JULY 2020  no 13

ligious and lai News Re ty

th AAof the Assumption e same mission

EDITORIAL Taking care of each other

"The epidemic has made us take care of each other. It teaches us to take care of our brothers as God takes care of each one of us." >> Official

Agenda Our Superior General celebrates 25 years of priesthood Plenary General Council

• n° 7 : December 3-12. 2020, in On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the priestly of Nîmes (). Fr Benoît Grière, which took place on 4 June 1995 in Epernay (France), • n° 8 : June 1-11, 2021. our Superior General received a special blessing from Francis :

Ordinary General Councils

• n° 23 : September 7-22, 2020. • n° 24 : October 27-30, 2020. • n° 25 : December 16-18, 2020. • n° 26 : February 1-5, 2021. • n° 27 : March 22-26, 2021. • n° 28 : May 10-14, 2021. • n° 29 : June 14, 2021.

***

APPOINTMENT OF PROVINCIALS

Fr. Benoît Grière, Superior General, with the consent of his Council, appointed :

- Fr. Dennis Gallagher, Provincial Superior of North America, for a second triennium beginning on June 21, 2020 ;

- Fr. Benoît Bigard, Provincial Superior of Europe, for a second mandate, beginning on July 1, 2020.

NOMINATION OF THE SUPERIOR FOR THE COMMUNITY IN Fr. Benoît Grière, Superior General, with the consent of his Council, named : Fr. Marcelo Marciel, local Superior of the General House approval for the opening of: FORMATOR AGREEMENT in Rome for a second triennium a 2nd community in Beni, called Fr. Benoît Grière, Superior General, beginning on June 12, 2020. Mupanda (DR-Congo, Province of with the consent of his Plenary Africa); General Council, gave his approval the house of Nasandratrony for the nomination of Fr. Jorge Rojas OPENING OF HOUSES (Province of Madagascar); Garcés as superior of CIFA of Buenos Fr. Benoît Grière, Superior the house of Catumbela (Angola, Aires (Argentina, Andean Province). General, with the consent of his Province of Brazil). Plenary General Council, gave his

2 n JULY 2020 n no 13 Editorial <<

Taking care of each other

he Covid-19 outbreak showed how of confinement and quarantine? Have fragile our human existence is. We we remained open to others? Have we Tknew it, but we’ve relearned the been in solidarity with those whose obvious: we’re mortal. The pandemic daily lives we share? Have we remained has not only revealed our weaknesses, connected to the world and to those who but it has also created a treasure trove of have suffered most from this epidemic? solidarity and assistance. Each country I have greatly appreciated the various has been able to illustrate, through initiatives that have fostered closeness concrete examples, the dedication of and the exchange of news. The number caregivers but also the courage of those of communities that have improvised a who remained faithful to their posts, service of Eucharistic celebration through and also the closeness to those who YouTube or various digital media is were isolated. , religious men and impressive. Many spontaneously phoned women, and members of our Church paid the brothers of other communities to get a heavy price for the illness by showing news. I am very happy about all this. their closeness to the sick. Fr. Benoît Grière Religious life can reinforce indifference Superior General It is too early to know what the “world and even selfishness. We are accustomed of the Augustinians of after” the pandemic will be like. First of to living together, but sometimes in the Assumption all, as I write this editorial, we do not yet our houses we delegate easily to those know when it will be defeated. Some who are duly mandated by their official talk of a second wave or a resurgence responsibilities. The superior decides, of contagion. Others are anticipating the bursar buys what is necessary and the discovery of a vaccine that will keep maintains the house... I prefer the attitude the world safe or a cure that will cure advocated by the Rule of Life which the sick. We can remain confident in makes each one of us responsible for the resources of our humanity and its the smooth running of community life. intelligence, but that’s probably not the The epidemic is teaching us anew to point. be attentive to one another. It teaches us to take care of our brothers as God The epidemic has made us take care of takes care of each one of us. Caring is a each other. First by taking care not to beautiful mission; it is at the heart of our carry and transmit the virus. We kept religious commitment. I hope that we a cautious distance; we multiplied the will continue to care for our elders, our gestures of cleaning our hands; we loved ones, our friends in the Covenant. sometimes wore a mask. Of course, this I also hope that we will strengthen our was for our own protection but also for solidarity so that we may be ever more the protection of others. witnesses to the Kingdom that is coming.

Taking care of the brother is for me the While for some the time of vacation primordial teaching that we can learn is approaching, and while others will from this health crisis. “What have you continue their pastoral service, I invite done with your brother? “ is God’s each one to take care of himself and to question to Cain. What have we done make the concern for others grow.n with our brothers during this long period

3 >> Official Calls, nominations, changes...

Father Benoît Grière, Superior General, 25) KAKULE KALEMBERYA Moïse with the consent of his Council, has called: (Africa) (4-21-2020) 26) MUYISA BORA Mumbere ■ TO PERPETUAL PROFESSION (Africa) (4-22-2020) 27) BAKAMARHE CIZUNGU Élie 1) KAMBALE SABWIRA Jean-Marie Vianney (Africa) (4-22-2020) (Africa) (4-20-2020) 28) KAKULE MAHAMBA Nicolas 2) KATEMBO SIWATHULA Anicet (Africa) (4-22-2020) (Africa) (4-20-2020) 29) BWAMBALE NYENZE Jackson 3) AKPO DOVI Augustin (Africa) (4-22-2020) (Africa) (4-20-2020) 30) RASOLONIAINA Dieudonné Frédéric 4) GNOM PAGLAM-LONG Pierre (Africa) (4-22-2020) (Africa) (4-20-2020) 31) AISSAH AKOULE Ignace 5) RAKAJIHARISON Alain Félix (Africa) (4-22-2020) (Africa) (4-20-2020) 32) KASEREKA MUMBERE Zéphyrin 6) KANTCHIRE Augustin Bernardin (Africa) (4-22-2020) (Africa) (4-20-2020) 33) TRAN QUOC Cuong 7) RIRI Léonce Edson (Europe) (5-20-2020) (Africa) (4-20-2020) 34) ANDRIAMASILALAINA Jean Lucien Adrien 8) BINIDI (Madagascar) (6-17-2020) (Europe) (5-18-2020) 35) RAKOTONIARIVO Jacquis NGUYEN MANH Hung Joachim 9) (Madagascar) (6-17-2020) (Europe) (5-18-2020) 10) NGUYEN VAN Dung Joseph ■ TO THE PRIESTHOOD (Europe) (5-18-2020) 36) WANYONYI MUKOLWE Alfred 11) NGUYEN VAN Thang Antoine (East Africa) (4-23-2020) (Europe) (5-18-2020) 37) SILILIO MATONG’WA Ignatius 12) NGUYEN VAN The Jean-Baptiste (East Africa) (4-23-2020) (Europe) (5-19-2020) 38) KASEREKA MUSAVULI Moïse 13) THAI VAN Thanh Paul (East Africa) (4-23-2020) (Europe) (5-19-2020) 39) KILOKOTA MOLO Musondoli 14) TRAN KHAC Tram Pierre (East Africa) (4-23-2020) (Europe) (5-19-2020) 40) KIENTEGA Remi-Clovis 15) TRAN KHAC Truc Jean Baptiste (Europe) (5-20-2020) (Europe) (5-19-2020) 41) KIM Myoung-Ho Vianney RAFANOMEZANTSOA Simon Jean Richard 16) (Europe) (5-20-2020) (Madagascar) (6-16-2020) TALAKE Paul-Martin SOANANAMBINA Mahonjo Laurent 42) 17) (Europe) (5-20-2020) (Madagascar) (6-16-2020) KATEMBO KAMERA Dalmon TIENDREBEOGO Justin Wendyam 43) 18) (Madagascar) (6-17-2020) (Madagascar) (6-16-2020) KATEMBO VULIME Jean Bertrand TONGASOA Sambevoatse Jean Félix 44) 19) (Africa) (6-23-2020) (Madagascar) (6-16-2020) 45) TEMBO KATALIKO Philémon ■ TO THE DEACONATE (Africa) (6-23-2020) 20) NJARANIAINA Raphaël José Mario 46) KAKULE KALENGEHYA Jean-Pierre (Africa) (4-21-2020) (Africa) (6-23-2020) 21) MUMBERE MULYANGASU Michel 47) MUHINDO KAGHENI Jean-Bosco (Africa) (4-21-2020) (Africa) (6-23-2020) 22) KAMBALE KATUSELE Barthélemy 48) MUGOLVYA VISSO Luc (Africa) (4-21-2020) (Africa) (6-24-2020) 23) MBOUNGOU Eriel Kermeliss 49) KAMBALE Benjamin (Africa) (4-21-2020) (Africa) (6-24-2020) MPOZEMBIZI SSENTONGO Joachim 24) 50) MBUSA KITAMBALA Kizito (Africa) (4-21-2020) (Africa) (6-24-2020)

