentina to prolong my stay in this residence at least for some time. (L 1069) Congregation where it formed a community at the service of On 16 February 1889, he completed his work and wrote a fo- Page 17 • Note from the General popular missions and, from 1858 undertook reword: “The content of this booklet is confi dential and only the the service of education in St Joseph’s college Council members of the Congregation should have access to it; it contains in Buenos Aires. In 1861 the community at Page 19 • History of the Rule of – so to speak – only family papers, the echo of the outpourings of Montevideo was founded. From then onwards a Father speaking to his children and words fl owing out of what Life (8) the growth of communities continued in other fi lled his heart”. places in Argentina. Then in 1904 it was the open- ing in Paraguay and in 1935 in Brazil. In order to facil- itate the government of these communities so far away Generalate House from Betharram, the Superior General would delegate a via Angelo Brunetti, 27 Vicar- Father Harbustan, successor to Fr Didace Barbe, 00186 Rome (Italy) called a Provincial. This maintained until 1890 when, af- Telephone +39 06 320 70 96 ter the nal approval of the Constitutions, the rst Amer- ican delegation came into being. Societas Smi Cordis Jesu 85 Fax +39 06 36 00 03 09 B E T H A R R A M 2013 Email - [email protected] www.betharram.net HISTORY OF THE RULE OF LIFE
CONGREGATION OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS OF BETHARRAM 8 – The 1890 Constitution
The 1877 decree of approval concerned members will have a special devotion to the Passion the Institute only and not the Rule. This had and death of our Saviour and for the su erings of the to be presented later on to obtain direct Queen of Martyrs. approval, in view of the changes demand- 6. They will practise and spread devotion for the Way of ed by the Holy See or those which the Con- the Cross. gregation itself might judge useful to add. 7. With great zeal they will establish the practice of the The usual time lapse was 12 years. Rosary. The General Chapter of 1887 speci cally 8. They will have great devotion for St Joseph, patron of asked the Superior General and his Coun- the universal Church and protector of the Institute. cil “to request as soon as possible that Approval for these Constitutions was giv- the Sacred Congregation for Bishops and en by Pope Leo XIII in the decree of 28 Regulars grant the canonical approval of April 1890; this wasn’t the nal approval our Constitutions”. but for a 10 year trial only. “Our Constitu- There were fewer requests for changes tions have been approved but for a ten than in 1877. Part II, entitled Life Style was year trial period, as you know” said Fr Et- divided in two: one part consisted in a checopar to the 1890 Chapter. Nearly all series of chapters dealing with the vows, the modi cations proposed by the Gener- and the second part dealing with the al Chapters – they met every three years practice of the corresponding virtues. – have been approved by the Holy See.” Diversity in the Church, which is a genuine blessing, is to be founded on harmony in unity. The Chapter entitled “Particular devotions To complete the Constitutions a new Like a great mosaique where the pieces mingle so as to form the great plan of God. of the Institute” was reduced in size once Coutumier was composed to which he at- more and the three sections reduced to tached great importance. Between 1930 and 1940 the Congrega- Four years later in 1951 the General eight articles: Speaking in the same Chapter Fr Etcheco- tion knew such expansion that at the 1947 Council modi ed this organisation of the 1. The Institute is called after the name of the Sacred par said: “The Coutumier applies the Con- General Chapter it was decided to create provinces as follows: the French Province Heart of Jesus. stitutions in all the details of our daily life; provinces. There was then the French Prov- remained as in 1947, the Province of St 2. All the members of the Congregation consider this it stresses the scope, the range, the spirit ince constituted by French communities Joseph of Rio de la Plata comprising the divine Heart to be their special model, their treasure and the character. together with the community in Morocco communities in Argentina, Spain, Para- and their heritage, the seal which they must imprint In view of such connections and the impor- and the two communities in the Holy Land. guay and Uruguay; nally the Vice-prov- on their whole life. tance of the Coutumier for us in establish- The Province of Argentina was linked with inces of England, Italy and Brazil. In 1958 3. For motto they will have his cry of devotion: Behold, ing the characteristics of our Fathers and to Spain, that of America was constituted the Vice-province of Italy became a prov- here I come! Let us go! preserve, if I may say so, the primacy of the with the communities in Uruguay, Para- ince in its own right. 4. Every year in all the houses of the Institute the feast of spirit of our early Fathers, we have made a guay and Brazil. The vice-provinces of Italy, The Rule of Life, drawn up in 1969 af- the Sacred Heart will be celebrated with the greatest collection of our habits and customs which England, the mission to China and the Pro- ter the Council Vatican II decided on the solemnity. I am placing in your hands.” cure community depended directly on the creation of delegations, attached directly 5. The birthplace of the Institute is the miraculous shrine He had just published the little book Superior General. to the Superior General or to a Provincial of Our Lady at the foot of the hill known as Calvary, all “Pensees” and he made no secret of his joy
