Acsi General Assembly 2018: September 4

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ACSI GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2018: SEPTEMBER 4 – 6 2018

PASTORAL CENTER OF HOCHIMINH CITY ARCHDIOCESE 06BIS TON DUC THANG ST., BEN NGHE WARD DISTRICT 01, HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM.

Prepared by Ms.Satira Soares, Caritas Christi, Goa- India ACSI SECRETARY 2014 - 2018

ACSI EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT PRESIDENT: DR.ADELAIDE VAZ, MADONNA DELLA STRADA TREASURER: MS.CONCEPCION GONZALES SERVITIUM CHRISTI COUNCIL MEMBER: MS.LILLY FERNANDES, MAIDS OF THE POOR SECRETARY: MS.SATIRA SOARES, CARITAS CHRISTI

INTRODUCTION: After 43 yrs of its foundation laid by Dr.Emilio Tresalti in 1975, the 11th. General assembly was a landmark in the history of the Asian Conference of Secular Institutes, an

affirmation of secular institutes not only in Asia but the world over. For the first time a representative from the Vatican, Cardinal Joao Braz Aviz Prefect of the Congregation for Consecrated Life, and his secretary Rev.Fr.Donato came personally to experience and interact with members of Secular institutes in Asia. Needless to say the ground work for this historic gathering with his Eminence was largely due to the meticulous planning of Bishop Peter Nguyen Van de SDB, Rev.Fr.Thomas Trung S.J, and the executive body of the ACSI especially Dr.Adelaide Vaz and Ms.Lilly Fernandes who personally met the Cardinal in Rome and Our Lady of Guadalupe group.

Cardinal Joao Braz Aviz with Dr.Emilio Tresalti and Rev.Fr.Donato

Highlight of each day

Day 1: ACSI GENERAL ASSEMBLY 4th September, 2018- Tuesday

11 countries, 34 secular institutes and lay association with 121 Vietnamese participants and 56 foreign participants, 19 official delegates were present for the General Assembly 2018 a record number of participants which brought much joy and happiness to all.

No. Of Participants Country wise

S.No. Country Name of the Secular Institute No. Of Total Participants

1. Philippines Secular Institute of the Volunteers of Don 9 Bosco Associates of Notre Dame de Vie 6 Fils de Notre Dame de Vie 1 Notre Dame de Vie 5 Servitium Christi 1

Institute of the Missionaries of the 4 Kingship of Christ Daughters of St.Anne 2 Pretres Notre Dame de Vie 2 30

2. India Madonna della Strada 1 +1 Chaplain Caritas Christi 3 Secular Institute Christ the King 2 Maids of the Poor 2 Gleaners of the Church 1 Dominican Laity(Observer) 1 11

3 Thailand Daughters of the Queenship of Mary 6 5 Immaculate

4. Hong Kong Fraternite Jesus Caritas 1 Secular Institute Christ the King 1

5. Laos O.M.M.I. 1 1

6. Taiwan Notre Dame de Vie 1 1

7. South Korea Sei Maria Zaizouku Kai 2 2 Diocesan Priest 1 1

8. Japan Notre Dame de Vie 1 1

9 Indonesia Compagnia Missionaria Del Sacro Cuore 1 1

10 Italy Secular Institute Christ the King 2 2

11. Vietnam OMMI 1 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF THE FAMILY OF 4 MARY OF THE VISITATION SECULAR INSTITUTE OF MISSIONARIES OF 5 JESUS (IMJS) SECULAR INSTITUTE OF JESUS CARITAS 2 (JCF) SECULAR INSTITUTE OF SERVITIUM 6 CHRISTI (SC) SECULAR INSTITUTE OF SERVANTS OF 10 GOD (SISG) SECULAR INSTITUTE OF CONSECRATION 2 OF HAI PHONG SECULAR INSTITUTE OF THE PRIESTS OF 4 THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS (COR UNUN)

SECULAR INSTITUTE OF MISSIONARIES OF 14 CHARITY (MC) SECULAR INSTITUTE OF THE SACRED 14 HEART OF JESUS (IFSCJ) SECULAR INSTITUTE OF MISSIONARIES OF 4 THE SICK OF “CHRIST HOPE” SECULAR INSTITUTE OF JESUS 2 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF CARITAS CHRISTI 19 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF SERVANTS OF 14 SACRED HEART (ASC) SECULAR INSTITUTE OF LIFE AND 12 PRESENCE SECUAR INSTITUTE OF THE SACRED 3 HEART OF JESUS (COR UNUN) SCALABRINIAN SECULAR MISSIONARIES 3 (MSS) 121