4 n JULY 2020 n no 13 Plenary General Council << A “virtual” session for real questions

Due to the global health crisis, the 6th session of the CGP had to be held at a distance, by videoconference. Here is an echo of the exchanges that it did, however, allow.

his was the lot of thou- the Provinces: it was impor- sands, and perhaps mil- tant, not only to learn about the Tlions of people and joys and sorrows of the reli- groups who wanted and still gious, communities and works, want to communicate in a time but also to support each other of confinement: using modern in such a complicated context! means, especially the Inter- This is how the Province of net, to talk simultaneously to Europe lost two members who several interlocutors, simply died of coronavirus. And every- to exchange news or to hold one was able to deplore all the meetings at a distance that were events that had to be postponed made impossible by external or even cancelled: meetings of As usual at CGP, there was factors. Since last March, the councils, sessions and commis- no shortage of formation issues. whole planet has finally had this sions, professions and ordina- And a very encouraging point experience: it only takes a tiny tions, retreats or pilgrimages, was made regarding the two Vi- virus to paralyse almost all our everything was put off to better cariates (West Africa and Asia- activities on a global scale! days, which no one is able to Oceania) created last January date! within the Province of Europe. The Assumption has not es- The economic dossier could caped it, and the most spec- In such a context, the eco- not fail to be addressed, espe- tacular sign of this to date is nomic situation of many of our cially the approval of the 2019 the suppression of the meeting brothers has become precarious, accounts of the Generalate and that the Plenary General Coun- especially where our resources the adoption of the Assumption cil was to hold from June 2 to depend exclusively on donations Solidarity Campaign for 2021 10 in Worcester (United States): from the faithful (parishes), (see box on page 7). it is impossible to fly from one the running of our institutions continent to another, and it is (schools, universities...) or the Concern for our future, in forbidden to enter this country payment of rents. At the level fact, has never been overshad- which is itself in the grip of the of certain Provinces and of the owed by the difficulties of the pandemic. Father General, with Congregation as a whole, it is present. This is how the foun- the agreement of his Council, also the hazards of international dation projects were discussed, had to find a replacement plan: finance which can have seri- those of North America in Texas it was three afternoons of video- ous consequences on our assets. (in El Paso) and those of Brazil conferencing, from June 1 to This very unstable situation has, and Africa in Angola (in Catum- 3, which obviously could not moreover, given rise to two let- bela). And the opening of new replace ten days of meetings ters to the whole Congregation: houses in the Congregation was “in person”, but which made it the first was a message of com- decided (see page 2): the As- possible to share news and to fort and hope from Father Gen- sumption is definitely going take the most urgent decisions eral, the second a call from the ahead! together. An important part of CGO to be attentive precisely to these “virtual” exchanges was our economic conditions. in fact dedicated to news from 

5 >> Plenary General Council

Let us be more First encouraging and visionary in our apostolic appointments nominations. Let us not be content to fill The “first apostolic appointment” of every “in the gaps, but let religious at the end of his formation is fixed us create something within the framework of the CGP, according new » to a decision of the 32nd General Chapter (2011), and published at the time of priestly ordination (for religious brothers: at perpetual This is also the impe- profession). tus that Father General gave in his address to the CGP: Nous publions ici les nominations reçues par les religieux ordonnés “We must take advantage of prêtres depuis un an (la Province indiquée est celle qui a présenté le frère this pandemic to review our à l’ordination). ways of doing things and also change certain behav- iors. This will require time North America intercultural dialogue, as well as and patience. “And to launch youth ministry, on the basis of an appeal to the Provincials: Jean-Bosco KAMBALE parish implantation. “Let us be more encouraging KANYAMA: Quebec, for ministry and visionary in our nomina- in Montmartre. Duong PHAN VAN François- tions. Let us not be content Xavier : Montpellier for parish to fill in the gaps, but let us Europe ministry. create something new. Let us take time to look at the signs Lidaou Armand FAWIE: Vianney Myoung-Ho KIM: of the times and interpret West Africa, in priority for parish Cachan, to prepare a licentiate them together to work for the ministry and the world of young on St. Augustine (Centre Sèvres, Kingdom of God. (...) The ju- people. ), before returning to Korea. bilee of 175 years of the As- sumption is disrupted by the Seong Jo Christophore Remi Clovis KIENTEGA: health situation, but we can JEONG: Gwangju, to consolidate Valpré for the community, youth show our fidelity to the King- the foundation in Korea and ministry, vocations ministry and dom of God in many differ- contribute to its development. the Covenant. ent ways. The old times have gone, new times have already Rex Christus NAVARRO: Madagascar been born.» Manila (Pavel House) for one year, As for the next meeting of while preparing the foundation Alphonse the CGP, it has already been in Digos (Southern Philippines), RANDRIAMIZAKA: Community fixed: it will be in Nîmes, next where he will be appointed in July of Antananarivo, as trainer. December, to mark the end of 2021 to the service of the pre- the jubilee of 175 years of our novitiate, in a parish context, with Jean-Pierre RADIMILAHY: Congregation... Let us hope emphasis on youth ministry and Formator at the Novitiate of that the health situation of the service of the poor. Sokodé (Togo). planet will allow the mem- bers of the Council to go on Thomas Messan AHOLOU: Jean-Paul such a pilgrimage to the place Community of Lomé to contribute RAZAFIMAHATRATRA: of our birth! to the mission of this foundation Formator for the postulants in P. Michel KUBLER at the service of ecumenical Tuléar. Secretary General dialogue, interreligious and

6 n JULY 2020 n no 13 Europe << Solidarity The Assumption in leaves Toulouse

Assumption The decision to close the last Campaign Assumptionist community has affected the diocese of Toulouse, where our 2021 congregation was present for many years and in many forms. Here is the tribute uring its “virtual” session of June 2020, the CGP de- that was posted on the diocesan website Dcided that the Solidarity in regarding this beautiful story. Assumption campaign will be in 2021 to finance the purchase of a vehicle for the community of the page is turning for the community of Assumptionists, postulancy of Katendere (RD- who will leave Toulouse this summer. Our disciples Congo, Province of Africa): this A of Augustin, who live faith, prayer and apos- is an urgent need, because of the tolate in community, have been called to carry out new mis- very poor state of the roads in this sions. Fr. Rigobert Paluku Kipandauli, after the end of his city and region, the tracks being mission, will return to the Congo to teach philosophy. Fr. impassable without suitable equip- Alain Marchadour will leave for a well-deserved retirement ment, especially in times of rain. in the Assumptionist community of Layrac (Lot-et-Garonne), This project is supported by while for Fr. Daniel Tedeschi, a decision has not been final- our Bureau of Development and ized. Fr. Joseph Begoc, will rejoin the community of the boat Solidarity (BDS), but it generally chapel of Je sers in Conflans Sainte-Honorine, in the diocese struggles to find funds for this type of Versailles. As for Brother Kakue Lutaliko, he will finish of need from aid agencies. Hence his studies in Paris. the generosity of the Congregation is necessary. The history of the Assumptionists in Toulouse Let us recall that for the current The Augustinians of the Assumption (AA), also called the year 2020, this same campaign is Assumptionists, were founded in Nîmes in 1845 by Fr. Em- being made for the construction of manuel d’Alzon. Fifty years later, in 1893 to be exact, the re- a bridge to facilitate access to our ligious of the Assumption settled in Toulousse in the alleys of school and postulancy in Bibwa Garonne (Charles-de-Fitte). They took on a variety of works (Kinshasa region, Prov. of Afri- (a home for students, a group home) founded by the canon ca); it is certainly not too late for Tournamille. The first superior of this community was Louis the communities and works of the Petit. It was during this time that the newspaper La Croix du congregation, from all countries, to Midi was established on May 3, 1895, with the support of the mobilize and support this project young Congregation. financially! Following the decrees of dissolution of Congregations taken by the Republic at the beginning of 1900, only Fr. Rog- er des Fourniels lived in Toulouse. In 1917, he welcomed two other religious. In 1919, Mgr. Germain entrusted them with the parish of , for which they were in charge until 1934. During the time between the two wars, the Assumption- ists took charge of the Children’s House of the Grande-Allée (Allée des Demoiselles), constructed around 1870-1873. Fr. Alexis Chauvin became the first director of the Orphanage. In 1929, the Assumptionists agreed to take over the Sainte- Barbe School, originally a diocesan school, situated at the 

