exact re ection of what is to be found in our In the Middle East the Pastors of the Catholic Rule of Life: formation of the young, atten- Church, the Orthodox and Protestant Chur- NOUVELLES EN FAMILLE tion for the families, the spiritual accompa- ches are forever saying: “Either we shall be
NOTICIAS EN FAMILIA year th niment of pilgrims and of consecrated souls. saved together or we shall perish together”. series, nr 91 March 2014 NOTIZIE IN FAMIGLIA th th Solid convictions, good suggestions and There you have a clear call to unity and com- 14 10 112 the best ways of serving the local Church munity! Furthermore, we religious of the Sa- FAMILY NEWS and the neighbour must be pursued during cred Heart are full of Hope. Betharram will News bulletin of the Congregation the next few months as we continue our di- continue to be in the Holy Land if we so want of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Betharram scernment. it and how we want it!
A WORD FROM THE SUPERIOR GENERAL
Pastoral Conversion
In this issue Pastoral conversion is one of the key concepts of the papacy of Pope Francis; it is also the funda- ✝ Page 4 • Fr Enrique Miranda SCJ mental experience for a renewal of the Church in Page 6 • Harbustan Project: the hearts and communities (EG 20-49). Since it Mission to Tacuarembó is all about key experience, the Church herself, Page 8 • Guest House in must experience once more “the delightful and Imitate Christ! Only that can lead to virtue. Adiapodoumé comforting joy of evangelisation” (EN 80; EG 9); Imitate God! That is even greater than anything that can be said, greater even Page 9 • Joseph’s joy the joy of the Gospel lling the life of the com- than making the sun rise on the good and the wicked or to make the rain fall on Page 11 • Narratio Fidei of Br. munity of disciples is a missionary joy; this joy the just and unjust. Thinakorn Damrongusasin SCJ is a sign that the Gospel is being announced How does the Apostle St Paul think that we can imitate God? Page 14 • Bird’s eye view of the and bears fruit. But it always assumes the He suggests that, filled with God’s gifts, we should distribute them amongst our form of an exodus and a gift, of a path and a brothers by countless acts of kindness; that we should have for others the heart Congregation seed looking to the future (EG 21). of a Father, that is, having the deepest feelings of compassion, and human Page 15 • Notices from the Talking about conversion we think only affection. Since it is impossible, in view of the weakness of our human nature, General Council of the personal and private level and we hide not to offend our neighbour sometimes, we must look for the remedy to this Page 16 • The eleven vicariates (3) the interior change under many e orts, de- weakness in mutual forgiveness. (M 498) Page 19 • Anniversaries mands and sacri ces which mostly are not Page 20 • Listening to St geared towards a transformation of the indi- Generalate House Michael... vidual in his heart and in his conduct no more than via Angelo Brunetti, 27 the renewal of religious and ecclesial communities. Dur- 00186 Rome (Italy) ing this coming Lent our conversion must be di erent; Telephone +39 06 320 70 96 it must be guided by the Word of God as Pope Francis transmits it to us through his actions, words, decisions Societas Smi Cordis Jesu 91 Fax +39 06 36 00 03 09 B E T H A R R A M 2014 Email - [email protected] www.betharram.net 2014 ANNIVERSARIES and acts; it must also be expressed by a 1838: “The great danger in today’s world, serious change in our conduct and our pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the des- 14 55 ans de sacerdoce P. Pierre Monnot community relations. May the apostolic olation and anguish born of a complacent 15 Joyeux anniversaire F. Paul Lamothe exhortation Evangelii Gaudium guide us in yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of our re ection. frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience, Happy birthday Br. Antony J. Livin Fernando Pastoral conversion means a radical there is no longer room for others, no place 19 40 años de profesión PP. Javier Irala, Emiliano Jara JANUARY change in how we understand and live for the poor. God’s voice is no longer heard, 21 Feliz cumpleaños P. Bruno Ierullo, P. Jorge Murias, our Christian faith. It means the passage the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and P. José Gogorza from a situation of tranquillity and self sat- the desire to do good fades. This is a very real isfaction focused on the believer or on the danger for believers too. Many fall prey to it, 22 Joyeux anniversaire P. Gabriel Verley community to a situation of openness and and end up resentful, angry and listless. That 23 Buon compleanno P. Butrus Alhijazin movement of the individual meeting all the is no way to live a digni ed and ful lled life, Feliz cumpleaños Hno Osmar Caceres Spaini others; then communities meeting those it is not God’s will for us, nor is it the life in the 24 Happy birthday Br. Michael Richards who have distanced themselves from the Spirit which has its source in the heart of the Church to bring them the joy of the Gospel risen Christ” (EG 2) 27 Feliz cumpleaños Hno Daniel Pavón Galeano message, the love which God has for us, just Pope Francis is here pointing out some as Jesus of Nazareth showed it, he the Son real dangers, speci c to a worldly way of 29 Joyeux anniversaire F. Jean-Pierre Nécol of God made man. thinking and because they are clever lead 30 Happy birthday Fr. Phairote P. Nochatchawan It means passing from a Christian life to a certain familiarity. During this Lent our in uenced by this world to an Evangel- conversion must consist of opening our 31 Buon compleanno P. Piero Trameri ical Christian life full of truth which lls us eyes to see the signs of the times by lis- with joy, urging us to ever greater progress, tening to the People (EG 154 – 155). It also wanting to share with others the same hap- means being careful in examining our own 1 Joyeux anniversaire P. Jean Gillet piness as St Michael was saying already in conduct and motivations, interiorising the Feliz cumpleaños P. Daniel González Word of God. Celebrate the 2 Buon compleanno P. Angelo Riva sacraments; accept to be Happy birthday Br John Dawson, Fr. Jiraphat challenged in the dialogue with our spiritual director, by Raksikhao