No. Of MALE PARTICIPANTS: 19 No. OF FEMALE PARTICIPANTS: 160 Satira Soares SECRETARY ASIAN CONFERENCE OF SECULAR INSTITUTES

ARRIVAL/REGISTRATION: Registration and verification of Official delegates and participants began on the 3rd September 2018 and continued on the 4thSeptember 2018 by Concepcion Gonzales, Servitium Christi assisted by Mary Almonte, Notre Dame de Vie and later on by Satira Soares, Caritas Christi. The much awaited arrival of Cardinal Joao Braz Aviz, Rev.Fr. Donato accompanied by Rev. Fr.Trung S.J. and Bishop Peter Nguyen Van de SDB was a joyful moment of thanksgiving and joyful praise to God for this wonderful gift to the members of the Asian Conference of Secular Institutes and to Vietnam.

Inaugural Mass

In praise and thanksgiving we had the inaugural Mass of the Holy Spirit beautifully arranged by the members of the Vietnam National Conference with melodious singing by the choir. The Eucharistic celebration presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Joao Braz Aviz, concelebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Fernando R.Capalla from the Philippines, Bishop Peter Nguyen Van De, SDB, Rev.Fr.Thomas Trung S.J, Rev.Fr.Donato and the Priests from the different secular institutes in Asia. In his homily in reference to the family he brought out the message of St.Paul who speaks of two desires namely the desire of the flesh and the desire of the Spirit, both contradictory to each other. Because of this contradiction we live not as we should but indulge in fornication, impurity, live without any laws idolatry, jealousy, orgies, envy drinking bouts which come from the flesh and we have to overcome these by the Spirit of God which governs happiness which is lasting leading to love, joy and patience. In the words of Pope Francis” we have to enter into patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness and faithfulness.” On our own it will be difficult but with Jesus who gives us His power through the Holy Spirit we can overcome our shortcomings. Our source of life is the resurrected Christ. The paschal mystery incarnated in us. The disciples were happy and Jesus offered them His Holy Spirit and to us His Mission – As my Father sent me I too send you. You have also received the life of Christ and His Mission.

• Following the Eucharistic Celebration Dr.Adelaide Vaz, ACSI President , Secular Institute Madonna della Strada extended a warm welcome to Cardinal Joao Braz Aviz, His Excellencies Most Rev.Peter Ngyuyen Van De, Archbishop Emeritus Fernando R.Capalla from the Philippines, Rev.Fr. Trung, Dr.Emilio Tresalti, the delegates and participants on behalf of ACSI. The National Vietnamese Council of Secular Institutes presented bouquets to welcome the Cardinal, Rev.Fr.Donato, Bishop Peter Ngyuyen

Van De, Archbishop Emeritus Fernando R.Capalla from the Philippines, Rev.Fr. Trung, Dr.Emilio Tresalti and a beautiful display of flowers mounted on a stand to ACSI received by Dr.Adelaide on behalf of ACSI.

• In keeping with the aims , Dr.Adelaide stressed that ACSI was moving ahead helping Secular Institutes, disseminating information about the true nature and purpose of SI’s in Asia and in making present the needs, interest and concerns of the institutes to the FABC and the Holy See taking into account their exhortations and directives .She highlighted the fact that the Vietnamese culture of warmth and hospitality and the Cardinal’s presence have drawn a record number of participants the first in the history of ACSI meetings.

Dr.Adelaide introduced the Cardinal and other dignitaries and gave the statement of ACSI GA 2018 namely the creation of a plan of action for the next 4 years i.e. 2018 to 2022 and the election of a new Executive Board. She also put forward the benefits of such meetings: -They bring about contacts. - Exchanges of experiences - help to form National Conferences in Asia and promote them –e.g. India, Philippines Vietnam. - vocations are growing in Asia and that there was a need to support and promote them. -She also mentioned that Dr.Emilio Tresalti was Instrumental in founding the Asian Conference of Secular Institutes and is the only member to attend every conference in Asia. After a prayer to the Holy Spirit, Cardinal Joao Braz Aviz convoked the General Assembly 2018

• Rev.Fr.Thomas Vu Quang Trung S.J Local organizer

Introduction of Secular Institutes in Vietnam:

• Rev. Fr.Thomas Vu Quang Trung S.J. Episcopal Vicar For Religious and Consecrated Life in his introduction to Secular Institutes in Vietnam mentioned that there are 26 Secular Institutes in 26 (Arch) Dioceses of Vietnam of these 4 are for men and 22 for women.