7 >> Europe

time on Rue Romiguières. Fi- by the apostolate of Fr. Michel the works in which many reli- nally, we should mention the Carrière, diocesan chaplain be- gious of the Assumption have creation of the Catholic Press tween 1997 and 2006. participated. Day after day, for Office whose mission was Later, the religious contrib- more than a century, they have to “spread good press, reli- uted to the service of our parish- been the occasion of numerous gious magazines, books on the es, notably in the young parish encounters, whose memories re- news, decent novels, etc.” This community of Sainte-Germaine main in the secrets of our hearts. work was dissolved in 1937. des Pradettes (1984) where Fr. In many ways, the Assumption- The lack of vocations led the Daniel Tedeschi was pastor ists, each according to their Congregation to reduce its num- (1988-1993). From 1993, the charism, sometimes by means of bers in the communities of Tou- parish of Saint-Exupère, near a few words, or a simple glance, louse, as well as their presence the orphanage of the Grand Al- helped us to grow in our human- in their two institutions. A ma- lée and the chapel of Notre Dame ity and spirituality in the faith of jor change took place at the end de Lourdes, was entrusted to the Christ. We all know that “good of the 1970’s and the beginning Assumptionist community. Fr. doesn’t make noise”. It is for this of the 1980’s. The Assumption- Jean-Marie Comte was named good, lived in secret and only ists settled on Rue de Cagire moderator of the team of priests the Father knows, that we thank (1977), and also Rue de Biar- and the community took up resi- God. And to each of those who ritz, in the Casselardit District dence in the rectory of Saint- have passed through our diocese- (1983) where they carried out Exupère. Several pastors fol- --novices, brothers and priests of new apostolates. lowed during the last 30 years: the Assumption, we simply say Throughout these past 40 Fr. Guy Clerc (2000-2009), Fa- thank you. years, they impacted our dio- thers Laurentiu Unguru, Daniel Fr. Hervé GAIGNARD cese by their presence in the Tedeschi, Régis Grosperrin and Vicar General of the Diocese excellent teaching of theology, Rigobert Paluku. Lastly, Fr. Jo- of Toulouse and in particular in the field of seph Begoc has been the pastor biblical sciences thanks to the of the parishes of Lafourguette http://toulouse.catholique.fr/ research and teaching of Fathers and Saint-Paul-des-Nations (in Les-Augustins-de-l-Assomption- Alain Marchadour and Jacques the Mirail district) for 10 years AA-nous-quittent?fbclid=IwAR Nieuvarts. As student chaplains, (. . .) 11LTcRNwam7WPIJinZ4PhtW they founded a small home oMOmDs8rHkjLdcHkEZQPm- in their community of Cour- A final farewell. . .and thank FMd9HwyG7MBg8 bet Street. The pastoral care of The richness of an apostolate migrants will remain marked isn’t measured solely by listing

8 n JULY 2020 n no 13 Defences << Dialogue with Islam frustration of today? How can we deepens at the perceive this past and combine it with the present? How, finally, Assumption to consider the West: is it the en- vied world or the eternal enemy? It is an event for our Congregation: two These questions and many others religious have completed demanding studies are the subject of a crossroads theme at the heart of the debate in Islamology in Rome. sparked by the excellent presen- tation of Fr. Georges. At 3.10 p.m. the first presenta- tion ended, followed thirty min- utes later by the second, that of Fr. Bienvenu Kamsele. It focuses on a series of existential ques- tions related to eschatology: what happens after death? Certainly, the resurrection. But resurrec- tion of the soul and/or the flesh? How does Islamic tradition ex- plain the passage between death and the appointment of the Last Judgement? What circumstances will precede and/or accompany this apocalyptic moment? Will the guilty man be free to deny the testimony of the pages where his acts will be recorded? These questions pose a complex prob- t the Generalate, the com- tion that is in vogue in contem- lem which Fr. Bienvenu was able munity year continues in porary Arab-Muslim intellectual to answer from a Muslim point Aline with its mission at debates: “The historical legacy of view, also contemporary but the service of the General Council and modernization of Islamic known only by a pseudonym. The and the formation of religious en- thought”. His approach takes the stakes of the work gave him the gaged in specialized studies. For perspective of the contemporary title: “The description of the es- this academic year 2019-2020, Tunisian intellectual Abdelmajid chatological hour and the return the first two Assumptionists to Charfi. Let us recapitulate here of mahdī in the vision of ‛abd al- specialize in studies and the fundamental questions, the wahhāb ‛abd al-salām Tawīla.” Islamology are the laureates: Frs. relevance of which is the subject Satisfied with the presentation Georges Houssou (Togo) - whom of scientific curiosity: Is Islam of our two brothers and the honor his appointment as head of the hostile to secularism? What are they have given us to be Assump- Vicariate of West Africa did not we aiming at when we associate tionists, we remain convinced, prevent him from completing his the terms “secularization”, “mo- with Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon, that studies - and Bienvenu Kamsele dernity” and “secularism” with “all sciences are illuminated by (DR-Congo). Islam? From the historical point the thought of God and go back to It is 2 p.m., the time of setting of view, considering the opposi- him as to their principle. So then, up at the Pontifical Institute for tion between an Islamic past that what is there to study outside of Arabic Studies and Islamology is a source of pride and a pres- God, outside of the universe, his (PISAI). Fr Georges is the first to ent that is a source of self-dep- work, and the laws that govern defend his dissertation for his li- recation, how can we reconcile it? “ (E.S., p. 210). centiate, which deals with a ques- the pride of yesteryear with the P. Alexis Valyamugheni

9 >> Education

Assumption University: A New Name but an Enduring Tradition

Our venerable “Assumption College” in Worcester has just been recognized as a university by the academic authorities of the United States.

explained in his recently pub- lished collection of essays en- titled Liberal Education at the Crossroads: Thoughts on the Educational Mission of Assump- tion College, such an education intends to instill in its students a lifelong love of learning and a desire to ask the enduring ques- tions of the human spirit: “What is the principle by which I will live my life? What kind of life is most conducive to happiness? To whom and before whom am I going to be accountable? What is God calling me to do with my life? What kind of justice can be established in today’s political communities?” It is an education which aims to foster “critical intelligence, thoughtful citizen- ship, and compassionate ser- vice.” This is the foundation of an Assumption education.

Over the years the College has increasingly opened its doors to a wide variety of ca- reers without losing this over- arching conviction. In this, it has remained faithful to Fr. d’Alzon n September of this year, while retaining its commitment who wrote in 1846, “Our goal is 2020, Assumption College to provide a traditional Catholic not to educate men for the clois- Iwill officially become As- liberal arts education to its stu- ter, but to prepare them to live sumption University, having re- dents, university status better re- in the world, who act in a way ceived authorization from the flects the reality that now charac- to make others love and respect state Board of Education. Is this terizes the school. their faith, who are deeply at- change of name simply a mat- tached to the cause of God.... ter of presenting the institution As Fr. Dennis Gallagher, the This institution is open to young in a more prestigious fashion or former Vice-President for Mis- people destined to pursue all of does it represent a fundamen- sion at the College and currently the careers that the world might tal change in its nature? In fact, provincial of North America, has offer.” (Siméon Vailhé, Vie du

10 n JULY 2020 n no 13 >> Education

P. Emmanuel d’Alzon, vol. 1, p. the choices available and there- been considerable…loss of rev- 474). fore assuring growth in the num- enue, reduction in employees, on- ber of students who attend; going health concerns, anxieties So, why the change in the - Attract a larger contingent of about the future, pressure on fac- original designation of the col- international students who do not ulty, staff, and students to com- lege to a university? The reasons understand that the word ‘college’ municate solely via technological are multiple. First of all, in the in the United States does not refer means, etc. United States, the name “college’, to a high school but to an institu- unlike it does in many countries, tion of higher education; As the president of the Col- generally refers to an institution - Allow the College to respond lege recently explained, the future of higher education with only more quickly to changes in the is uncertain. No one knows what one area of specialization. In As- needs of a particular discipline or course the pandemic will take and sumption’s case, that meant the the demands of the marketplace consequently the effects on insti- liberal arts and sciences (i.e. all and to encourage greater innova- tutions of higher education. What the humanities such as literature, tion, creativity, and flexibility; is clear is that the next school history, biology, physics, chem- - Allow the various schools year will be unlike any in the istry, history of art, philosophy, more autonomy within their dis- past. Already school administra- theology, politics, etc.). With time cipline so as to streamline the tors are examining many possible Assumption has greatly diversi- approval of the new courses and scenarios for the fall semester, in- fied and now offers, in addition programs; cluding all courses on line, some to the College of Liberal Arts and - Encourage the different presence of students on campus Science, careers in any number schools to engage in more active while maintaining all government of “schools”, four to be exact, the fund-raising initiatives (it should guidelines, the delay of classes School of Business, the School be noted here, especially for read- for a period of time, etc. No mat- of Nursing, the School of Health ers living outside of the United ter which scenario will play out, Professions, and the School of States, that private institutions all colleges and universities will Graduate and Professional Stud- of higher education in the United incur dramatic losses in revenue ies. In reality, therefore, the Col- States do not receive any direct and some may even be forced to lege had become a university funding from the government). close their doors. without ever petitioning the gov- ernment for an official change in Just as the College was in the Although under extreme pres- designation. What distinguishes process of the transition from col- sure, the College maintains hope Assumption from other universi- lege to university status, the Co- in the future because of its strong ties is that all students, no matter vid-19 pandemic began to spread leadership, its many faithful bene- to which school they belong, must throughout the world. The effects factors, its dedicated faculty, its follow all the basic requirements have been particularly devastat- reputation for excellence, and its of a Catholic liberal arts and sci- ing in the United States and, with- modest, but, respectable portfo- ences education in addition to the in the United States, in the State lio. In its 115 years of existence, courses in their specialization. of Massachusetts where the Col- the institution has faced many lege is located. In the middle of trying moments and weathered There are any number of other March, all students were required them all. With God’s grace it will reasons for the change in name: to return home and complete their survive this crisis as well. - Increase interest in the Col- courses on line. The financial and Fr. John Franck lege by more clearly indicating psychological ramifications have

11 >> Africa Moto TV, a fire lit to enlighten the communities

has as its objective to enhance evangelization, in an ecumeni- cal vision. In a region affected by armed conflicts and epidemics, and which unfortunately does not offer entertainment activities, it will be “a framework for venting, escaping and airing the spirit of daily psychological tensions”.