our brothers in community 3 Buon compleanno P. Franco Cesana FEBRUARY and our Superiors. It is only P. Ermanno Rasero then that we will succeed 4 Joyeux anniversaire P. Jean Casenave in overcoming such worldly 5 Buon compleanno P. Tiziano Pozzi attitudes and attach greater importance to the place of 10 Buon compleanno P. Aldo Nespoli, P. Mario Zappa the person of Jesus Christ Happy birthday Fr. Subancha Yindeengarm, in our lives as in the lives Br. Reegan Vincent N. Raj of our communities. With Christ at the centre our lives 12 Joyeux anniversaire P. Gérard Badie, will be evangelical: humility, P. Laurent Bacho gentleness, mercy, dialogue, 13 Buon compleanno P. Ugo Donini
2 • Family News n.91, 14th March 2014 • 19 a slow death by suffocation. Betharramite communion, fraternity, happiness and de- a funeral! Let us recover and deepen our en- missionaries in South America, in China and parture for the mission. thusiasm, the delightful and comforting joy Thailand, and in Africa have much to teach The key to this pastoral conversion lies in of evangelizing, even when it is in tears that us. Moving from one place to another by the meeting with Jesus, as Pope Benedict XVI we must sow. And may the world of our time, make shift roads, problems with local au- said in Deus caritas est and repeated in the which is searching, sometimes with anguish, thorities, new smells and tastes were their document of Aparecida and by Pope Francis sometimes with hope, be enabled to receive daily lot. Yet they never lost their initial joy in EG 7. Jesus is a living person, exciting be- the good news not from evangelizers who are and enthusiasm at bringing the Good News cause everyone knows the love of God and dejected, discourages, impatient or anxious of salvation and liberation to the people. can enjoy it. By putting him at the heart of but from ministers of the Gospel whose lives The Holy Land is a relatively narrow strip of our lives, in a loving relationship as disciples glow with fervour, who have first received the territory but the difficulties concerning the we cannot lead a quiet life as long as we don’t joy of Christ” (10). Bethlehem: Verbum caro, hic factum est. movement of people remain: the residents consecrate our lives to that which he had All Betharramite religious and laity must permit to be renewed periodically, visiting consecrated his life: that all mankind today be part of this process so as to be part of missionary spirit and the stability to pursue another community requires time , and a lot may know and live of the love which God has the renewal of the Church; this renewal an apostolic project. The youngest and most of patience. In the Holy Land there are also for them (EG 264 – 267). will will be the result of the renewal of our active of the religious had their initial forma- frontiers which are not all constructed with No one is really a disciple if he isn’t also communities, our missions, our services, tion at diocesan level. The not so young barbed wire or blocks of cement but which missionary. We shall not be real missionar- our good works and the structures of our have a diocesan mentality rather than a re- can lead to a dialogue between cultures, re- ies if we are not his disciples, his compan- Congregation so as not to be an obstacle ligious one. Not many of them know what ligions and even generations. To acquire a ions, his closest friends (Mk 3,13 – 15; EG to evangelization. Each Christian and every it means to belong to Betharram, hence the new culture means entering into the myste- 262 – 267). The life style of the mission- community must discern the path that the need to pay particular attention to on-going ry of the kenose of Christ himself: it means ary-disciple like that of Jesus, his master, will Lord points out, but all of us are asked to formation in community so as to rediscover leaving one world to enter into a new world be evangelical love, expressed in the image obey his call to go forth from our comfort together the beauty of our charisma when li- and be consumed by it for love. of a grain of wheat which falls to earth and zone in order to reach all the “peripheries” ved in another cultural and religious context. To learn another language so as to build bears much fruit about which Jesus said: in need of the light of the Gospel (20). Enculturation of the young religious is most up good relationships demands a certain “He who wants to save his life will lose it; he This then is the aim of our mounting to important. Consequently it is absolutely stability. Such stability can come from com- who loses his life for my sake and the sake Jerusalem with Jesus where we shall cele- necessary to begin by learning a local lan- mitment to the pastoral of vocations on the of the Gospel, will save it” (Mark 8,35) The brate the mystery of his death and resurrec- guage as a tool for communication and spot, collaboration with the clergy presen- apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium tion next Easter. Each Betharramite, wheth- insertion. Something else which is of vital ting ourselves with a strong religious identi- says how this love is the corner stone from er religious or laity, washing his garments in importance is integration in the Arab and ty and a clear project. Betharramite religious which all the rest proceeds: the blood of the Lamb, renews the power Jewish culture with courage, passion and from other countries can be a positive ele- Evangelii Gaudium expresses well that of