• In His inaugural address Cardinal Joao Braz Aviz profusely thanked the President Dr.Adelaide Vaz for inviting Him to the conference in Vietnam. He stated that it is important to visit the country to understand the life of members of Secular Institutes. His mission entrusted to him was to bring the Pope’s blessings to each one. Last year the church commemorated the anniversary of Divina Provida Mater with the release of the booklet “Consecration and Secularity”. Quoting Pope Francis he said in the last 70 years secular institutes have done a lot for the church and he wants to give the structure and institutionalize Secular Institutes. We need to have courage to live in the world. Some live alone, some in communities but continue to contemplate Christ and with the eyes of Christ we contemplate the reality and the beauty of the world with the deviations in society we live our daily life. This vocation is fascinating because it is a vocation of salvation of not only people but institutions at stake. The fact that the Church recognizes our vocation is very revolutionary. Secular institutes are not small but great in the history of the world. It has the mission of evangelization which is very concrete. This journey of mission continues in each one of you. Secular Institutes for lay people which includes men and women and diocesan priests who wish to be a part of such institutes, as in the case of Archbishop from Manila . We need to understand women more than men. There are Clerical secular institutes of Priests but more important we have an Archbishop. A beautiful insight where we can

see the depth of our vocation is seen in the mystery of the incarnation of the world Jesus was not born in a temple but in the midst of people, he had a profession he lived with poor people. Through us the Gospel will reach inaccessible areas. One does not have to confuse your vocation with other vocations. Secular Institutes should not be a place of religious life. They have 2 characteristics like two side of a coin. You cannot separate any side as without it you cannot be a secular institute. Live to have a positive relationship with God in the world which is a place of sin also a place of Incarnation. – A request to ACSI to take care of Formation of members. The other side of the coin – the secularity takes root in the world; if you cannot express the secularity to live in the world then one cannot be called as a member of a Secular Institute. Consecration of seculars is to live in diverse form. You are called to live in different conditions of life in the family, profession and also within the Church there are crisis. Each one of you is personally called to respond to the call. In all of this we have to live in the world and of the world but live the Gospel values. Live the three vows. Make yourself available to serve God in the world. Our Vocation is formed from the heart of the Trinity you should not take your vocation as something small and compare your life to that of religious life.

• Speech by Bishop Peter Nguyen Van De, SDB: Bishop Peter Nguyen Van De posed 3 important questions : 1. Who are you? 2. What are you doing? 3. How do you live? He went on to say that the Church in Vietnam does not have a good understanding of Secular Institutes of what they are and how they live. So for this reason they can miss the essentials of secular institutes in Vietnam especially the difference between secular institutes and religious. Present here are many secular institutes and religious institutions. Secular Institutes members should remain in the world, profession, society but many Secular Institutes give an outward appearance of a religious and would like to insert in Religious community living. This hurts the secular element of secularity. He stressed that the vocation of Secular Institutes comes from the Heart of the Trinity from the incarnation of the world so we should not confuse our vocation with other vocations. God does not create confusion. Therefore live the secular vocation as seculars and not like other vocations.

You are not religious congregations, nor a hermit or a monk. Your characteristic is in the world, In the midst of the world and not outside it. Therefore members of Secular Institutes should not dress themselves different from the world. Those who desire to wear a habit should go to the convent. You are normal like anyone else, dress, comb your hair, be beautiful as others but in your heart is the mystery of Jesus. Even though you have the mystery of Jesus in your heart you do not pronounce it but people recognise it and question Bishop Peter then made a request to Cardinal Joao Braz Aviz to translate the code into different languages and to send to different countries especially the Bishops. He said we should learn to study and live the code. We can be a member of a Secular Institute but need to follow the Guide lines.

• Vote of Thanks by Ms.Lilly Fernandes: She thanked the dignitaries for their presence and deep insights. As a token of gratitude a memento was presented to each one.

A small token of love and gratitude to

Cardinal Joao Braz Aviz,

Bishop Peter Ngyuyen Van De,

Archbishop Emeritus Fernando R.Capalla

Rev.Fr. Trung,

Was presented by Satira Soares, Caritas Christi on behalf of ACSI

AFTERNOON SESSION:

• After a delicious meal of some of the best of Vietnamese cuisine the members gathered for the afternoon session. As the Cardinal and His Secretary was leaving to meet the religious in another diocese accompanied by Rev.Fr.Trung, he requested additional time to interact with the participants.

• Cardinal Joao Braz Aviz : highlighted the fact that our consecration was within the life of the Church and not only to God. If a Secular Institute is not recognised by the Church it does not exist. Therefore it is necessary that a secular institute is recognised by the Church and Vatican. In co operation with the Church it lasts lifelong. Therefore the Institute helps the person in the institute journey through life. The institute is a place of formation and it is important to persevere with our own vocation. Consecration and Secularity: All comes from God so there is nothing as secular and profane. All that comes from God is within God. Therefore the image of the member of the member of the institute is contemplation of the world i.e. Image of God and deep contemplation of the world. Therefore the member brings the Light of Christ to the world where he lives Living in our homes we share the problems and difficulties of the family, the financial difficulties faced in the home.