To reflect the image of the community, three types of pro- grams will be offered: television news in local languages, for soci- ety to get along, thematic maga- zines (health, green economy, politics, culture, gender, sports, etc.), to promote society in all The diocese of Butembo-Beni (DR-Congo) its dimensions, and to report, so recently acquired a television, installed that the community can explain in and operated by the University of the depth the events of its life. Assumption in the Congo (UAC) Moto TV, an instrument of de- velopment, will accompany the ince February 2020, the velopment of the region: Butem- University of the Assumption in University of the Assump- bo now has a hydroelectric power Congo in the education and pro- Stion in Congo (UAC)---the plant that can operate TV devices! motion of man, in helping the university of the Augustinians of The UAC wanted to capitalize on community to “become aware of the Assumption---has lit a fire to this achievement to meet a long- the problems that hinder its social illuminate the communities of the held need in the region: a commu- life, its environment, its individu- diocese of Butembo-Beni (North nity television, through which the al development”, and as much as Kivu): it is Moto TV. As the name local community looks at itself! possible, show actors who pro- says, Moto (“fire”, in Kiswahili) pose solutions. And, therefore, is this television-spark, created to A mirror TV! light the lanterns of the commu- serve as a spark and a mirror of nities. this region in the east of the Dem- Yes, a community television ocratic Republic of the Congo was necessary in a society forced Moto TV, this fire will burn (DRC), which long remained in to cling to screens elsewhere (na- so brightly to enlighten us, if ev- the shadows. tional or international), not be- eryone brings their own piece of cause they are that interesting, but wood! Television, a newcomer to because the society lacked mirror the landscape! screens that could reflect its fac- Claude Muhindo Sengenya ets. Informational Director of Today television is a new ar- Moto TV rival to the media landscape of Moto TV is now operational. (article appeared in the Butembo especially. The oldest It meets the challenges of produc- newsletter ART-Afrique, n° (RTGL) is three years old. A com- ing content for local communi- 112, June 2020) ing dictated by the economic de- ties. As a Catholic television, it

12 n JULY 2020 n no 13 The slowness and meandering of the process

To understand how the Church comes to recognize the

sainthood of certain witnesses to the faith, here is a brief >> Postulation history of the cause of our Founder.

ach cause of postulation has its own The 26th circular of Fr. Quenard, Instruc- history and peculiarities. That of Fr. tions relatives à la cause du P. d’Alzon (March Ed’Alzon is no exception to the rule. 25, 1931) recalls the Code of Canon Law of One must understand that this process was 1917 (CIC can. 2003-2085) then in effect. A opened too late---50 years after the death of special issue of L’Assomption (no 356) re- Fr. d’Alzon1---to obtain valid testimony from counted the opening ceremonies of this trial, the Nîmes court in 1931: “It is tenuous and that coincided with the 50th anniversary of weak, to describe an apostle of the stature of the death of Fr. d’Alzon in Nîmes. The proce- Fr. d’Alzon, knowing his powerful and ex- dure focused on three elements: an informa- pansive activity, and whose 52 volumes of tive process (on the fama, reputation of sanc- writings had just been praised. One might tity), the search and collection of the writings say that the religious of the Assumption did of the carefully described, not know their founder, since catalogued and authenticated, and finally the they have so little to say trial attesting to the absence of any cult. These about him”, remarked the three steps completed, the sent Rome lawyer, Bersani, after exam- an authentic copy of the (transumptum), along ining the testimony of the in- with all the accompanying documentation (52 formative trial. volumes). It is therefore necessary The second phase of the proceedings be- to present the main stages gan: the trial in Rome opened on February 19, of the cause for postulation 1935. Cardinal Granito Pignatelli di Belmonte of Fr. d’Alzon. The 175th (1851-1948), on the proposal of the postula- anniversary of the found- tor on January 12, was approved by the deci- ing of the Augustinians is sion of the Holy See on January 19, 1938. The associated with the 90th an- examination of the documentation concluded niversary of the opening of with a favorable judgment, notified by decree the diocesan trial for the be- of the Congregation on November 20, 1940. Mgr Girbeau (1870-1963), Bishop of Nîmes from 1924 until his death atification of Father. On De- Fr. Quenard thanked the cardinal with a let- in 1963. cember 22, 1931, Fr. Gervais ter written from Paris on January 18, 1941. Quenard, Superior General, To this rich documentation was added a file addressed a letter to Mgr. kept with the Vatican Secretary of State on the Girbeau, bishop of Nîmes, asking for an of- relation between D’Alzon and Lamennais. ficial reopening of the trial. . . after a delay This was then submitted for examination by of 50 years! Previously, Fr. Romuald Souarn, two theologians (Pages d’Archives II, no 9). It General, had made the request to became the object of a report before the Ordi- the Congregation of Rites which gave its ni- nary Commission of the Sacred Congregation hil obstat on January 14, 1931. The episco- of Rites, April 25, 1967. pal decision for re-opening, appeared in the The public copy of the acts of the informa- Semaine religieuse de Nîmes of February 1, tional trial, filed in 1935 with the congrega- 1931, asking that the original writings of the tion, were remitted to the postulator on Au- Servant of God “to whomever holds them in gust 30, 1941. It should have been given to possession” should be sent to the bishop’s of- the lawyer that we had chosen, but we were in fice before April 1, 1931. the midst of war. It was therefore after the war 