his baptism and consecration with the love. Anything gleaned in books is useless. ment in the stability of the Vicariate, if they this love is the corner stone from which all whole Church. He can therefore experi- The Mother Church in Jerusalem is rooted in make clear and conscious choices for “ever” proceeds. We become fully human when ence with greater joy and enthusiasm the the Middle East, meeting point of peoples, and not for a brief period of time. Although we become more than human, when we evangelical fraternity and the mission to religions, tongues, cultures and thousand they didn’t have our Rule of Life at hand lo- let God bring us beyond ourselves in or- evangelize. Each Betharramite community, year old histories. It is a world to be disco- cal animators helped us to find the points der to attain the fullest truth of our being. animated by this renewal of the religious vered, known, interpreted and with which on which to focus our commitment for and Here we find the source and inspiration of can then be a worthy witness of the Risen to communicate. If this is missing, the reli- with the local Church in crossing new fron- all our efforts at evangelisation. (8) Con“ - Christ. gious is living under a cloud, cut off from tiers. I am going to resu- sequently, an evangelizer must never look continues on page 20 the surrounding world, and with the risk of me them for they are an like someone who has just come back from Gaspar Fernández Pérez, scj
18 • Family News n.91, 14th March 2014 • 3 IN MEMORIAM
Father Enrique Miranda SCJ te religious. Their presence led to the opening in 2008 of me once more a place of formation and preparation for the parish residence Zarqa in Jordan, and hopes for the consecrated life as the seat of the novitiate for the St Mi- Buenos Aires (Argentina), 8 October 1956 - Buenos Aires, 21 February 2014 future of Betharram in the Holy Land. Finally with the chael Garicoits Region. new millennium, the residence in Bethlehem has beco- Fr Enrique Miranda SCJ was born in Buenos Roberto Cornara Aires on 8 October 1956. He attended the primary and secondary school in the Saint with Father Pietro Felet SCJ Joseph College, run by the «bayonenses» Its Present religious (Betharramites) and its future... 1875/1879 – 2014 = delity. In the course of time our Congrega- In 1974 he participated in the VII Eucharistic 138 years of history tion found its place and has always been and Congress, celebrated at Salta. On this occa- written by the Religious of the Sacred Heart still is renowned for its availability in the ser- sion he discovered his vocation to the pries- of Jesus of Betharram in the Holy Land.. That vice of the local Church. Its close links with thood in the Congregation of the Fathers of counts for something! Successive genera- the local Church were not in self interest but the Sacred Heart of Jesus, founded by Saint tions of religious but who are now dying for the good of souls met on the way: Car- Michael Garicoits. out, have kept faithfully in memory the years melite Sisters, seminarians, priests, refuge- At the beginning of 1975, since the Congre- spent in formation or in ministry; the word es, abandoned children, the disabled, and gation did not have a formation house in “hic” engraved in stone has left an indelible the laity. Our commitment to the laity was Argentina, he was sent to France where he mark on their hearts as contemplatives. It is carried out in an indirect fashion: train fu- attended a two years philosophy course. In “here” that the Word became man; it is “here” ture priests in our seminary who afterwards 1978 he did his novitiate at Villa Bétharram, that Christ was born of the Blessed Virgin would become formators of the laity. Only Adrogué, in the province of Buenos Aires, Mary; it is “here” that he was cruci ed, died six years ago in a show of total trust the Pa- Fr Ignacio Gogorza – at present a Bishop in and was buried; it is “here” that he rose again triarch entrusted us with the responsibility Paraguay - being his novice master. from the dead; it was “here” that his “Here I for a large parish in Jordan where the young He attended the Theology course at the faculty of Toledo at the Ponti cal Catholic University of Argentina, at Villa Devoto. am” rang out with that of Mary “to do your and not so young are to be found side by He was ordained as a priest during a well-attended celebration, held in the Palermo gardens, the high spot of the VIII Na- Will, Father”. If you want to know the e ect side with the Betharramites. These pari- tional Eucharistic Congress; on this occasion, 32 deacons, 3 of which were from Betharram, were ordained by the bishop of an experience in the Holy Land you have shioners, seeing our way of life, have been of Buenos Aires Juan Carlos Aramburu, at the presence of the Ponti cal Delegate Mons Agostino Casaroli. only to question the young African religious attracted and are asking to have a better After doing his ministry in the historic Saint Joseph college in Buenos Aires, he was appointed as director of the Sacred who spent their canonical year of novitia- knowledge of our Charisma which is witness Heart College in Rosario and later of the Sacred Heart Institute in Barracas. te here. The religious of the Vicariate feel of our life style of humility, delity, devotion From September 2005 to June 2009 he was the provincial superior and regional vicar of the Congregation of the Fathers responsible for carrying on the heritage, as and welcoming. of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Bétharram. From 22 March 2009 until today, he has been the Parish Priest in the Sacred heritage to be transmitted to future gene- So far I have been talking of the past and Heart Basilica, in the “porteño” quarter of Barracas. rations of religious. In the Vicariate we have present; but what of the future? How do we often been wondering what we should be imagine it? What are