2 • Family News n.85, 14th September 2013 • 19 2013 ANNIVERSARIES
Superior. This is how in 1977 delegations Central-Southern Italy, the Holy Land, 14 10 ans de profession PP. Emmanuel Congo Winonga, Omer Koutouan Nanghy, Arsène of Paraguay and Spain were created fol- Ivory Coast and Central African Republic; Noba, F. Alfred Christian Nandjui lowed by that of Uruguay in 1986 and Father Etchecopar Region with the vicari- 5 ans de profession FF. Marius Huberson Angui, Hya- nally the Holy Land and Ivory Coast. In ates Argentina-Uruguay, and those of Bra- cinthe Ali Konan 1983 came the Vice-province of Paraguay zil and Paraguay; nally the Blessed Mari- 16 Buon compleanno P. Egidio Zoia followed by the transformation of the am Region with the vicariates of England, Bom aniversário P. Wagner Azevedo dos Reis SEPTEMBER mission to Thailand into a Vice-province. Thailand and India. The 2011 Chapter was 18 Buon compleanno P. Romualdo Airaghi The 1999 chapter decided to regroup to fuse the two vicariates in Italy. the (Vice-) provinces and Delegations in With the creation of vicariates and 19 Feliz cumpleaños P. Constancio Lopez Morales 70 años de profesión P. José Gogorza regions: so for example the St Michael Ga- their administration the wish was to de- 20 Buon compleanno P. Livio Borghetti ricoits Region included France, Spain, and velop the unity of the Congregation while Joyeux anniversaire F. Dede Constant Kate Ivory Coast together with the communi- at the same time respecting the cultural 60 ans de sacerdoce P. Henri Lataste ties in Italy, the Holy Land and the Central di erences, to facilitate the inculturation 25 Happy birthday Fr. Vincent Masilamani African Republic (which previously had of the charism. This is how it is explained been attached to Italy). The Father Etche- in the Rule of Life, 2012 edition: To pro- 26 45 anni di professione P. Enrico Mariani 15 anni di professione P. Romualdo Airaghi copar Region grouped the communities mote greater unity, to manifest the life of of Argentina and the vice-provinces Para- the family, and to ensure a more immediate 27 Joyeux anniversaire P. Patrick Moulié F. Vincent de Paul Dimon Worou guay and Brazil; nally the Blessed Mariam and direct animation in regard to di erent 28 Bom aniversário Ir. Francisco de Assis Dos Santos Region was formed with the communities cultures, the Congregation is organised into of the Vice-province of England (formerly Regions (art. 221). Each region is subdivided 29 65 ans de profession P. Jean Lambert a Province in 2001), the Delegation of In- into vicariates which give to our family their 65 años de profesión P. Luis Oteiza dia (founded in 2001) together with the own characteristics and riches (art. 261). 65 anni di professione P. P. Celeste Perlini, Egidio Zoia Vice-province of Thailand. With this new organisation of the Con- 30 Joyeux anniversaire P. Michel Vignau The 2005 General Chapter decided gregation the real aim is to express better (by 25 votes in favour and 1 against) the what Pope Francis was saying in his hom- 1 55 anni di professione P. Carlo Ruti change in the Rule of Life so as to give a ily on 29th June 2013: “diversity in the 3 Happy birthday Fr. Edward Simpson canonical form to this organisation of the Church, which is a genuine blessing, is to Buon compleanno P. Tobia Sosio Congregation in regions. Consequently be founded on harmony in unity. Like a 4 Feliz cumpleaños P. Enrique Gavel articles 116, 227, 228, 229, 235, 252, 253, great mosaique where the pieces mingle 254 were modi ed and became law on so as to form the great plan of God. That is 5 Buon compleanno P. Angelo Paino 1st January 2009. This new organisation something which should help us to over- OCTOBER Joyeux anniversaire P. Gérard Zugarramurdi 50 anni di professione P. Angelo Recalcati in Regions and Vicariates responds to the come any con ict wounding the body 6 Happy birthday Fr. Anthony Britto Rajan wishes expressed in the orientations of of the Church. United in our di erences: Bom aniversário Ir. Eudes Fernandes da Silva the acts of the 2005 General Chapter (Acts there is no other way open to us to be 7 Buon compleanno P. Mario Colombo, P. Davide Villa 40 – 42). faithful to unity. That’s the Catholic spirit, It was the Council of Congregation the Christian spirit: be united in our di er- 8 Feliz cumpleaños P. Enrique Miranda meeting in Bangalore in 2007 which cre- ences. That is Jesus’ way of doing things.” 9 Buon compleanno P. Tiziano Molteni ated the Regions and Vicariates as follows: The Father August Etchecopar Region 12 Happy birthday Fr. Thomas Kelly the St Michael Garicoits Region with the is the most uniform and that for two very Feliz compleaños P. Wilfrido Romero vicariates France-Spain, Northern Italy, good reasons: the Church in Latin Amer-