13 >> Postulation

that we were able to read about rate, nephew to Cardinal Ferrate tain a dispensation of the process the trial and turn it into the Sum- (former nuncio in Paris). He en- based on the adherence of sanctity. marium and to draw conclusions. joyed a certain amount of prestige The request, made to the prefect Fr. Souarn turned this examina- in the Congregation of Rites and and to the general promoter of the tion over to Mgr. Silvio Romani, with Mgr. Natucci, promoter of Congregation of Rites, received attached to the Apostolic Signa- the faith. He introduced us to Al- a favorable response from a let- ture Tribunal, and procured the fonso’s lawyer as his attorney. He ter of July 4, 1958. Moreover, a lawyer Francesco Bersani. It was became aware of the work of Ber- special trial of non-cult took place he who wrote the first Summari- sani, Bishop Romani’s prosecutor, on April 25, 1958, in Nîmes. The um, accepted on April 1, 1943, by and made two observations: the letters rémissoriales2, in light of the sub-promoter of the faith of inconsistency of the testimony of the opening of the apostolic trial, the Congregation of Rites. the diocesan trial and the incom- were obtained on May 4, 1959. Up until 1948, the cause pleteness of the information avail- Despite his attempts, the lawyer seemed just about dead. But able to his predecessor. “For these avoided the use of the historical since 1942, in accordance with reasons, the presentation of such a section of which Mgr. Frutaz was the requirements of Canon 2077, defective position could have only the general reporter. It is up to the Fr. Jules Verstaen, newly named served to give a bad impression to postulator to present documen- vice-postulator, was soliciting Rome.” tation that does not conceal any postulatory letters from ecclesias- In 1952, Fr. Jude left Rome problems, complete and devoid of tical figures. At the end of 1947, and his position as postulator. Fr. comments, limited to about 1,000 Fr. Souarn declined but asked the Wilfrid Dufault, the new Superior pages on the life of the Servant of lawyer Mgr. Silvio Romani what General, named Fr. Aubain Co- God. This honorable reporter was the status was. From his perspec- lette to succeed him on Novem- promoted to under-secretary of tive, he responded that the re- ber 10, 1952; he received Vatican the Congregation of Rites in the vision was nearing completion approval on November 12, 1952. department charged with causes (February 25, 1948). Romani was Following the publication L’Ame for beatification and . named sub-promoter of the Con- du P. Emmanuel d’Alzon (The His successor, the Spanish Ca- gregation of Rites—the so-called Soul of Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon), puchin Melchiore Da Pobladura, “devil’s advocate”. Fr. Souarn, the lawyer D’Alfonso hastened was encouraged to complete the who died on April 6, 1948, was to prepare a supplement to the work by the end of 1966 (one vol- succeeded by Fr. Jude Verstaen. Summarium of his predecessor, ume of 1,200 pages). He was appointed on April 21 (the document was presented to On November 26, 1964, in the and installed on May 8. The new the sub-promoter of the Congre- presence of Mgr. Rougé, the cer- postulator chose the lawyer Fer- gation on January 12, 1954 and emony of the recognition of the re- accepted on February 18). Then mains of Fr. d’Alzon took place, in it came time for the harsh criti- Nîmes. The next day, the Council cisms presented on June 1, 1955, instigated profound changes in the 1) This 50-year period was a provision of Pope by the lawyer and accepted by the functioning and organization of Urban VIII. Today norms within the Catholic review board on June 18, 1955. In the Roman Curia. On May 8, 1969, Church impose a five-year delay between the meantime, the reporting Car- the Congregation of Rites was di- death and the opening of the trial in beati- fication. dinal Belmonte died, and he was vided into two distinct dicasteries, 2) Latinremitto “return”: during the apostolic succeeded by Cardinal Aloisi-Ma- the Congregation for the Divine phase of a trial on beatification or canoniza- sella (1879-1970). He presented Cult and one for the Causes of the tion, power is granted usually, more often his report to the ordinary session . To Fr. Aubain Colette3, de- than not, to the local bishop to pass on ad- of the Congregation, April 29, ceased in December 1970 and suc- ditional information. 1958, which was received posi- ceeded by Fr. Pierre Touveneraud 3) He is the author of an article on Fr. d’Alzon, tively. The Pope did the same and on April 29, 1970. However, Fr. which appeared in Assumption 67, May 9, the postulator received the official Touveneraud died in December 1967, 30-40. 4) Archive document 2.21982 Conseil Général decree for the introduction of the 1979, at 53 years of age. Fr. Hervé 5, ACR, J6, 376. cause on May 29, 1958. Stéphan, Superior General from 5) File on Life and Virtues, Rome, Vol. I and II, The Roman procedure then 1975 to 1987, made the terrible ob- t.l. and II , 1083 pages. entered its second phase. Canon servation that three services of the 2087 provided that one could ob- Congregation were “in ruin”: the

14 n JULY 2020 n no 13 newsletters, Signes de Dieu. This effort coincided with the estab- lishment of a diocesan secretariat, in January 2013 in the diocese of Nîmes, charged with the promo- tion of the cause of Fr. d’Alzon. At our current stage, for the

venerable Emmanuel d’Alzon to >> Postulation be proclaimed blessed, it is nec- essary to have the acknowledge- ment of a miracle that follows a procedure similar to that of the heroic qualities of virtues: a trial that includes a diocesan phase and a Roman phase, observing the new standards established on Au- Left Fr. Arthur Deprez (1868-1944). Right, Fr. Aubain Colette (1888-1970) gust 24, 2016, for the settlement of the meetings of the doctors of archives, the historiography of the continued the cause. Fr. Bernard the Congregation for the Cause of Congregation and the postulation4. Holzer was also committed to the Saints. This was an unbearable situation, cause of the three Bulgarian mar- One must remember from this which he wanted to remedy. The tyrs, who were beatified by John- brief history that the cause was new Code of Canon Law, promul- Paul II on May 26, 2002 in Plo- initiated late and it suffered from gated by John-Paul II on January vdiv. This was followed by Frs. a lack of continuity. Should we 25, 1983, provides that the causes Vincent Cabanac (postulator in talk about the lack of rigor and of for canonization are now governed 2005) and Julio Navarro Roman the ignorance of the lawyer Ber- by a special papal law (can. 1403). (2008), while a major reform oc- sani? Today, let us be attentive to This law appears in the Apostolic curred with the Sanctorum mater the new world that is dawning. Constitution Divinus perfectionis (2007), an instruction relative to Let us each know how to observe Magister, enacted the same day, the development of the investiga- that which is sprouting, the signs and Normae servandae on Febru- tions for the causes of saints. Fr. of God that remind us that the ary 7, 1983. Navarro strove to raise awareness cause of Fr. d’Alzon needs to be On September 29, 1983, Fr. of the reputation of sanctity of promoted, because it can open us Wilfrid Dufault, former Supe- Fr. d’Alzon and also to promote to discern the active presence of rior General, was named pos- prayer through his intercession, God at the heart of our humanity. tulator and Fr. Désiré Deraedt putting into place an internation- P. Bernard LE LÉANNEC vice-postulator. They continued al secretariat and publishing 21 Postulator General writing the positio5 applying the new norms. This would be handed over to the Congregation The and vice-postulators of the cause of Fr. for the Cause of Saints in March d’Alzon 1986. On November 19, 1991, the Fr. Arthur Deprez (vice-postulator) on1 February 1931 (diocesan trial) Commission of Cardinals gave a Fr. Romuald Souarn, postulator on August 15, 1942. favorable judgment in light of the Fr. Jules Verstaen, vice-postulator in 1942 and postulator on April 21, recognition of the heroic quali- 1948, approved on May 8, 1948. ties of the virtues of Fr. d’Alzon. Fr. Aubain Colette, November 10, 1952, approved on November 12, 1952. It was on December 21, 1991 that Fr. Pierre Touveneraud, April 29, 1970. John-Paul II signed the decree that Fr. Wilfrid Dufauld, on September 29, 1983, with Fr. Désiré Deraedt as made Fr. d’Alzon a venerable. vice-postulator and Fr. Camille Thibaut (December 23, 1996). Frs. Camille Thibaut, vice- Fr. Bernard Holzer : December 14,1999. Fr. Vincent Cabanac : April 18, 2005. postulator at the end of 1996 and Fr. Julio Navarro : June 20, 2008. Bernard Holzer, who became Fr. Bernard Le Léannec : November 2017. postulator at the end of 1999,

15 >> History Pages The Miracle of “la Bonne Presse” (Part 2)

We are continuing the publication of the document written in 1953 by T.R.P. Gervais Quenard, former Superior General of the Congregation. This history of “la Bonne Presse”, unpublished in many respects, was communicated to us by Fr. Patrick Zago, archivist of the Province of Europe.

III. Under the Nose of the Liquidator holy enterprise, of which they knew all the Despite the atrocious adventure, every- workings: Léon Berteaux in the printing shop thing was going to continue almost normally. and in all the general handling business; Pétel New management. - Mr. Paul Féron- (2) in the central administration; Faigle (3) in Vrau, who was soon called the Good Cyre- the accounting department; etc. nean, had taken over and officially took over, P. Ambroise and P. Franc. – But the true not only La Croix but the entire Maison de silent regulator of all the departments, except la Bonne Presse, although it had first been the editorials, was still Fr. , a reli- thought to entrust it to a Society of which Mr. gious as modest as he was competent and de- Harmel (1)would have been the president. voted. Ignored by the police and permanently Blessed by Leo XIII, the new Director wrote fixed in his small glass office, everyone could on his return on April 6, 1900: “La Croix will freely go and consult him. Very knowledge- always be La Croix” and for 25 years he was able about administration and finance, prac- going to devote all his devotion as a great tically everything came to him, as soon as Christian to it. Two days a week, he came there was any information to be requested or from Lille and lived in rue Bayard, in the old a decision to be made. No one would have house of N° 5. I was his neighbour there for dared challenge the very discreet authority he more than a year. Once a month he spent the exercised until his death in 1934. And since night at Montmartre. then, no one has been able to replace him. Close to him, the great heads of the vari- Fr. André Jaujou (4), a mysterious chap- ous departments remained devoted to the lain with a black beard, was the official cen-