the calls? With what like today, as religious of Betharram at the troops will we carry on the good work? For Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ. heart of the Mother Church in Jerusalem, the past year and in the course of our com- HOMILY FOR THE FUNERAL MASS F We are assembled here this evening to and what we should be like tomorrow. munity meetings these are the questions OR FATHER ENRIQUE MIRANDA. greet the memory of a friend, son, bro- The time of our discreet entry in the face of which come up for discernment. Here are SACRED HEART BASILICA – BARRACAS. ther, the Betharramite priest who has left Church feelings of the day, is well and truly the points on which we are all agreed: the 21 FEBRUARY 2014 us. Christ’s Pascal mystery has entered En- part of history, but is typical of what are our meaning of belonging to Betharram, the rique’s life and challenges our faith in the characteristics, that is humility, devotion and courage of enculturation, rediscovery of a
4 • Family News n.91, 14 March 2014 • 17 THE ELEVEN VICARIATES OF THE CONGREGATION
Holy Land Vicariate Resurrection of Christ which is comforting young people many of whom are today us in this moment of trial. married couples, consecrated religious. The presence of such was the law. When the Congregation was expelled In this basilica lled to capacity with his Your friendship was built on the frien- its roots Betharram in the from France in 1903, the residence in the Holy Land was brothers words seem vain especially when dship of Jesus, the Special Friend. What Holy Land is due to the combined e orts and determination named o cial seat of the scholasticate and for a time for you want brie y to describe the person you o ered us as pleasant sayings were of two great characters in the history of the Congregation, the novitiate also. Meanwhile, in 1905 a new residence who has just left us. Presence, we know, fascinating for many: Jesus the Way, the namely Father Auguste Etchecopar, 3rd Superior general and was opened in Nazareth and in 1911 received the schola- is more powerful than words and here Truth and the Life. Your conduct as Pa- Blessed Marie de Jesus Cruci e; they worked together at the stics for their two years of philosophy. From then onwards today we have the good fruits of a good stor has been good for the Church, Enri- establishment of a community in Bethlehem in 1879. Sister the two houses in the Holy Land were fully in activity as tree. But the Word of God enlightens us que! Especially for Betharram! Like many Marie was linked to the work at Carmel, whose priests were scholasticates for the Congregation, not forgetting the pri- and gives real meaning to what the pain Betharramites you have left a track which and still are chaplains; it is only right to remember the names mary and fundamental work, namely the spiritual accom- nd hard to accept. many are taking in their pilgrimage to- of the pioneers of this vast undertaking for Betharram: Fa- paniment of the two Carmelite Monasteries. In the first text we have heard: “For we wards Christ where you are waiting for us thers Prosper Chirou, Pierre Estrate (future superior general), know that when the tent that we live in today. Jean Auguste Abbadie and Brother Hilaire Mestrezat. At the beginning of the 1920s and after the break for the on earth is folded up, there is a house bu- His mother, Pochi, is here with us; she First World War, both residences were admitting once more ilt by God for us, an everlasting house not was proud of her son Enrique, the priest. At the end of the 19th century the residence of Bethlehem the scholastics in philosophy and theology together with made by human hands, in the heavens.” Today I want to tell her, with all tho- had become the spearhead and centre of the whole Con- the corresponding teaching team. Bethlehem had as many (2 Cor 5, 1) se here assembled, to continue to be gregation. To avoid the seminarians (or scholastics as they as 50 students and Nazareth more than 30. In view of the Listening to them I thought of your talent proud of her son, for through the mercy were called then) having to do the two years National Ser- number of young candidates, at one moment it was neces- for everything concrete and manual. I of God we can see in him an interces- vice required by French law, in 1890 the chaplains’ residen- sary to open a new residence which was situated near the also thought of the energy you employed sor who with Our Lady of Betharram, ce accepted part of the young recruits for the Congregation; archaeological site of Emmaus. This house didn’t open its for the upkeep of our big houses, of tho- St Michael Garicoits and Father Etche- these young candidates were leaving France knowing that doors to the scholastics who were directed towards Balarin se buildings of which you, Enrique, took copar will help us to make the best of for at least ten years they would not be able to return – in France. Finally, another important and well deserving sign such great care. Not only ordinary upke- the life before us. From Heaven, where was to have accepted to direct the patriarchal ep but important works, for example the Mary is our Guide, the voice of the Good seminary at Beit Jala from 1932 to 1980. stain glass windows, the roo ng, and all Shepherd will lead us. kinds of installations. Today all we can say Then remains the icon of Bethany (John After the Second World War the houses in is that the House has been built and that 11, 17-27), the place of hospitality and Bethlehem and Nazareth ceased to function God Himself is the builder. You need wor- friendship, but also the Passion endu- as a scholasticate, precisely in 1948 when the ry no more about what used to keep you red with illness. We remember all the Congregation was divided into Provinces. From awake at night. The Lord is welcoming care bestowed on Enrique by his bro- then onwards, not forgetting the chaplaincy to