18 • Family News nr. 85, 14th September 2013 • 3 OF THE CONGREGATION ica and the Caribbean is already used to It didn’t seem ideal either to leave things meeting as in a synod during the Episco- as they were: on the one hand Ivory Coast Betharram is present – tried to discern the cathedral, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart pal conferences and other instances of with France and on the other Central Afri- their Christian vocation and the di erent of Bangkok for getting everything ready and the CELAM. Besides, the di erent realities can Republic with Italy. This is why it was ways to live it. On the agenda: married and the people who provided food for lunch. The of the countries in this part of the world, thought better to make two Vicariates so religious people shared their experience singing has been masterly performed by the are already used to pooling ideas since as to better respect their cultural di er- in a joyful and prayerful atmosphere full girls of Ban Pong center. 1986, with the six meetings of the ELAB ences. of games and songs. The climax of the day (Betharramite meetings in Latin-Amer- The Blessed Mariam Region has organ- was the Eucharistic celebration presided Our Lady of Betharram ► On 3rd August, ica), meetings from time to time of the ised itself in function of language. English by Fr Crispin Villalba SCJ. the Ban Garicoits & Ban Sampran Community Vice-provinces with the Latin-Ameri- is the unifying instrument and even then invited the neighbouring religious commu- can Coordinator, the meetings of young it is limited. It is the newest Region where Vicariate of India nities along with well-wishers and friends to Betharramite religious, not forgetting the there is much life for the Congregation. It Shobhana Shaakha celebrate the feast of our Lady: more than 500 meetings with directors and students. needs to be accompanied by the charis- ► On 22nd July, the faithful turned out to join them. The Mass was As for the St Michael Garicoits Region matic and missionary experience of the community hosted presided by Fr Subancha Yindeengarm. May it is the largest of all, rst by the number hundred years old Vicariate of England. a meeting for the Our Lady of Betharram intercede for all of us of religious as for the distance between Material help and exchange visits by the priests of our con- and God grant us a fruitful and joyful life. the di erent Vicariates. We have not been religious is a genuine result of this Region. gregation residing in able to make one Region out of the two various parts of the Note from the General Council countries: Ivory Coast and Central Afri- Bangalore Archdio- can Republic which are still quite fragile. Gaspar Fernández Pérez, SCJ cese. All the priests ▶ On August 21, the Superior General, with the consent shared their experi- of his Council, presented to the priestly ministry the ence in their particu- deacon Francisco de Assis Dos Santos (Region Fr Au- lar parishes and in guste Etchecopar, Vicariate of Brazil) ; communities. These are the resolutions tak- en during this meeting: All the priests will gather ▶ On August 21, the Superior General approved the ap- at least once in two months; They will study the Rule of Life pointment of Fr. Alessandro Locatelli as Superior of together; They will pray together as one family; They will the community of Milan-Castellazzo and of Fr. An- gelo Riva as Superior of the community of Parma Saint Michael Garicoïts wrote... contribute towards the Common Fund. It was the rst meeting for this academic year. (Region St Michael Garicoits, Vicariate of Italy).
Vicariate of Thailand IN MEMORIAM The great progress which we have made consists in dying to Chiang Mai ► On 27 July 2013, Bros Albert ourselves, to the care which we have for ourselves; we have made Saat Prathansantiphong, Dominic Athit Ka- Mrs Maria José Trameri, sister of Fr. Albino Trameri scj, setsukchai and David Pitak Bi-thu made their passed away during the night from the 16 to 17 the July some progress in self denial and in love of the Cross; we don’t always keep at the age of 83. We pray for her and her family. it in mind although our rules and instructions don’t talk to us about anything nal profession in the family of Betharram. This event took place in the Sacred Heart Ca- else. As a strict minimum we train ourselves to be good religious, but if we On 17 July 2013, Mrs Alphonsine, the mother of Fr Her- thedral, Chiang Mai. A large congregation at- vé Kouamé Kouakou scj, Regional Vicar of the Ivory Coast, are not careful we shall not become apostles. If we only want to do what is tended the ceremony, most of them from the returned to the Lord, after a long illness. Let’s keep Fr Her- usually done, we shall not go far! (M 376) villages where the three brothers are from. vé and his family in our prayer: may the Risen Lord give We would like to thank the Parish Priest of them strength in this time of sorrow.