16 n JULY 2020 n no 13 sor of the publications and the to keep a good distance from the (1) Léon Harmel (1829-1915). Pa- spiritual Father of the workshops. fundamentalism of some or the tron of a textile company in the re- La Croix was then printed in adepts of Sillon of others, even gion of Reims, but a fervent social two separate editions, for large when, in the social field, he had apostle. Leo XIII said of him: “This dear son has given me the best days and small format, October 2, to find a happy medium between of my pontificate” (words said by the 1900. A former Member of Par- M. Féron-Vrau and Fr. Emmanuel Pope to Mgr Chapon, bishop of Car- liament, Jules Bouvattier, intro- Bailly, Superior General. cassonne, who reported it). duced himself as editor-in-chief Fr. Chardavoine (11) presid- (2) Henri Pétel. In 1896, as soon as Fr. and was later succeeded in this ed over what was conveniently Ambroise Jacquot was appointed to >> History Pages >> History title by Jean Guiraud, a former called the General Secretariat, the Administration, Henri Pétel took professor at the University of which concentrated God knows his place at his side; and as soon as Besançon, who had just finished how many very different servic- Société Anonyme de la Bonne Presse was created, he was one of the four his laborious career as a Christian es. I myself spent 18 months in advisors to the President. fighter. this laborious mess, without be- (3) Auguste Faigle was part of the But there too, close to them ing able to count them all. There first team of La Croix, with Louis Leb- and close to Canon Masquelier were many new publications: La rec and Georges Schaeffer. They are (5), director of La Croix du Nord, Croix illustrée, the successor to the three administrative staff. who in Paris signed his vigorous L’Action Catholique; Jerusalem, (4) P. André (Jules André Marie) Jau- articles with the pseudonym Cyr, while waiting for Rome, Our jou (1859-1929), Assistant General there was another Canon, Father Lady, L’Eucharistie, L’Unité de from 1892 to 1923. But he is espe- cially known as “the shadow of Fr. Bertoye (6), former parish l’Eglise; Le Mois Littéraire,Les Picard”, whom he did not leave for of Annonay, who came to us dur- Echoes d’Orient, L’Annuaire twenty years from 1882 to 1903. Un- ing the expulsion itself. He kept Pontifical, L’ Almanach du Pèler- til the expulsion of 1900, he resided his incognito and settled in the in, etc. It was already a lot and in the community of Rue François editorial office. He had received we had to add the two very im- 1er. In charge of the women’s con- in Holland his Assumptionist portant services of Publishing and gregations of the Assumption, he cowl and the name of Francis of Propaganda with its delegates. was also the canonical censor of the Assisi, who became Franc, as a Fr. Chardavoine stood up to ev- publications of La Bonne Presse. (5) Canon Henri Masquelier (1856- pseudonym, to sign his editorial erything, working at least twelve 1936), founder and editor-in-chief of articles. For 25 years, he was to hours a day, cut off by the lunch La Croix du Nord (daily newspaper be discreetly the real moral direc- prepared by his Catherine (12) in with a circulation of 20,000). It was tor of the newspaper. A man of rue Debrousse. Paul Féron-Vrau’s friend from Lille doctrine and a rare balance, he Fr. Salvien Miglietti (13), a who called him to La Croix as editor- would become the enlightened great friend of the most eminent in-chief. He will only stay there for guide of the clergy in the delicate jurists and on the lookout for one year. He signs his articles under problems posed successively by all the laws, directed from his the pseudonym Cyr. (6) Canon Georges Bertoye (1857- Modernism, the Sillon, and Ac- lodging near Clemenceau, rue 1929). In 1900, became an Assump- tion Française. Francisque Sarcey, La Revue de tionist religious under the name of Numerous collaborators. défense et d’organisation reli- . From 1902, he be- - At the call of M. Féron-Vrau, gieuse which, after having suc- came editor-in-chief of La Croix until a whole group of brilliant young ceeded the Bulletin des Congré- 1927, signing his articles under the priests had presented themselves gations and Questions actuelles, pseudonym Franc. to La Bonne Presse: Thellier de was to become La Documenta- (7) Abbot Charles Thellier de Pon- Poncheville(7) , Belleney (8) , tion catholique. He also published cheville (1875-1956) Collaborated at La Croix for several years. But in Ardant (9) , Duchaux-Monteil a certain Chronique de la Presse 1910, when the French Action began (10), etc. There was also a group which sometimes moved M. to gain influence within the edito- of religious, former editors who, Féron-Vrau by his indiscretions rial staff of La Croix, he, who was a living in private homes, contin- and his orientation. “democratic abbot”, withdrew, not ued their collaboration very ac- Father Claude Allez (14) con- to mention the fact that he also had tively. And when, on either side, centrated his beautiful publica- a dispute with Mr. Paul Féron-Vrau. quite diverse tendencies appeared tion Noël from his home at La He was then known above all as on the movements in presence, Fr. Tour Maubourg, while a brave Fr. military chaplain of the 28th Infantry Division during the 1914 war, where Franc always had enough wisdom Tranquille (15) continued to write 

17 >> History Pages

he left an unforgettable memory Catherine” in all goodness and hon- professed priest, he was appointed among the Poilus. our. to the Good Press, where he was to (8) Father Joseph Belleney Chaplain (13) P. Salvien (Charles Félix) Mi- direct Les Contemporains for a long of Notre-Dame de Lourdes. Familiar glietti (1873-1934). In 1896 he was time. His good-natured appearance, with the Assumptionist community assigned to the Good Press, after his imperturbable appearance and of La Bonne Presse until the 1950s having already made temporary his small stature earned him the and 1960s. stays there. He first worked in the nickname “Little Father” or “Quiet (9) Father Georges Maurice Ardant secretariat of La Croix, with Father Father”! (1866-1946) Founder of La Croix de Bailly, which allowed him to keep (16) P. Marie-Léopold (Théodemire) Limoges in 1893. He worked for sev- an eye on all the religious reviews Gerbier (1851-1916). A priest of the en years in the service of promoting of the house. He was closely linked diocese of , he entered the the Good Press, and met Alfred Mi- with the network of La Sapinière, a Assumption in 1896, and from 1897, chelin, a young journalist at La Croix. fundamentalist movement of sur- he collaborated in the reviews of La This will be of great use during the veillance and denunciation, founded Bonne Presse, in addition to his work exodus of La Croix to Limoges. by Bishop Benigni, under the pon- on other fronts, especially preaching (10)Abbot Duchaux-Monteil. No tificate of Pius X. It seems,- howev and pilgrimages. He is the founder information. er, that he was not part of it, even and editor of the Causeries du di- (11) P. Eutrope (Urban Louis) Char- though he shared many of its convic- manche and the Conferences. davoine (1869-1944). Just a religious tions, anti-modernist, anti-republi- (17) Guillaume Michel Coissac (1868- in 1896, he was already involved in can, opposed to any renewal of the 1946). In 1892, he joined the Bonne La Bonne Presse, giving articles to a . In 1919, he became Presse, where he was in charge of host of magazines in the house. But responsible for La Documentation correspondence, but very soon he it was after the death of Bishop Bat- catholique, which was born of the was responsible for the projection tandier that he continued his Annu- merger of four magazines: Questions service which was to develop during aire pontifical catholique, which re- actuelles, La Croix des comités, Le the first half of the 20th century. He quired him to do a precise and thor- Bulletin des congrégations, L’Action has the genius to combine three ele- ough work for the internal knowl- catholique. Pope Pius XI, through ments that promote success: 1- Cre- edge of the workings of the Catholic the nuncio, sanctioned him, he was ation of a collection of views, draw- Church. He was secretary general of removed from La Documentation ings or photos, on religion of course many works of the Assumption: Our catholique and had to go into exile but also on history, travel, education Lady of Salvation (for 50 years), the outside France in 1923. (about 35,000 views). 2- The devel- Pilgrimage Council, the Works of the (14) P. Claude Allez (1866-1927) In opment and marketing of fixed and Sea, the Standing Committee for In- 1896, he took over the direction of photographic projection devices, ternational Eucharistic Congresses. the revue du Noël, founded in 1895. and all accessories (lighting systems, He was greatly affected when the He signed all his articles with the etc.). 3- Edition of various confer- Gestapo raids in 1940 destroyed his pseudonym Nouvelet. Soon enough, ence booklets to be brought to life archives, masses of notes and histor- Noël was no longer just a magazine, through views. But he also became ical documents on all his works. but became a women’s movement famous by founding and directing (12) This Catherine was Miss Cath- for culture and formation, for faith one of the first film magazines, Le erine Lombard, hired by Fr. Maximin and Christian commitment. And this Fascinateur. Vion to be a governess in the service movement gave rise to the creation (18) Mother Marie de la Croix Jouet, of the Fathers, in the small apart- of a constellation of magazines and Oblate of the Assumption (1854- ment 1, rue Debrousse (16th). She activities. 1919), Superior of the Cours la Reine remained at their service until 1928. (15) M-Antoine (Joseph Antoine) community from 1891 to 1919 “One But because of frequent searches Parladère (1858-1930) Priest of the reads in the life of Mother Marie de by the police, Fr. Eutrope remained diocese of Auch, ordained in 1882. la Croix the role of Mistress of the alone, most of the time, since 1906. It was in 1889 that he entered the house which she played, animating That is why Fr. Gervais called her “his novitiate in Livry, and as a young the entire life of the Good Press and