you with love into his House. thers who accompanied him closely, the Carmelite Monasteries, little by little they Psalm 22 reminds us that as Pastor you just like Martha and Mary with their became prayer centres and guest houses for have been able to win the a ection of brother Lazarus. It would be unfair to pilgrims. Finally they served as meeting places many people by creating love around forget anybody but here I want to men- for Congregational assemblies at international yourself. There are those who were your tion Brother Gustavo Angarola, Gabriela level (formation, Council of the Congregation friends, but I want to remember the frien- Vazquez, his brothers and family, Alfre- in 1995 and the General Chapter in 2011). dship you enjoyed as a result of your hap- do Crespo and the Betharramite Fathers At the end of the 20th century the young piness and dynamism. Your advice was who helped him to accept God’s Will on Scolasticate in 1898 Arabs began their formation in view of the always welcome and well followed. The- this final stretch of road towards hea- Walk to an archeological site and... picnic! priesthood and consecration as Betharrami- re was the love you had for children and ven. By being abandoned into the han-
16 • Family News n.91, 14th March 2014 • 5 ds of God there is certainty of God’s love other... Of course we are going to miss them! (Spain), the community where the Supe- rst time and and the Resurrection. We have been preceded by a friend who has rior general called him to be a missionary we were all Dear brothers, today the Lord is asking us sown the seeds for Christ in many hearts. for three years. What a joyful exchange! very glad to to make this o ering: saying farewell to so- Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord, and let Always ahead, readily, unreservedly irre- meet him! He meone we can never forget. His quick steps perpetual light shine upon him! Amen vocably out of love! came with Fr in the corridors, his bunch of keys dangling Wilfred Pe- in one hand and his mobile phone in the Gustavo Agín, SCJ reppadan, the Regi on Vicar of En- gland, who ew to India for a short period of holiday. On this occasion the Apostolic 150TH ANNIVERSARY India Carmel Sisters paid a visit to our community. Bangalore ► In the month of February va- This was an opportunity to pray together in THE JUBILEE YEAR WE ARE CELEBRATING IS CHARACTERISED NOT ONLY BY DIFFERENT rious events enlivened the the community front of the relics of Saint Michael Garicoits FESTIVITIES AND ANNIVERSARIES, BUT BY NEW OPENINGS TOO. INVITED BY POPE FRANCIS life of Shobhana Shaakha, our formation brought to India by the Indian Vicar, Fr Biju TO “GO FORTH” AND TO REACH OUT TO DIFFERENT PERIPHERIES, THE RELIGIOUS OF BE- house, in Bangalore. Br Patrick Leighton, Alappat, who attended the Council of the THARRAM FEEL COMMITTED NOT ONLY TO PRESERVE THE PRESENT SET-UP, BUT TO MEET from the English Vicariate visited India for the Congregation in Rome in January. THE NEW CHALLENGES OF TODAY’S WORLD WITH COURAGE . THIS IS THE FRUIT OF THE JUBILEE WE ARE CELEBRATING. WE FEEL THE WORDS OF SAINT MICHAEL AS RELEVANT AS EVER TODAY: “THE OBJECT OF THE SOCIETY IS THEN TO TRAIN AND FORM THESE MINISTERS SO PERFECTLY THAT AT THE FIRST SIGNAL OF THE WILL OF THEIR BISHOP OR SUPERIOR THEY CAN BE WORTHILY NOTICES FROM THE GENERAL COUNCIL CHOSEN TO WORK FOR THE SALVATION OF SOULS.” (MS 339) Decisions of the Superior General and his Council Harbustan Project: Mission to Tacuarembo • On February 17, the Superior General, with his Council, approved the foundation of the regional missionary com- munity of Montevideo-Tacuarembó (Uruguay). The community will have the pastoral care of St Michael-Garicoits For some time now this project has been un- with three religious in the diocese of Tacua- parish, of the school and the Inmaculada Concepción high school; they will ensure a missionnary presence at the der consideration. During the rst Regional rembo, 400 km from Montevideo: a deacon Ntra. Sra. de Fátima chapel in the López quarter of Tacuarembó as well as in the rural area connected to the San Chapter of 2010 it was suggested to open a from Brazil, Brother Wagner Ferreira, a bro- Fructuoso parish of Tacuarembó (Diocese of Tacuarembó); regional missionary community in the Etche- ther from Paraguay, Brother Victor Torales • On the same day, the Superior General also approved the following appointments for the Fr. Auguste Etchécopar copar Region. and Father Angelo Recalcati. Region: Fr. Mauro Henrique Ulrich de Oliveira as Master of scholastics; Fr. Daniel González as Master of novices; Last year several discussions took place, The Bishop, Mgr Lopez Bonino, suggested Fr. Angelo Recalcati as Superior of the Montevideo-Tacuarembó community; Fr. Carlos Escurra as Superior of the especially among ourselves Betharramite that we take pastoral care of the outer ring colegio apostolico San José community (Asunción); Fr. Sergio Gouarnalusse as Superior of the San Juan Bautista religious, then with some priests in Uruguay road quarter of Tacuarembo, the Lopez Bar- community (Buenos Aires); Fr Francisco Daleoso as the Superior of Adrogué community; Fr. Crispín Villalba as Su- and nally with the Bishop. Each discussion rio, and of four villages inland: Paso del Cerro, perior of Lambaré community. was shared with all the religious who wan- Los Laureles, Puebla Treinta y Tres and Lam- ted to be kept informed about the progress bare. The three of us met up 13th February On February 24, Mr Ernest Kouamé, father of Fr Hervé, first regional vi- Our departed car for Ivory Coast, died at 69. While expressing our sympathy to Fr Hervé which the discernment was making. At the at Montevideo; on the 14th we set out for and his family, we promise to pray for their dear one that the Lord may end it was decided to make a foundation Tacaurembo where we met up with Fathers welcome him into his kingdom.