We are living within the structure in the midst of the world, amidst temptations against our consecration. Among the rivalries in our relationships, living our vocation in these difficult situations invites us to continually discern. As we live in different situations we have to learn to accept the complexities of the different situations. Living within history i.e. social, economic, political we should pay attention to the changing times and share in the common risks. Therefore it is very important to keep alive the commitment of Hope. This vocation is deeply rooted in the world. It is not running away even from marriage and searching security in the Church. We have a mission to go out into the world. For Priests belonging to secular institutes they have to help Priests within the Collegiums of Priests and work for the people of God. It does not mean that he is inserted in another profession. His territory is within the diocese with his people and his own history and way of journeying. Their spirituality reinforces their vocation. They have to move forward not as a person living in an institute but as a member of an institute and works for the sanctification of the world. He takes care of nature, creation and the creatures in it. He lives the reality of human life. Challenges: - A member of SI must be a prophet - He has to contact with life in the world like the reading of the Letter to the Galatians on Flesh and the Spirit - There are certain things in our Faith which is not negotiable - During fecundity we are very sensitive because of changes in our life. As Pope Francis said Unity does not mean uniformity. Unity is not like a sphere. It is like a diverse point which connects to each other e.g. a Christian entering a community where he is not accepted - New wine & new wine skin. - • Introduction of Secular Institutes: Through a power point presentation 26 secular institutes introduced in brief their history, spirituality, charism and their apostolate. As the time was limited the opportunity for questioning and clarification did not arise.

• Input session: “Sharing Lives of Hope and Fulfilment” Ms. Lilly Fernandes, Maids of the Poor.

Secular consecration was unheard of in the earlier years. The only model of consecration was the religious consecration. While accepting the secular is sacred our appreciation for our vocation deepens and we become hope for Asia involved in day to day living and can become the leaven, light, seasoning and salt thus bringing about a change in the thinking of our people. Our apostolate is our ordinary presence in the world. It is our unassuming presence lived in simplicity like leaven and salt making the society fermented and delightfully tasty with Gospel values. Within our call can we hear a hidden call of our mother church to become frontiers in the mission of evangelization? We the Secular Institutes are the hope of the Church in Asia.

Closing prayer:: “Within and Beyond Asia: Secular Institutes living lives of hope and fulfilment.”

Closing prayer: conducted by Ms.Ayres D’Souza Caritas Christi with Secular Institutes from India on the theme: “Within and Beyond Asia: Secular Institutes living lives of hope and fulfilment.” The members of Secular Institutes gathered from different countries of Asia to thank God for their vocation and mission and to profess their deep faith to live the vocation not only in the countries they represent but go beyond Asia to herald this type of vocation which is gaining momentum every day. On a poster of the map of Asia with Christ represented by a cross in the centre the eleven vacant spaces were filled in with flags of different countries of Asia. Also several arrows pointing in the direction of going out to the world was placed near the flags. 11 members representing each country came forward and placed the flag of their respective country in the places marked indicating the flowering of these Secular Institutes around Christ in this Asian Continent

Day 2: ACSI GENERAL ASSEMBLY 5th September, 2018- Tuesday

• The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Archbishop Emeritus Fernando R.Capalla and concelebrated by other Priest delegates. The hymns melodiously sung by the members conducted by Dr.Lou Solijon, daughters of St.Anne from the Secular Institutes in the Philippines. In His homily Archbishop Capalla brought out the message of Consecrated seculars some of them though belonging to secular institutes do not lived up to the characteristic demands of their vocation but imitate other vocations. He illustrated the life of Mahatma Gandhi who loved to read the bible but found few Christians who lived up to the Gospel values.

• The moderator for the morning session was Mr. Robin D’Souza, Christ the King who introduced Dr. Emilio Tresalti the Founding member of ACSI and a member of Christ the King Secular Institute.

• Dr.Emilio Tresalti Advisor ACSI spoke on the topic “Consecrated Secularity” with special emphasis to Secular institutes in Asia today. He highlighted four aspects – Secularity, Being lay, Secular Consecration and Asia. He brought to the attention of the group that apart from two secular institutes all other institutes were born in Europe or Canada. However, he stressed it was important to remain faithful to one’s specific vocation. Dr.Tresalti developed on the 3 different understanding of secularity in the course of

14 human history: Secularity and Public Square (space), Secularity and falling of Religious Beliefs, Secularity and Conditions of Belief. He said something beautiful summing up the nature & life of Secular Institutes: SECULARITY (being totally grounded in the world) and CONSECRATION (ordering the temporal world according to the Spirit of God). In short the two poles of Secular Institutes are SECULAR CONDITION and SPECIAL CONSECRATION. A member of the Secular Institute is deeply immersed in the world to consecrate from within the world. He cautioned that it was important to upgrade formation as members of secular institutes must be equipped to be what they are supposed to be in the midst of the world, and to properly discern prospective vocations otherwise it will lead to shrinking of the institute. . (Full presentation is attached Annexure 1).