4 • Family News n.85, 14th September 2013 • 17 BIRD’S EYE VIEW 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Vicariate of France-Spain Fr Gaspar Fernandez Perez, Superior Gener- WORLD YOUTH DAY 2013 (1) Betharram ► On al, gave the homily in French, using the lan- July 28, for the guage of the heart: it was exactly what was WHAT IMPRESSIONS ARE WE TAKING feast of Our Lady of needed in this place and at this time! Sim- AWAY WITH US AFTER THE WYD LAST Betharram, a solemn plicity and gentleness in this simple context! JULY FIRST IN PAULINIA AND THE IN RIO Eucharistic celebra- Just like the Heart of Jesus. DE JANEIRO? Joy, prayer, sharing, mutual tion brought to- welcome, adaptation, sacri ce, weariness. gether in the Shrine Vicariate of Brazil Everything contributed to make these days of Betharram many Sabará ► On August 10th, the betharramite intense and full of meaning. priests and lay peo- missionary community of Sabará held a We possibly spoke little of St Michael du- ple who came to this recollection at the ring this 150th anniversary dedicated to holy place to renew Capuchins’ reli- him but we shared his life style. their faith seeking gious house for 60 It is possible that we didn’t bring out a do- the protection of St. Michael Garicoïts. young people. On cument, but what we have experienced The celebration was presided by the Supe- the agenda: prayer and felt is worth more than a book. rior General, Fr Gaspar Fernandez Perez scj, sessions, prayer- It is possible that no direct mention was and a large number of Betharram Religious ful reading of the made about vocations, but what we went from France, Italy, Spain and Jordan joined Word of God and through was a real “pro-vocation”. him. Many parishioners, pilgrims, priests the Eucharistic Cel- We felt that St Michael was not unknown and well-wishers were also present along ebration, a healthy to the young people; he was a friend who with lay associates of the “Petit Choeur walk in the park spoke words of truth to them and whose Saint-Michael” who led the singing and the and an exhibition life style they had adopted. To be all to- members of the Fraternity “Me voici” who were also on the gether, coming from di erent latitudes, renewed their commitment. schedule. strengthened friendships in an atmosphe- re of genuine fraternity. Pilgrimage to Ibarre ► August 28 - To cel- Ordination ▶ On August 24, in Medeiros The youth and we religious have already ebrate the Jubilee of the 150th anniversary (Minas Gerais), Br Éder Chaves Gonçalves was forgotten the little organisational mishaps, nary. Dear Friends, today the Lord is calling of the death of St. Michael, the traditional ordained as a priest by the laying on of the the inevitable di culties of such a type of you! He is calling you, and you, and you. program has been slightly modi ed: mass- hands of Mons Antonio Carlos Felix, Archbish- experience, the fatigue of long walks, the He is calling each one of you. Listen with es at 7 a.m. and 10,30 a.m; Vespers at 3 p.m. op of the Diocese of Luz. Congratulations! cold and the rain. your heart to what he is saying to you”. followed by the procession to the house of What still remains is the warm smile of wel- What still remains can become the “secret St Michael; the Eucharistic adoration in the Vicariate of Paraguay come in the families, the religious commu- source” which will give life to new deci- church from 12.30 to 14.30 was added to the Asunción ► Saturday, August 10 a meet- nity, the parishioners of Paulinia and the sions and new orientations in the life of programme, followed by the recitation of ing was held to promote vocations among experience of the Church with thousands each one. the Rosary and Benediction with the Bless- the youth; a team of betharramite reli- of outer young people, plus the appeal by Let us now leave the young people and ed Sacrament; the relics of St Michael were gious and lay people organised the event, Pope Francis during the night prayer in Rio the religious who accompanied them, the exposed in his native house throughout the which took place at the “Collegio Apostol- de Janeiro. “Dear Youth, the Lord needs time to tell us about this experience next day. A soft drink at the end of the Mass add- ico San José”. More than 40 boys and girls you! Today he is calling each one of you to month. ed to the festive atmosphere. from di erent parts of the country - where follow him in his Church and to be a missio- Graziano Sala, SCJ
16 • Family News nr. 85, 14th September 2013 • 5 Let us rst take an overall view of to collect money to cover inscription fees I also send you.” Like Our Lord, we are there all these crosses and others besides so as the whole event with Fr Gilberto Or- and travel expenses. Once a month there to do the Divine will. What a mission! to participate in the humiliations, poverty, tellado, Parish Priest of “Our Lady of was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament But what are we sent to? Like our Lord, we and su erings on the cross of my Divine the Beautiful Branch” in Paulinia and to pray for the WYD among other inten- are sent to the Cross of our station in life to Master.” What a marvellous disposition! superior of the Community of Paulin- tions. 