6 • Family News n.91, 14 March 2014 • 15 BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE CONGREGATION
of its saint assistant parish priest (who is Gustavo Agin, Regio- Word of God, encourage Region now theirPatron Saint) intended to spread nal Superior and Sergio the formation of Pastoral his example and his spirituality. The days Gouarnalusse who had helpers who will anima- were animated by Fr Beñat Oyhénart SCJ come on purpose from te the liturgy, making it a France-Spain and Fr Pornchai Sukjai SCJ through talks, Argentina to accom- time of celebration and 100 years! Eucharistic celebrations, prayer meetings.. pany us on this new mis- prayer for the community, ► Satur- sion. catechesis, by which the day, March Ivory Coast On Sunday 16th at 9.00 community shares its faith 1, 2014 the A new chapel ► On Sunday, February 8, in am, the Bishop presided and what it is doing for the communi- the presence of administrative and traditional over Mass in the Chapel poor as a means of expres- ty gathered religious authorities, the parish of St. Bernard of Our Lady of Fatima; sing real charity. around Fr An- Adiapodoumé, led by the clergy and the va- in his homily the Bishop However we can’t forget dré Gillet on rious parish councils, with a solemn celebra- spoke of the importan- our mission to Montevi- his hundredth birthday! The celebration tion laid the foundation stone of the chapel of ce of the Word of God deo: the parish cared for by began in the chapel of the “Maison Neu- one of its communities at TRCI (rubber plant which assembles us, of the Christian com- Father Gavel for years despite his illness and ve”, where the community, in the presen- district), named Saint Michael Garicoïts. The munity which is always a missionary com- the college. This is why we decided on a rota- ce of Fr Jean-Luc Morin, Regional Supe- ceremony was attended by the parishioners munity, stressing that the mission is a task tion by which two of us will be at Tucuarem- rior, and Father Jean-Dominique Delgue, of St. Bernard and those of the neighboring belonging not only to the religious but to all bo and one at Montevideo. Furthermore, one Regional Vicar, thanked the Lord for the Christian communities. In his homily Father Christians. week a month, we shall all meet up at Monte- gift of Fr André’s life. Laurent Bacho scj, encouraged all the congre- At the end of Mass, someone from the com- video to strengthen our community life. During the traditional toast, the mayor of gation to carry on this noble commitment of munity said a few words to welcome us and We are fully aware that this is an ambitious Lestelle-Bétharram presented a tribute to building their chapel. To this end, people of in a symbolical gesture handed over to us and demanding programme. We are relying Fr André. The festive meal shared with the good will pledged to help. the keys of the modest house which was on God’s help and on your prayers that we religious and the residents was the best going to be our home will carry it out to the best of our ability. way to end such a memorable day. The project which we had built with the Bi- Happy birthday Fr André! Region shop was to promote the small base com- munities which would meet to read the Angelo Recalcati, SCJ Cambo ► On days 8 and 9 February, as part of the Jubilee Year, the Parish «St. Brazil Michael Garicoïts in Cambo les Bains, wel- Sabará ► Sunday, February 9, in the city comed the relics of our Father and Foun- of General Carneiro, Br Davi Aparecido da der. In Cambo, the young Father Michael Silva Lara SCJ, was ordained as a deacon Garicoïts had been sent as an assistant by the laying on of hands of the Auxilia- parish priest (January 1824) after his ordi- ry Bishop of Belo Horizonte. The Mother- nation (on 20 December 1823). He remai- Church was lled with parishioners who ned there until the end of 1825, when the had known Br Davi for two years, and Bishop moved him into the seminary of with many Betharramites from all com- Betharram, where he spent the rest of his munities of the Vicariate. On February 24, life. The parish of Cambo by introducing the newly-ordained deacon boarded on once again to all the faithful the gure his “winged Etincelle» and y to Mendelu
14 • Family News n.91, 14th March 2014 • 7 Guest House at Adiapodoumé members , so that they feel happy in their What prayer is all this meditation heart. Always ready to say “here I am”, and inspiring me? respond to their call with joy for the glory The Prayer to the Holy Spirit, written by Thanks to Betharramite solidarity riates of the Congregation, a rst payment of God, when they need pastoral care. Blessed Miriam of Jesus Cruci ed. The Guest House in the compound of the has already been made. The continuation The prayer is inspiring me every time I say Formation Community at Adiapodoume will demand the same solidarity. The Vi- On what do I feel driven “Ecce Venio”. This prayer makes my faith is for the use of: cariate of Ivory Coast could have assured to focus my attention? stronger and deepens my trust in God to • The brothers of the Vicariate and bro- half of the budget over 2 years if the rate In my experience I feel that the elements do the Mission for the Glory of God with thers from other Vicariates to facili- of exchange of the hevea (latex extracted of availability, obedience, simplicity are the happiness and joy. tate fraternal meetings for times of from the rubber tree) was the same as in major points on which to focus my atten- re exion and prayer. 