Open Forum: 1. What are the elements for appropriate formation? Formation to prayer is according to the age group. Some formation is made as a group like religious out of the world.

Secular institute members must not be out but in the world in normal life and not separated for a period of time. It should be personal and personalised. No uniformity. Reflect on the situations, traditions not of the Church but of the world. No common prayers.

2. Our formation requires separation from the world. It is a three year formation different from what you are proposing. One challenging point there are members who are not interested in the modern world e.g. teachers who hesitate and do not question what they can do for the world

Formation should be in normal life fully Christian and depends on socio, political, economic situation. Question yourselves what kind of sport, reading you do that is important for your life. When Jesuits were founded they wanted to be religious yet different. Today each one prays by himself.

3. How can we be truly secular and still live our consecration which is the way? Formation is a challenge is it to live in the world or to focus on Formation to live in the world?

Formation in a secular institute should be more concerned with the present and be more personalised as the situations differ from one person to the other. The way one prays in a job in majority of members of secular institutes does not subtract information of normal life. Formation is not leaving the job or family. In a retreat the group only meets the Formator once a month or year. Formation must be on the spot. Different if the members come from a Catholic family or not do not cut from your free time. It has to be clearly following the rules of normal life.

• Sharing of the Panel on the theme: Mr. Robin D’Souza introduced the members of the panel

PANELIST:

- KIM QUYEN VIETNAM -AYRES D’SOUZA INDIA

-ROBIN D’SOUZA MODERATOR

-URAI SUKSAEED THAILAND MARY ALMONTE PHILIPPINE

Mary Almonte from the Philippines :shared the journey of the secular institutes in pictures, the Journey towards unity in diversity. Before 2013 the members of secular institutes were working incognito as consecrated persons in different professions or common work. Some as friends revealed to each other one’s belonging to a secular institute. Following the 3rd Asian Federation of Secular Institutes meeting in the Philippines the scenario changed. We remember our founding members Teresita Nitorreda and Leonor Lunar.

Ayres D’Souza from India: appreciated the masterly presentation of Dr. Emilio Tresalti, done in a very simple and understandable way. She said it was very enriching, inspiring and challenging. She felt that SI‘s in India were living lives of Hope and fulfilment. Members living in their own environment in all walks of life be it banking, teaching, business, general administration, law ,call centres, social work, factory packers ,are all witnesses of Christ’s secular vocation to live a life of joy and happiness deeply immersed in the world

Kim Quyen from Vietnam: From the two talks of the Cardinal and Dr.Tresalti she felt what was needed were witnesses. To live and practice the Gospel values. They are fully consecrated to love as Christ did. In the words of Pope Francis –“Live in the world in the Heart of Christ.” In any conflict listen to what Christ wants you to be and be Christ like.

Urai Suksaaed from Thailand: Consecrated life in Thailand is a sign of Hope and fulfilment. There are members who live in institutes, others live in diocese and some alone. We find hope and fulfilment through activity with youth whom we give a vision and responsibility to serve society, evangelization, sharing values of love and oneness. Silent witness and we take care of the poor according to their needs. Our mission of love is to improve the quality of life

Afternoon session: After sharing a delicious meal in togetherness and bonhomie the members returned for the all important business sessions of the General Assembly.

• Report of ACSI Plans 204 to 2018: The moderator for the evening session was Ms.Concepcion Gonzales who introduced Ms.Satira Soares Caritas Christi and Secretary of ACSI who presented the report of the progress of ACSI PLANS 2014 TO 2018.

ACSI PLAN OF ACTION FOR 2014 – 2018 a)Favour contacts, exchanges of experiences and mutual help among the Institutes -Quarterly publication of the ACSI newsletter -Creation of a website -Visit to Secular Institutes in one country at least once during the four years. -Establish and strengthen national/sub regional conferences -Theme for the Year of Consecrated Life “Living the Evangelical Counsels b) Encourage and help lay associations of consecrated life who want to be Approved as secular institutes. -Identify lay associations present in each country c) Promote study and research…. To gain greater insight to present day mission of Secular Institutes -Know the needs, interest and concerns of secular institutes in relation to their retired, elderly and sick members. d) Make present the needs, interests and concerns of the Institutes to the FABC and to the Holy See -Request time during Episcopal conferences and diocesan meetings to make known the presence of secular institutes in the country/diocese -Submit reports to FABC and to the Holy See of ACSI meetings d) Find ways and means of disseminating information about the true nature and purpose of secular institutes among all sectors of the Church in Asia -Encourage participation of SI’s in the national and diocesan vocation promotion programs -Inform /invite Catholic News Agency during ACSI meetings -Promote active participation in consecrated life in the international, regional, national, diocesan and parish levels