18 n JULY 2020 n no 13 >> History Pages >> History

in his Contemporains, and that Fr. a second trial against the Twelve an original supplement, Le Petit Gerbier (16) published his Cause- who had been convicted in 1899, Cosmos, which Fr. Bailly was ries du Dimanche, then his Con- accused of rebuilding their old writing from his fifth floor on férences, which corresponded to a community in isolation. The Rue Goethe. A simple administra- very active service in Projections, search of La Bonne Presse at that tive detail shows the progression directed by M. Coissac (17) at the time only concerned the material from 1900 to 1911. Le Pèlerin had Bonaparte Hotel. claims of the liquidator and there grown from 400,000 to 600,000. Meeting with Priests and were vehement protests, made In the administration, the number Judges. These many collabo- by M. Bouvattier (20) and M. of letters had risen from 180,000 rators, most of them dispersed, Berteaux, in the name of the ab- a year to 358,000. By October sometimes met at the La Bonne sent M. Féron-Vrau. The Fathers 1908, 5,200 copies of the Cat- Presse itself, for a dinner offered who were more or less present echism e en images, published in to them by Mother Marie de la and the dispersed Fathers were black, had been sold. Croix (18), in her convent of sec- not much sought after or at least In December 1903, La Bonne ularized Sisters, which remained not accused of collaborating in Presse received a grand prize at open at 20 Cours La Reine. In the work. What is more, we were the Hanoi Exhibition! In 1905, order to detect the police, twelve all able to go quietly to the court- it received another grand prize Parisian parish priests were house, hear the pleadings of our in Liège and a silver medal in also invited, brought by Pierre four lawyers and the indictment Brussels. In 1906, the first ten L’Ermite and his parish priest of of the Public Prosecutor’s Office. linotypes were installed at the Saint-Roch, Abbé Poulin. The I even remember that when we Composition, and the printing isolated also met at intervals, at went to the court by the bateau- house received a large-circulation the home of one of them, in his mouche, we were on deck with colour press, one of the first in modest lodging, and the gossip the said Prosecutor. Paris. In the same year, a pension was going well. Most often, it was Reassuring clues. - So there fund was founded for the staff, at the home of old Fr. Hippolyte was growth and prosperity ev- with broad participation from the (19), 29 rue de l’Université. This erywhere, from the enlarged La management. So, everyone united new life gradually seemed to be- Croix to Le Pèlerin, which was with a big heart in mourning for come normal. becoming more and more wide- M. Féron-Vrau, when he lost his However, in 1904, there was spread and was endowed with uncle Philibert in 1905 and his 

19 >> History Pages

father Camille in 1908, two great Christians presented for beatifica- Our Lady of Salvation, Celebrations, tion today. staff meals, banquet for visitors, or- ganization of congresses, prepara- Painful operations. - Mean- tion of pilgrimages, charity sales, while, the interminable liquida- presence at the Association Notre tion was coming to an end. Af- Dame de Salut, support for the ter many disputes in summary work of the Vocations of which she proceedings, a judgement of the was the linchpin for twenty years. Court of Appeal pronounced on «(booklet Les Oblates de l’Assomp- 27 May 1908, granted the liqui- tion au service de la presse catho- dator Ménage (21), all the build- lique, p. 20). (19) P. Hippolyte (Désiré Hip- ings and all the equipment of La polyte) Saugrain (1822-1905) was Bonne Presse, without taking into one of the first disciples of Fr. account the sale made from the d’Alzon. From 1855 until his death, beginning to Mr. Féron-Vrau, by he was Econome General of the the former owners. Congregation, and Assistant Gen- Two months earlier, in the eral from 1862. He endeavoured presence of the dreaded threat, to establish separate accounts for a real estate company named La all the works of the congregation, and in 1880, he had to untangle the Jeanne d’Arc, had been created, personal and family situation of Fr. with a capital of two million d’Alzon after his death. In 1874, which were quickly subscribed vehicles needed for the shipment he went to the community on rue by readers and friends. M. Féron- of the newspapers. A powerful François 1er, and he was subjected Vrau had contributed 500,000 F. Diesel motor was installed, able to the search of the community and the staff 350,000. to run the machines and to pro- and the premises of the Bonne On the following July 1, the duce electricity if needed. The Presse, the expulsion and the trial building of La Bonne Presse, sold Company’s capital was increased of the Twelve. (20) Jules Bouvattier (1843-1917). by auction, was sold to the So- to 26,000,000 F. and,fifteen years Former Conservative deputy for ciété Jeanne d’Arc for the sum of later, in 1924, it could buy back Avranches, he entered La Croix in 1,960,050 F. and was rented by it the old house of the family from 1897 as a parliamentary journal- to Mr. Féron-Vrau. For the titles Les Domaines. rue François 1er ist. When the Assumptionists were of publications and the business, which, compartmentalized in fifty condemned, he became its editor- Mr. Féron-Vrau had also been re- boxes, was rented as a guard -fur- in-chief, the first layman in this po- jected in September 1908, despite niture to 47 tenants. N°8 was sold sition. During a search of La Croix in their regular acquisition. They for 1 200 000 F. The N°10 for 490 March 1906, he solemnly protested by denouncing “the most heinous were also bought back for the sec- 000. And the whole leased to the attack on the rights and freedom of ond time at the price of 181,563 Société Anonyme Bonne Presse. the press” committed by “two old F. for the securities and 150,000 The religious won’t enter it journalists”, Clémenceau and “his F. for the fund commercial. In ad- until 1945, as subtenants. As soon acolyte” Sarraut. When he left in dition, the liquidator refused to as they were evicted, the editorial 1916, he was succeeded by Jean recognize a 500,000 F mortgage staff of La Croix, which had re- Guiraud loan, advanced to the owners in mained until then at rue François (21) Ménage, receiver liquidator, 1900. 1 st, had moved to rue Bayard who has been relentless in his pur- suit of the congregation’s assets, In spite of these heavy con- and today the two houses only especially those of the Good Press, fiscations, the House remained have between them the link of a properties, securities and goodwill. in good order. In July 1909, the very dear past and the little tragic We have in our Paris Archives, four Jeanne d’Arc Company bought memories. boxes of the minutes of the suc- the building on Jean Goujon T.R.P. Gervais QUENARD cessive lawsuits he brought against Street, No. 17, which offered a (to be continued) Mr. Paul Féron-Vrau. necessary space to house the many

20 n JULY 2020 n no 13 Books to read… <<

Several Assumptionists have recently published works that are likely to be of interest to a wide audience within the congregation. We are happy to publish here the presentations that may have been made, and we remind all religious who have written works that they are asked to send a copy to the Generalate.

From the divided man to the divinized man. Dostoyevsky, a Christian anthropology by André Brombart

This is how Fr. André Brombart never pass away”. introduces his essay: “In distant Russia, This “division” is illustrated by the a wounded man, an epileptic, a player, two poles of the same figure in The writes books. That was a hundred and Idiot: Prince Myshkin and Rogozhin, fifty years ago, or a little more. He so opposed in their way of loving the speaks of himself, he speaks of man, same woman, nevertheless feel like he speaks of God. He shows the world: “brothers”. Thus, a beautiful and moving his, ours. He plunges into the heart of page shows them exchanging the cross man. He comes out, hiding under an they wear around their necks. appearance of wisdom, a tumult, a As wounded and dark as it may madness, a frightening disorder. And, be, the human condition is always in even deeper still, he senses - the seeker search of love, forgiveness, redemption. of the soul - a flow that no screed can “Through Dostoyevsky’s romantic totally contain. And he invites us, still universe, one can identify several horrified, to these places where living human types or situations particularly From the divided man to the divinized man. water gushes forth”. conducive to this redemption. For this is Dostoyevsky, a Christian This introduction to Dostoyevsky’s what it is all about: a salvation given by anthropology work will be particularly useful to all the resurrection of Christ. Humiliation, by André Brombart those who are not looking for a simple sickness, madness, childhood: so Ed. Parole et Silence, 146 p., distraction in literature, but an answer to many states conducive to the reception €17. their questions about the meaning of life. of the Kingdom that comes”. The The work follows a path that leads man book proposes in turn figures of the from the “divided” state to his ultimate humiliated, of children, of pure hearts... stature as a man divinized by and in in path to redemption and resurrection. Christ. By evoking some characters It does so by integrating large excerpts from Dostoyevsky’s great novels, it from the great Russian writer, thus highlights the aspirations and struggles, giving the reader a more sensitive taste the mystical quest of the writer himself. of the thought that Dostoyevsky unfolds At the beginning, man appears to be through his characters. “divided”. The theme of the “double” Thus, for Fr. André, “reading is omnipresent in Dostoyevsky. But is Dostoyevsky also means deciphering not the divided man rather a “wounded” his own heart, his darkness, its opacities man, whose goodness is more essential and let the light penetrate it, which than the wound, and therefore a man on cleanses, heals, humanizes... divine. » the way to unification, to restoration? (based on an article in Bonne All Dostoyevsky breathes this hope, Nouvelle magazine) founded on what is most central in Christian revelation: faith in love, which no evil can destroy and which “will