2011. Unfortunately the purchase price is tion during my mission work. All these ele- Holy Spirit, inspire me. • People from outside (priests, religious actually down 1/3 of what we knew but ments go together to support our spiritual Love of God, consume me. and laity) who wish to spend a time of the expenses haven’t dropped. The Vica- life and carry out the mission with strong Along the true road, lead me. recollection and retreat. riate can only reasonably hope to pay for faith. We must also be ready do adjust to Mary my Mother looks upon me. More and more people are asking to join the furniture. the actual situation of the people. With Jesus, bless me. our community at Adiapodoume for a Heartfelt thanks to the Vicariates which To recap: Respond to the needs of the pe- From all evil, from all illusion, break so as to meet the Lord. Our house will help in the realisation of this project ople with availability, obey in order to nd from all danger, preserve me. didn’t have the means to respond to this which is a real necessity for our Vicariate. the right way of action, live in simplicity. type of request. Isn’t that what is called “the economy of The building which is now going up is communion”? composed of a meeting hall, a kitchen, a Once more very heartfelt thanks for such dining room, and 12 two-bed rooms. The Betharramite solidarity shown in this fra- cost is estimated at 247 000 euros. Work ternal sharing. started at the beginning of February and is expected to last 6 months. The Community at Adiapodoume Thanks to the solidarity of di erent Vica-
8 • Family News n.91, 14 March 2014 • 13 SPIRITUALITY
(for God and nei- Joseph’s Joy ghbor) happi- ness and peace IN HIS INTRODUCTION TO REDEMPTORIS CUSTOS, JOHN PAUL II SUMMED UP JOSEPH’S will come into MISSION AS FOLLOWS:“HE DID AS THE ANGEL OF THE LORD COMMANDED HIM AND TOOK the community HIS WIFE. (CF. MT 1 :24)... HE TOOK LOVING CARE OF MARY AND GLADLY DEDICATED members where HIMSELF TO JESUS CHRIST’S UPBRINGING...” WITH FR. JOSÉ MIRANDE, LET US BE INTRO- I live. But if the DUCED TO THE MYSTERY OF JOSEPH’S JOY. main goal is my own advantage everything will In the Bible, my attention is drawn to two fail and I will be gures of Patriarchs and both are called Jo- unhappy. seph. As I see it Providence has given me “Outside of more than a name: it is a vocation, a call to obedience man liberty and joy in God. does nothing”. Joseph of Egypt, betrayed and sold by his Everything brothers, is the image of a God who cho- should be done oses poor means, to the point of being Deacon Thinakorn Martin de Tours Damrongusasin scj in obedience to taken for a victim; he takes no decision for God, that is liste- anything in his life, thrown into a cistern, ning to him and tharram but also for every religious. then sold as a slave; kept in prison then to others too in order to nd the right way So, I feel that living outside obedience upgraded to the position of Master of the to go, because God has given us di erent would make me sel sh and this would Palace, slandered and deposed, reinstated Father José Mirande SCJ talents’ for sharing with others and accep- lead me to seek my own advantage. in his former position, it would seem that ting ideas and talents of others. he wasn’t free to choose his own wife! Fi- today. He reminds us that we receive our “Living easily with my neighbor (commu- How do I try to live nally proclaimed governor of the whole joy as the result of something, and that the nity members)” what these texts show me? country, ever the same in all situations, he Christian’s joy and even more so the joy of Both the quotations from the Gospel and These passages stress the importance is the image of a God who forgives, whose the consecrated soul, is a joy from God and from the Spiritual Doctrine repeat the of leading a simple life; so, in my perso- forgiveness is so deep that he seems to for- according to God’s plan. same concept: lay people and theology nal daily life (Mission life, pastoral care) I get himself. Finally he saves his father and Father Garicoits is presented to us as a man scholars, all should live a simple life becau- live according to the condition of people his brothers and plans the place where the full of optimism and joy; yet there is a certain se this will make people feel free and hap- around me as the Betharram Missionary People of God will bloom. evolution in his interpretation of God’s joy. py in doing the will of God with joy and style would suggest, that is “ to be with Joseph of Nazareth has often reminded He begins by being a person who pleases happiness and ready to say “Ecce Venio” not only to work for” (this is the principle me of what “Joseph’s joy” could be like. He everyone: as a child, servant, student and of incarnation). This means being with the was called to such a very special service in young priest; he is happy to be at the servi- Which aspects have had a major impact people, eat like the people, learn from the God’s plan that he didn’t have a minute to ce of all and to the best of his ability. But he on my personal history people. think of his own projects. He has no choi- was soon to discover religious life and nds as religious of Betharram? Very often what the people are in need of, ce but to adapt and accept the indications himself member of a community, bound by Obedience has a strong impact on my per- is not working for them but simply being from Divine Providence and lead a life of choices taken together. sonal history, because obedience is very with them, visiting them, and leading total renouncement. He seems to me to be But what must have been St Michael’s joy important not only for the religious of Be- prayer sessions for them and their family the perfect answer to the individualism of between 1841 and 1863, that is from the