(Please refer to Annexure 2 for the full report) Apart from not setting up of a website and inviting CNA all the plans proposed by the members in 2014 were implemented. As time was taken up for the presentation and translation done by Ms.Kim Quyen and Ms. Anna from Vietnam it was not possible to have an open forum nor for the members to vote for the approval of the report. It was taken up on the 6 September, 2018 in the evening and unanimously passed by the General Assembly.

• Meeting for the election and election of the election officer Dr.Adelaide Vaz requested nominations for the office of chairperson for the election process. She brought home to the House of Delegates the importance of electing the chairperson to preside over the election process. Dr.Adelaide Vaz was unanimously voted as the chairperson.

Tea Break: After a short break for tea we had a discussion on the Plan of Action for 2019 t0 2022

• ACSI PLAN OF ACTION FOR 2019 – 2022

Ms.Maria Conception Gonzales Servitium Christi, Moderator for the afternoon session gave the organization of the groups for planning. The delegates and the participants were divided into their respective country groups. A facilitator and secretary were appointed in each group. Each group presented their recommendations, which was open for suggestions, clarifications and comments

Group 1: Philippines – presented by Ms.Mary Almonte, Notre Dame de Vie A. Vocation Promotion: 1. participate, individually or collectively, in the parish, diocesan, national or congregational vocation promotion campaign as organized every year in the Philippines. B. Formation: 1. hold a national SI-P gathering in Manila to culminate the celebration of the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons on Nov 30 to Dec 2, 2018 2. study-discuss –discern contemporary challenges (political, moral, ecological, ecclesial, etc) in our present society, Church, world 3. link with movements, groups we trust who have programs on the above issues/challenges. C. Administration 1. Establish different committees who will take care of the different SIP programmes 2. Register SIP members with CBCP Directory within the year 3. Strengthen communication among SIP members 4. Meeting with one’s respective Bishop to make known his/her Secular institute’s presence in her diocese. 5. Find ways and means how the Bishop’s can be given each a copy of Consecration and Secularity 6.Continue to identify other Secular Institutes in the country and invite them to SI-P D. Social Involvement 1. Get involved in the preservation of the environment. 2. Have a reach out programme individually and collectively in a community to uplift the plight of the poor families and youth. E. Programme of the 500th Christianization of the Philippines Participate actively in the CBCP Program of Activities for 2019-21- the last three years of preparation of Christianization of the Philippines

Group 2: India – Presented by Mr. Anthony Fernandes, Christ the King 1. Forming a pool of topics of common interest of secular institutes in ASIA, forming 2. a pool of senior members from member countries to help in giving various inputs in various countries in Asia. 3. Deepening the vocation of secular institutes country wise, need for an intense and deeper secular institute formation. 4. Helping institutes who are struggling for recognition in Diocese. 5. Looking at the needs of the secular institutes in each country and the requirement of assistance of any kind. 6. How can we counter the dominance of religious and clergy, and how the secular Institutes can overcome the challenges faced as class 3 religious?

Group 3: Vietnam – Presented by Miss. Kim Quyen 1. To visit Vietnam for meetings, strengthening E.C. and activities , members of SI.s as well as supporting the National Church in understanding the Secular Institutes concept and movement. 2. To train members of SI.s as trainers / Formators of SI.s in Vietnam 3. To translate the small book "Consecration and Secularity “into other languages. 4. To receive Newsletter quarterly. 5. To complete Website of ACSI.

6. To increase what we have got fruitful results during the new term, i.e. to visit the retired, elderly, sick members, etc. 7. To help SI.s and lay associations to be approved in the Church. 8. To divide Asia into smaller groups such as Indochina, Southeast Asia, etc.