40 young people from the parish make the best of it. In a short time one becomes a saint and ia-Sao-Paulo. were enrolled for the WYD for the rst This is how all the states of life should be a great saint by being willing to make the time. Besides, we got ready with the same viewed and we should embrace the crosses best use of our present situation. Good day dear brothers and team and the whole parish to welcome and pains which accompany. This is how Witness the Good Thief: to start with he sisters, faithful readers of the the young pilgrims who were to come we should view our ministries, our teach- was a well-known robber, cursing God, NEF. I am happy to be able to from other countries. What a surprise and ing, our missions and we should embrace then accepting the cross as coming from share brie y with you what what a joy when Fr Gustavo and Fr Mauro all the crosses which litter all our ministries. God himself, nally happy to be associ- the recent WORLD YOUTH asked us to welcome the young Bethar- Are there dangerous crosses which we ated with his God by means of the cross, DAY (WYD) in Rio de Janeiro has meant ramites from Argentina, Paraguay, Italy should try to avoid? Yes, there are but they considering himself unworthy of such an for the Betharramite community and par- and France who also wanted to come for can be pushed aside: “I desire to support honour. ish of Paulinia, beginning with the prepa- the WYD. The general idea was to use the ration at Paulinia to the events which we pre-WYD days to re ect on the 150 years are enjoying today. since the death of our founder Saint Mi- My prayer... We started preparations last year as soon chael Garicoits. as the person responsible for the Youth All six communities from the parish got from the Archdiocese of Campinas an- down to work. General mobilisation: or- nounced that each parish would wel- ganisation of the families who were go- come groups of young people coming ing to welcome the visitors, teams for the from other countries for a missionary kitchen, preparation of the programme experience in the week leading up to the for the Missionary Week with celebra- WYD. This week was known as “Mission- tions, conferences, cultural and sportive ary Week”. To this end our archdiocese events, festivities, visits, transport, prepa- drew up a programme including reli- ration of the meeting place for the pre- gious, sporting and cultural activities as WYD, etc. When the great day arrived we well as visits to the families. welcomed 30 young Betharramites: Fa- My Lord, Father Aurelio, Deacon Chiquinho (Fran- thers, religious and laity. I desire to take up my cross as I follow in your footsteps. cisco de Assis Dos Santos) and myself de- The pre-WYD week was very touching. It It is the cross which is offered to me every day, cided that our parish couldn’t be absent was a source of pure joy for the youth of and not one which I would like to make for myself. from such an event. So we got into the the parish and for the parish community, Through my daily sufferings preparations too. Thank God, we were principally for those who had accompa- you are admitting me to your Kingdom. able to have the help of an extraordinary nied the preparation of the week at close Do not allow my sufferings to make me complain. team. We assembled the youngsters and hand, but also for our religious communi- On the contrary: may they help to save me; when we told them about our plan, they ty at Paulinia. The enthusiasm of Fr Aurelio Give me the strength to accept them; joined with us with enthusiasm. We be- and Deacon Chiquito during those days is Give me real happiness in the midst of the thorns; gan to work with them: meeting to re- worth mentioning. It is also worth noting Oh Jesus Christ, grant me the grace to share in your Cross. ect on the WYD, to organise activities the speed with which the youth here and
6 • Family News n.85, 14th September 2013 • 15 And what about those who grumble about without asking for a change in her situa- those coming from abroad were quickly ans, Italians and Paraguayans it was an the cross. For St Paul they are enemies of tion, happy and contented as she is in the integrated. There were those speaking explosion of joy. The return of the youth the faith; they are renouncing it, they are situation which Divine Providence has cho- Spanish, others Italian or French or Por- coincided with the week’s preparation for denying it in a manner of speaking. How sen for her. Obedient like when the Angel tuguese. So what! Everyone understood the feast of Our Lady of Betharram. The many renunciations of the faith? What are greeted her as Mother of God, and always thanks to the language of music, dance, young shared with us what they had lived we complaining about? To be on the way saying “Behold the handmaid of the Lord” hugging, smiles, games, prayer or simply during the WYD, this during our week day to heaven? I have just received a letter perfectly obedient to the will of God. sharing a meal together or celebrations. Masses. They were successful in transmit- from a Daughter of the Cross. In it she says Our mission is to imitate her and not to It was a pleasure seeing the youngsters ting to us all the enthusiasm and spiritual how happy she is in her vocation, even in say: “I want to please; here I am displeas- sharing all those happy moments as if strength which they felt during the previ- the midst of all the thorns she nds there ing. Therefore I want to change residence. they were friends from long ago. ous week at Rio de Janeiro. and which she says are inevitable. What a I want to do good, so I must change work. On Saturday 20 July at Campinas we The WYD brought a breath of fresh air wealth of teaching in a few words! I must nd employment elsewhere. We had the celebration of Mass to send the and a new spirit to our parish. Our young Yes, yes, the cross everywhere: it is the should be saying: “Where I am is where young pilgrims on their way to the WYD people are full of life, enthusiasm and are eternal law, necessary, merciful, whether