12 • Family News n.91, 14th March 2014 • 9 NARRATIO FIDEI
God and of the Church. How therefore can of Br. Martin de Tours Thinakorn Damrongusasin we call “joy” a life where one gives up a large Deacon in Huay Tong residence (Chiang Mai - Thailand) part of what one believes in? It is at this point that we must return to “Joseph’s joy” or rather that of Jesus on his Whatever you eat, then, or drink, and whatever else you do, do it all for the way up to Jerusalem there to carry out his glory of God. Never be a cause of o ence (...),just as I try to accomododate destiny. Our interpretation of God’s will is everybody in eveything, not looking for my own advantage, but for the like the millstones in the old mills. Under advantage of everybody else, so that they may be save.” the action of running water these millsto- (1 Co 10,31-33) nes are constantly moving, constantly rub- bing o each other, they crush the grain “ Here I am without delay, without reserve, without return. Exul- and produce good white our. The Word of tavit ut Gigas. He leapt like a Giant. Man of activity, man of suf- God, which seems to be a stumbling block fering within the limits of obedience, man who does nothing, between Michael Garicoits and Francois su ers nothing outside obedience. Immense generosity but Lacroix becomes a source of research resul- controlled; generosity applied to duty, to the proprieties of ting in the manifestation of God’s Will and ones position; immense generosity which discovers a worthy situation in which it in can be deployed to the Glory of God and day when the Bishop told him that he wan- the existence of our Congregation. this even in the womb of Mary; in the crib, in the humble cot- ted to have a simple missionary Congre- There is therefore just now with Garicoits tage of Nazareth or amid the splendours of Heaven at the right gation at the service of the Diocese, and a real joy, a bitter-sweet joy if you like but hand of the Father. so putting an end to his genuine wishes? for real, a bit like that of a child who has to- Maybe he felt reassured by the growth and tal con dence in his Father: joy of the new Long live God. I can glorify God. I can be useful to my neighbour quality of his community which marked our to be consecrated like Bread. just as easily and with less danger amidst poverty, humiliations and real development despite the contradictory Michael returns from Mirepeix, dead beat as humble occupations, as in the most brilliant position. Here, I am ready demands of his Bishop. The shadow of in- much by fatigue as by the last chat with His for anything but never seeking outside my position.” (Spiritual Doctrine) terference by his Bishop continued to hang Lordship who led him to understand that over his good work. his project of foundation was over. He will Michael’s discernment was to the point; die “from lack of air” where his illness is mi- SILENCE even the Church approved of his choice xed with the expectations of the baby fox and research of an “ever higher degree of enjoying in advance the de nitive meeting NARRATIO... ty members)” (SD) perfection” as he used to say. Mgr Lacroix with the little prince. He therefore dies in a The text “Do it all for the glory of God” is the wasn’t wrong in wanting to keep good la- state of joy. What do these extracts tell me? motto I selected when I took my religious bourers in the service of the parishes of his This is what Saint Michael tells me: “I must I would like to share my personal re ec- vows; I chose this because the happiness diocese. But there were two interpreting urge you with every bre of my being to live tion on my own experience of faith, dra- comes from doing wholeheartedly all the “will of God”, the magisterium and the constantly in the joy of the Lord, and let it wing my inspiration from the following things for the glory of God and bringing charism. Michael will always have respon- shine through everything you do, in all your passages: the same happiness to others by sharing ded with total vigour to the Bishop’s way of relations with God, your neighbour and “Do it all for the glory of God” (1 Co.) my personal talents. thinking, who is imbued with the grace sta- your innermost self as Mary did “(DS 135 – “For the advantage of everybody” (1 Co.) When I consider the happiness of others I te. But it cannot be denied that there is also 136). “Outside of obedience man does nothing” am urged to re ect on my own happiness. the grace of foundation, commonly known (SD) “For the advantage of everybody”. If this is as “charism” which is priceless in the eyes of José Mirande, SCJ “Living easily with my neighbor (communi- the main goal of the missionary projects
10 • Family News n.91, 14 March 2014 • 11