Group 4: Hong Kong, Taiwan, Laos and Thailand – Presented byMr.Lam Hong Ching – Rickie, Christ the King 1. For the next General Assembly of ACSI employ the professional translators for the different languages and translation done at the same time when speakers are speaking. 2. The conferences material should be translated and given to every one 3. Invite the bishops to ACSI so that they can understand what are the S I. 4. Explain what ACSI is in a clear way. 5. Facilitate the study of what is the SI. 6. Study the booklet Consecration and Secularity in each country 7. Organize some conference about these documents and lectures by experts 9. Manage to spread the documents of CMIS 10. Manage that the receiving country's S I are well known. 11. Having time for exchanges every day of the next general assembly 12. Having the support of a Cardinal from Rome for a key -conference 13. Invite Fr Kim as a specialist to give conferences by internet with translation in English. Suggestions for the next General Assembly 1. Invite a Cardinal for a key -conference 2. Invite a specialist to give conferences relating to the theme. 3. To specifically promote the theme of the Assembly. 4. To spend time if possible for formation. 5. to strengthen organization of the Assembly, to make effective use of the limited time at our disposal. Group sharing should be encouraged and included in the program 6. Manage more effectively the issue of translation and, if possible, employ the service of translators. 7. Invite bishops who are responsible for consecrated life to give them a better exposure to this vocation. 8. Ensure that the host country's S I are better known

• Following the presentation a drafting committee composed of the secretaries of the small groups’ official delegates was set up to formulate the plans under the leadership of Mary Almonte.

• Closing prayer by Group 3: Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Laos, Japan, Indonesia and South Korea under the leadership of Mr. Rickie Lam recited the Divine Office.

• Dinner: The sharing of the meal tastefully arranged by the Group of Our Lady of Guadalupe served with a smile added to the beauty of the service and meal

Day 3: ACSI GENERAL ASSEMBLY 6th September, 2018- Tuesday

Moderator for the Day: Ms.Lilly Fernandes, Maids of the Poor

• Thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration :was presided by Archbishop Fernando Capalla and concelebrated by the Priest delegates. The hymns and prayers were prepared under the leadership of Elizabeth Lawrence, Gleaners of the Church with members from India. The beautiful singing conducted by Dr.Lou Solijon added to the solemnity of the celebration.

• Presentation of the budget: by Ms.Concepcion Gonzales, Treasurer ACSI. As the receipts of payment had yet to be cleared she presented an approximation of the statement. It could not be passed and the final statement would be sent to each member institute for Approval.

Election of the new ACSI Executive board for 2019 - 2022:

Dr.Adelaide Vaz presided over the election process.

The verification of the official delegates and their decree was done the previous day by Dr.Adelaide Vaz, Ms.Lilly Fernandes, Ms.Concepcion Gonzales and Ms.Satira Soares. It was noted that only a few official delegates from Vietnam had presented their letter of authorization as an official delegate though they had submitted their decrees.

Ms.Satira Soares Caritas Christi, ACSI Secretary assisted the election chairperson Dr. Adelaide Vaz. Madonna della Strada for the elections of the new ACSI Executive body. 19

official delegates were confirmed eligible for election. Therese Dinh Thi Bach Hue, Servants of God, President of the Secular Institutes of Vietnam, Ms.Achamma Thomas, Maids of the Poor, Ayres D’Souza, Caritas Christi helped in the election process.

• Election of the Executive board:

1st round of voting an absolute majority was required the following were elected Ms. Maria Conception Gonzales Servitium Christi, : 12 votes Ms. Tran Thi Kim Quyen: 11 votes: Both were declared elected to the ACSI Executive body

2nd round of Voting: No one received an absolute majority

3 rd Round of voting: a simple majority was required: Ms.Lilly Fernandes: 8 votes Miss. Augustina Dwi Susanti: 8 votes Both were declared elected to the ACSI Executive Body

The Chairperson of the election proceedings Dr.Adelaide Vaz then asked the elected members if they were agreeable to accept the membership of the Executive Committee of ACSI, all five accepted.

Decision after the meeting of elected Board Members:

President: Ms.Lilly Fernandes, Maids of the Poor - from India

Secretary: Ms. Tran Thi Kim Quyen - from Vietnam Treasurer: Ms. Maria Conception Gonzales , Servitium Christi from the Philippines Council members: Ms. Augustina Dwi Susanti, Secular Institute Compagnia Missionaries Del Sacro Cuore – from Indonesia Ms. Kim Souk, Zai Maria Zaikoku Kai – South Korea

Finalization of the Plan of Action for ACSI 2018-2022 :

Ms.Mary Almonte, Notre Dame de Vie presented the final Plan of Action to the Assembly after lunch. The plans were projected on a screen they included the following:

Proposed plan for next ACSI 2018-2022

General

1. Translate the small book "Consecrated Secularity“ into various languages. Also ways and means to be found to give Bishops a copy of the this booklet. 2. Distribute Newsletter quarterly. 3. Complete Website of ACSI. 4. Help lay associations to be approved as Secular Institutes in the Church. 5. Establish different committees who will take care of the various ASCI programs. 6. Form a pool of topics of common interest of secular institutes in Asia.