God wants me to be; behold the hand- together with the participation of all longing to serve the Church in a mission- you view it from God’s angle or from our maid of the Lord! Be it done unto me ac- the parishes in the archdiocese. It was a ary spirit. There is something else strik- own. You run away from it in vain, it is to cording to thy word!” beautiful celebration and marked the be- ing: although we spoke little about the be found everywhere for it is the cross It’s not unusual to feel tempted in the op- ginning of the WORLD YOUTH DAY. On spirituality of St Michael Garicoits, they which saves; unfortunately, not everyone. posite direction. Everybody is tempted. Sunday evening the young people from now want to hear more about his life, Everybody has the cross but in di erent I’ve often felt like that myself. More than the parish set o for Rio de Janeiro, ac- his charism and on the Congregation. ways. There are those who want it and once I have pictured to myself my little vil- companied by Fr Aurelio and Chiquinho. This is the result of the time spent with those who refuse it; there are those who lage Ibarre, with its poor little church, the The young Betharramites caught up with the young Betharramites and with the accept the cross and adore it; there are fountain whose waters I can still see, and them on Monday morning. They were religious who visited us. This is a unique others who carry it in spite of themselves. the old Father who I would be so happy brimming over with enthusiasm and possibility given to us and which we must These latter su er without merit, they in- to see again and the sister who Providence happiness encouraged by what they had make the best of. crease the pain, and by tear strewn paths has kept for me. I was tempted to say to experienced during the pre-WYD days, Fr Aurelio has already begun working are heading for hell. There are those who the Bishop: “Pick another superior and impatient to live through something with the young people by assembling are happy in the midst of sorrows just like let me leave. There would have been no unique in their lives, and the thought of them so that what was sown during those that simple Daughter of the Cross. car at Ibarre but I wouldn’t have needed meeting Pope Francis together with hun- days of the WYD will not die but bear fruit If it was permissible to complain now and one in any case. When I would have had dreds of thousands of other young peo- not only in them but in other young peo- again it should be for lack of big crosses; to dig the ground I would have felt strong ple. They were also aware that they were ple of the parish. The young people are Who would dare to grumble and complain enough with just some soil. going to have a spiritual meeting with Je- already dreaming about the next WYD in about the little crosses linked to our sta- That poor little church, so bare and neglect- sus as they had never had before. Mean- Poland in 2017. God willing we shall be tion? Is this not a common failing? Woe be- ed! I would have gone begging for mon- while we who remained at home in the there too! tide the person who doesn’t love or share ey to decorate it. That would have been parish, we experienced the WYD thanks the cross of Jesus Christ! He will still su er, enough to keep a man busy. But I always to the media and during our Masses and he will su er even more and without regarded such images as temptations. If by praying for the meeting and for our merit, risking su ering eternally in hell. I believed that this was God’s will I would young people. Take a look at the Blessed Virgin at the foot have left everything and set out at once. If the trip to Rio was touching the return of the Cross; she is standing, su ering in- Let’s listen to the words of the Divine Master was no less so. When our young parish- describable pain, without a murmur and to his disciples: “As my Father has sent me, so ioners met up with the young Argentine-
14 • Family News nr. 85, 14th September 2013 • 7 NARRATIO FIDEI OVER TO THE YOUNG PILGRIMS... ers and sisters. Italians, Paraguans, French, of Father Michael Garicoits Argentineans and Brazilians. Everyone was Poliana (Brazil) speaking in his own language but we were At the age of a PHOTO-MONTAGE the NEF has taken the bold decision to Isn’t it great to be all together, spreading the same happiness to be mis- imagine or rather to reconstruct a narratio by our Founder. The pas- to get to know other young sionaries following and announcing the sages in his correspondence are few and far between where St Michael people, and young Bethar- Lord. In that marvellous city called Rio de gives us some intimate impressions of his own life story. But when it co- ramites from all over the world, Janeiro things were even better: a huge to share the same faith and carry it out crowd on the beach at Copacabana were mes to Cross and temptations, he openly shares his feelings. Here then is in the streets! This is what the WYD real- rejoicing, praying, awaiting the joy of see- a “Narratio fidei” by Father Garicoits with the complicity (yet without ly means and much more besides for the ing and hearing the Pope himself for the the consent) of his biographer, Father Basilide Bourdenne. youth of Vibra (Vicariate of Brazil) rst time we shall never forget his presence We met up at Paulinia, Sao Paulo, for the so close to us, nor what he had to say. As “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and pre-WYD where we were delighted by the young Betharramites we want to make follow me”. (Luke 9,23) welcome in the local Betharramite com- ours what Francis said to us at