21 >> Books to read…

Treaties against the Arians By Athanase d’Alexandrie

t was a little more than 60 years deceased in 2018, he will unfor- ago that a first Assumptionist, tunately not see the publication of IAntoine Wenger, published in his work. It is thus a beautiful hom- the prestigious collection “ Sources age that the Editions du Cerf offers Chrétiennes “ Eight baptismal cat- him by publishing the text and the echeses of Saint , translation in two volumes of these a series of catecheses hitherto un- three Treaties against the Arians, known. The tasty details that dot- which Adriana Bara, his collabora- ted Fr. Wenger’s account of the tor, completes for the translation, discovery of manuscript 6 from and Lucian Dîncă for the writing of Stavronika (Mount Athos) remain a very substantial introduction (80 for all theology students an exam- pages) and many notes, essential to ple of the stubbornness and patient the understanding of any scientific research that characterizes every work of this kind. researcher... who seeks and who finds! So, it is a joy for the whole Congregation to have a second As- In any case, Fr. Wenger’s ad- sumptionist publishing two suc- venture had nothing to envy to cessive volumes in this collection that of an Indiana Jones in search founded among others by Henri de of the Lost Ark: it is always read Lubac and Jean Daniélou. The two Treaties against the Arians with pleasure in the first hundred volumes contain one of the most By Athanase d’Alexandrie pages of volume 50. In 1997 a Ro- important works of Athanasius in translated by Charles manian Orthodox monk, friend and his struggle against the Arian her- Kannengiesser and Adriana Bara, introduction and confidant of Antoine Wenger, An- esy on the divinity of the Son. notes by Lucian Dîncă dré Scrima, tells in his turn about Cerf, Collection “ Sources this adventure, published since We all know the tenor of these chrétiennes “ n° 598 and then in a book in Romanian on the debates, which we must not believe 599, 328 and 528 p., 32 hesychaste tradition, not without have lost their topicality: Jesus, an and 45 €. “embellishing” it in his turn with extraordinary man, “a certain Jew”, additional details, If books could “a revolutionary”, an admirable have wandered at night from the “healer”... Certainly, all this is true, building on Christian Tell in the for it is a question for each one of courtyard of the French embassy in us of how Christ reaches our lives. Bucharest during the dark hours of Arius was confronted, as perhaps communism, why should the other many of us are, with this immense story be less true? leap of faith to recognize in Jesus of Nazareth the Son of God. There I was wondering, as I was writ- is no wicked desire to lower Christ, ing these lines, whether or not some no unbelief on his part, except the “miraculous” details accompanied absence of that coup de grâce with- the publication by my confrere, Lu- out which no one can say: Jesus is cian Dîncă, of the Treaties Against Lord (cf. 1 Cor. 12:3). the Arians in the same prestigious collection? In any case, I remem- I remember an article by ber our discussions at the table, Charles Stang for whom Arius, in where he spoke to me about a text denying the divinity of the Son, on Athanasius on which his former simply wanted to preserve the tran- mentor, Charles Kannengiesser, had scendence and divinity of God, of been working for a very long time: that God who is the All-Other and

22 n JULY 2020 n no 13 Praying for 15 days... with Sister Paul- Hélène, Little Sister of the Assumption, martyr of

by Jean-François PETIT Nouvelle Cité, 125 p., €13.90

ssassinated in on May 8,

1994, Sister Paul-Hélène Saint- read… to >> Books ARaymond was the first of 19 Catholic martyrs of the “black decade”. An instant after her, Marist Brother Hen- ri Vergès was in turn killed by Islamists, also in the library of the Casbah, where the two religious worked. Neither a theologian nor an episto- lier, this Little Sister of the Assumption, who was later to be deepened by born in 1927, was a woman of action. a whole mystical tradition from Each of the “fortnight” focuses on a moment in her biography Dionysius the Areopagite to and retraces her spiritual journey. With the dilemma of all the Master Eckhart. No doubt what “martyrs of Algeria”, beatified like her in December 2018, in started out with good intentions mind: to leave or to stay? ended up exile of this same God Daughter of a magistrate who grew up in Paris and Neuilly, from creation and from all rela- Hélène Saint-Raymond was a brilliant student, with a degree in tions with man. By plunging back physics and chemistry. At the age of 25, she entered the Little into the reading of these Treatises, Sisters of the Assumption. “Jean-François Petit, a religious of the we rediscover to what extent this same spiritual family, says: “An independent and lively-minded “Christ Jesus, though in divine woman like her (...) could have had some difficulty entering into condition, did not jealously hold the rather strict forms of religious life of the pre-conciliar pe- back the rank that equalled him to riod. The Assumptionist theologian recounts that she suffered God, but was annihilated, stooped at the beginning from a certain “intellectual gap”, taking refuge down, becoming obedient even in prayer. to death and death on the cross” “You have to be entirely in prayer, without nostalgia for ac- (Phil 2:5-8). tion, and entirely in action, without nostalgia for prayer,” she wrote later. Sister Paul-Hélène experienced action, from factory And of course, we do not de- life in Saint-Denis to nursing care in the Maghreb, a region she spair of the fact that other As- discovered in 1963 and hardly ever left until her death. sumptionists, following in the Apart from the questions of poverty and violence, which she footsteps of Anthony Wenger and develops in her writings, in a style sometimes close to note-tak- Lucian Dîncă, will come to enrich ing, the journey of the is marked by its asperities: like those this venerable collection and will “nights of faith” which she went through on several occasions, thus perpetuate this part of the feeling sorry that “a ground wave (had) swept over what had doctrinal charism of the Assump- been rock”. tion whose fruits we once again Determined to “stay” with the Algerians until the end, the admire. one who mastered both literary Arabic and the Algerian dialect continued to walk to the Kasbah library. “May the weakness and P. Iulian Dancă madness of our small number and our ageing be the place of (St. Peter - St. Andrew welcome and power of the Spirit of God,” she said, as La Croix Center, Bucharest) reported a few days after her death. (article by Mélinée Le Priol, published in La Croix on 24/01/2020)

23 Editor 2 Official Michel KUBLER, General Secretary  Agenda  Our Superior General celebrates 25 years of priesthood

ditorial So that AA News 3 E can “talk” about you,  Taking care of each other please send information about the life 4  Calls, nominations, changes... of the Assumption in your countries to the General Secretariat 5 Plenary General Council [email protected]  A “virtual” session for real questions before the end of each  First apostolic appointments General Council.  Solidarity in Assumption Campaign 2021 Thanks especially for sending photos and 7 Europe illustrations.  The Assumption leaves Toulouse 9 defences  Dialogue with Islam deepens at the Assumption 10 Education [email protected]  Assumption University: A New Name but an Enduring Tradition Translator Composed in 13 Africa Patricia Haggerty and June 30, 2020  Moto TV, a fire lit to enlighten the communities This no 13 of AA- info Gilles Blouin, English 13 Postulation José Antonio Echaniz ; is printed in 220  The slowness and meandering of the beatification Spanish copies: 160 in French process ... and the help of 30 in English 16 History Pages DeepL 30 in Spanish  Model and laid out And 350 electronic The Miracle of la Bonne Presse (Part 2) Loredana Giannetti shipments. 21 Books to read…

24 Our deceased Brothers Agostiniani dell’Assunzione - Via San Pio V, 55 - I - 00165 Roma Tel. : 06 66013727 - Fax : 06 6630814 - E-mail : [email protected]

Our deceased Brothers

† Brother Bernard † Father Camillus † Father Karel † Father Oliver † Father Roger † Brother Denis JOUANNO, of the THIBAULT, of the VAN AKEN, of the BLANCHETTE, of the HASCOËT, of the DUPUIS, of the community of community of Old community of Leuven community of Old community of Layrac community of Layrac Albertville (Province English Road (North (Province of Europe), English Road (North (Province of Europe), (Province of Europe), of Europe), died American Province), died on 1 May 2020 in American Province), died on May 31, 2020 died on 11 June 2020 on 16 April 2020 died on April 18, 2020 Moerzeke (). died on May 11, 2020 in Layrac (France). in Layrac (France). in Albertville in Worcester (USA). In His funeral service in Worcester (USA). In His funeral was His funeral was (France). Due to view of the pandemic, was celebrated in view of the pandemic, celebrated on 3 June celebrated on June 15 the coronavirus a private service was private in the chapel a private service was in the Priory Chapel, in the Priory Chapel, pandemic, a brief held at St. Anne’s of St. Theresa’s held at St. Anne’s followed by burial in followed by burial in tribute was paid to Parish in Fiskdale, College in Kapelle- Parish in Fiskdale, Layrac Cemetery. He Layrac Cemetery. He him at the Ehpad followed by burial in op-den-Bos, followed followed by burial in was 91 years old. was 89 years old. Notre-Dame des the local cemetery. He by burial in the Leest the local cemetery. He Vignes, followed by was 90 years old. cemetery. He was 92 was 104 years old. burial at the Chiriac years old. cemetery on 20 April. He was 75 years old.