the closing munities. For the majority of us this was Mass: “Go forth without fear, to serve for “Here is an important teaching, this is a great mystery I am proposing; and so as to understand it well our rst meeting. Yet we were received like the real missionary becomes the servant of come and meditate on it on Calvary at the foot of our Saviour’s cross. There you will see two actions children, friends and like the young broth- all”. Here I am, Lord! Send me! totally opposed which the Father is performing at the same time: he is there practicing his mercy and his justice; he is punishing and at the same time forgiving sin; he is taking revenge and at the same time being reconciled; for the love of criminals he strikes his Son who is innocent and at the same time forgives criminals for the love of his Son who is innocent. Oh Justice! Oh mercy! Who has thus assembled us? It is the mystery of Jesus Christ, it is the foundations of his glory and of his elevation on the Cross to have reconciled in his body these two attributes mercy and justice. (...) Learn this way, Christians, how and in what spirit you should receive the cross. It’s not enough to su er, for who goes through life without su ering? It’s not enough to be xed to the cross; many are there already, like that unrepentant old thief, who are far from the Cruci ed Lord. For some the cross is a great favour, for others it’s a form of revenge; all this depends on what use we make of the cross. Take note, Oh you whom Jesus is trying, and make up your mind in which of these two categories you wish to be: and so that you make a wise choice, see in a few words the appearance of both who are going to be sharers of this speech”.
(Extract from the Second Sermon for the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross by Bossuet)
Narratio... Is it not an act of Faith to addressing everyone. It is therefore a gen- enter heaven by the Cross? But by which eral rule, necessary and inevitable, says St Brian Barrionuevo (Argentina) From the start it was obvious that we were Cross? You must take up your cross, says Je- Paul. It is necessary, it is necessary. So what, We arrived in Paulinia with united when we had to leave the bus sus Christ, meaning the cross of one’s station Oh Great Apostle, is the way into heaven a our Italian brothers and we re- which was blocked in the entrance. We and not the cross we are making ourselves. path of tribulations! And why is the Apostle ceived a wonderful welcome! all began to push the bus in all directions. This is something which concerns everyone speaking like this to the early Christians? To Songs, dances, colours, and JOY. We understood at once that our union without exception. Our Saviour Jesus was consolidate them in their faith.
8 • Family News n.85, 14th September 2013 • 13 the language but we still had something WYD is engraved on my memory and has nd your group in the middle of 3 million in common: we all spoke the language of convinced me that we can build a better individuals? It’s not crazy, it’s the hand of love, Christ’s language. There was no lan- world. The rst thing we must rid ourselves God! guage barrier, no culture, no tradition, no of is fear and God will take care of the rest. There I understood that God wanted to colour, nothing to prevent us from chat- Neither money nor other earthly goods can see us. Distance isn’t a problem and if we ting together. The joy and enthusiasm of buy this, because God’s love and the will to met up in the course of this adventure it’s the young pilgrims was palpable. Songs, succeed are incredible. This is why he mani- never to be separated. cries even tears of joy and emotion! It was fests himself through people like Pope Fran- I understood what it means to “make dis- a climate totally di erent from what we are cis and people like us from the whole wide ciples in all countries”. accustomed to every day. Quite impossible world, to show the world that we believe in For this reason and many others besides not to be happy nor to greet those we met. someone who is in heaven, and who loves I thank God for having met them, and of Quite impossible not to feel the presence of us with all his heart; someone capable of as- having walked part of the way with them Christ incarnate in each one there. But the sembling the youth of the whole world to and leaving my foot print. moment when I had the certainty that He give us his message and show us how lucky Thank you very much. Amen. was actually working along with the patron we are. An incredible experience, fantastic, saints of the WYD was when Pope Francis exhilirating – I’m running out of adjectives! Michele Arosio (Italy) began to speak. I have never heard any- There are no words to describe what it’s like It’s never easy to resume one’s thing like his voice – so soft and yet able to to have such an experience. There is still everyday life after such an communicate with us. I thought “How close the duty to communicate everything the experience! Especially when the Pope must be to Jesus to be Pope!! Pope said and everything that Jesus said to was going to last for the duration. such an experience is the WYD in Rio, How he must be like him! In a word, it is the each one in a special way. Christians must A few days later our French and Paraguay- something very special because we were Lord himself but under another appear- change the world; Christians WILL CHANGE an brothers joined us and the family was with other young pilgrims coming from ance whose choice has fallen on Francis. An the world. complete. During the week prior to the di erent countries – Betharramite pil- incredible choice!“ That’s WYD all the stories which we shared with grims. how it is; Christ chooses our hosts are buried in our hearts. I shall remember this summer because of us, calls us, calls us to be We reached Rio nally. Several of us had the huge number of experiences I enjoyed his disciples to evangelise, a nice surprise which was not necessarily and the great number of people I met. To- and to bring him where what we were expecting, but this didn’t day my heart is greater than ever. people have greatest need deter us. We went FORWARD. FORWARD Even before setting out I was undecid- of him; we realise that by ALL THE TIME! ed and terri ed at the journey. 9000 km trusting in his love and his During the WYD we split up according to is enough to frighten anyone! No sooner divine grace we can do a nationality to follow the di erent activ- had we arrived in Paulinia than I under- lot. I have experienced this ities, the Italians on one side, the Brazil- stood that this was no ordinary journey.... great love of God in each ians and Spanish on the other. Yet during the welcome, the singing, the dances all passing moment. What those days something extraordinary hap- showed us the joy of the meeting! The the Pope was saying was pened. Although we followed di erent rst week made an impression on me, captivating, touching. He routes, sooner or later we met up with seeing so many South American young left us with the desire to our friends again, whether in the train, people full of enthusiasm at the prospect do something and to re- on the underground or on the beach at of following Christ. To be able to share this alise it. Every day of the Copacabana. Don’t you think it’s crazy to with the Fathers gave me fresh impetus to
12 • Family News nr. 85, 14th September 2013 • 9 share this also with the young Italians. Yes, was the Stations of the Cross. There were following Christ is an amazing experience! a million of us, all nationalities, packed like All these feelings were con rmed during sardines, under the rain, on the beach at he week at Rio – millions of young peo- Copacabana. And yet that is where I felt ple, ready to sing, tireless, rushing to “something”. be as near as possible to Jesus and During the Stations of the Cross, to catch the least message from at each station a meditation was Pope Francis – sign of their will- proposed on present day pro- ingness to live really of Christ blems which we young people and with Christ. are sure to meet. The mingling of colours, At the last station, each con- songs and dances! A new and tinent was entrusted with a unique way of being faithful mission. Here is ours: “May to one’s faith, something hard- Europe get over this destruc- ly ever seen in Italy, and which I tive wave of secularisation, would love to see every day! thanks to the courageous pro- All can be resumed in the three clamation of our Faith”. phrases which the Holy Father left us: Go! Without fear! Serve! Especially this “without fear”, cou- My name is Marie Silvana rageously! Christians are courageous. Godoy Bonini (Paraguay). I am They don’t panic at the sight of di erenc- 17 years of age and I was es, refusals, di culties. Just like at Rio: o lucky to be present at the we went and we talked to everybody. We youth WYD is World Youth Days in Rio de Janeiro. This shouted our joy of belonging to Christ! from the so di erent was a unique and incomparable experi- It’s not easy. Today society is trying to chill whole wide world from what we are ence, like all the WYD. But this particular our faith, but after you’ve been to Brazil I and the meeting with Pope used to; everyone is open one was very special and impressive. First can tell you that united we are strong! Let’s Francis. A joyful meeting! For me this was an to the others; you talk to everyone about of all because Blessed Chiara Luce Badano, support each other; let’s live our faith in unforgettable experience. When the Pope everything without any fear. You can spend who departed this life at 18 years of age af- communion; let’s trust our brothers! What speaks it is with utter simplicity which tou- days that seem unbearable with the cold, ter a life of incredible holiness, patron of the I have received during those two weeks I ches us to the heart especially us the youth. rain, or lack of sleep, yet to us they seem fan- event. A real example to follow! Secondly would love to have every day! He makes us long to get out then and the- tastic. It’s an experience to be lived through because I was able to stand near Pope Fran- re without further ado. Here is a quotation at every WYD, to be encouraged and to help cis. To be standing there was just like being from his homily at the closing Mass: “Dear your neighbour to discover. in Heaven; quite simply moving. To be there Camille Bartels (France) young people, Jesus Christ relies on you! and see that so many individuals, especially The word which best sums up The Church relies on you! The Pope relies the young, were there for a single reason: my WYD is perhaps “meeting”. on you! May Mary, the Mother of Jesus and Aude Fioc (France) Christ and the Successor of Peter. We were A meeting with one’s self, with our Mother accompany you always with her “Take up your cross and follow the youth of 5 continents, with di erent my group, with the young Betharramites tenderness:” “Go now and make disciples of me!” The thing which made languages, cultures and traditions. Some- from di erent countries, a meeting with the all nations” Of course the atmosphere in the the deepest impression on me times things got complicated because of
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