Formation 1. Organize at least one formation program for Formators. 2. Form a pool of senior members from member countries to help in giving various inputs in various nations in Asia. 3. Study the needs of the secular institutes in each country and the requirements of assistance of any kind. Suggestions for the next General Assembly:

1. Invite a Cardinal for a key -conference

2. Invite a specialist to give conferences relating to the theme. 3. To specifically promote the theme of the Assembly. 4. To spend time if possible for formation. 5. To strengthen organization of the Assembly, to make effective use of the limited time at our disposal. Group sharing should be encouraged and included in the program. 6. Manage more effectively the issue of translation and, if possible, employ the services of translators. 7. Invite bishops who are responsible for consecrated life to give them a better exposure to this vocation. 8. Ensure that the host country's S I are better known Then Ms.Mary Almonte, Notre Dame requested the plans to be approved by the Official delegates. Ms.Angeline Dy proposed to pass the plans and Ms.Linnet D’Silva seconded it and it was passed by the General Assembly

Vote of Thanks: Dr Adelaide expressed deep sentiments of gratitude to Cardinal Joao Braz Aviz and His Secretary Mr.Donato, , Bishop Peter Ngyuyen Van De, Archbishop Emeritus Fernando R.Capalla from the Philippines, Rev.Fr. Trung, Dr.Emilio Tresalti, the Vietnamese Committee of Secular Institutes,

Ms.Emma and Our Lady of Guadalupe group, her co members of the Executive body, the delegates, the speakers and said that without whom this meeting would not have materialized. She congratulated the new Executive body and officially handed over the tasks to them. Ms.Satira Soares Secretary handed over the file of minutes, newsletters, statistics and correspondence to the newly elected Secretary Ms.kim Quyen. Dr. Adelaide also asked the assembly for suggestions for the next General Assembly. It was suggested Indonesia or Taiwan.

Closing Prayer: was conducted by the Vietnam National Conference. In praise and thanksgiving for these fruitful days of deliberations, togetherness and memories shared. A special blessing was given by the Priests participants of the GA 2018.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

There is so much to be thankful for and so many people to thank but in a special way we would like to express our gratitude and deep appreciation to

His Eminence Cardinal Joao Braz Aviz

Rev.Fr.Donato

Bishop Peter Ngyuyen Van De, SDB

Archbishop Emeritus Fernando R.Capalla from the Philippines

Rev. Fr.Thomas Trung S.J. Secretary Vietnam Conference of Catholic Bishops for His continued support, planning, organizing, accompanying us throughout.

Dr.Emilio Tresalti

The Vietnamese Committee of Secular Institutes

Ms. Aquila Pricilla Nguyen Quach Phuong Anh (Emma) Secretary

Our Lady of Guadalupe group: Ms.M.Faustina, Mr. Peter Nguyen, Mr. Louis, Mr. Augustine, Mr. Martin, Mr. John Bosco, Mrs. Rosa, Mrs. Kathy, Mrs.Gracy, Mr. Christian, Ms Teresa, Ms. Mary

And last but not the least to each one of YOU. Thank you and God bless you abundantly in your journey in the reality of your life.

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS FOR ACSI GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2018

Name of the Secular Institute and participants S.NO. NAME OF THE INSTITUTE PARTICIPANTS

1. MADONNA DELLA STRADA DR.ADELAIDE VAZ REV.FR.FRANCIS CARVALHO

2. MAIDS OF THE POOR MS.LILLY FERNANDES MS.ACHAMMA THOMAS

3. SECULAR INSTITUTE OF CHRIST THE KING Mr. ANTHONY FERNANDES MR.ROBIN FERNANDES MR.LAM HONG CHING RICKIE (ANDREW) DR.EMILIO TRESALTI MS.ELLENA POPOVIC

4. GLEANERS OF THE CHURCH MS.ELIZABETH P. LAWRENCE

5. CARITAS CHRISTI MS.LINNET D’SILVA MS.AYRES D’SOUZA MS.SATIRA SOARES

6. DOMINICAN LAITY MR.RUSSELL COUTINHO (Observer)

7. SERVITIUM CHRISTI MS.MARIA CONCEPCION GONZALES

8. NOTRE DAME DE VIE MS.MARY ALMONTE MS.LOURDES DOMINGO MS.JULIET GARAN MS.AMELLA FRANCIS CLAMOR MS.HARUHI KATAYMA MS.MYRIUM MECHELIA

9. DAUGHTERS OF ST.ANNE DR.ANGELINA GATLABAYAN DR.LOU SOLIJON

10. FILS DE NOTRE DAME DE VIE MR.ALEJANDRO LIMOANCO

11. ASSOSCIATES OF NOTRE DAME DE VIE MS.VIRGIE TANATE MS.MARINA B. JANGHIN MS.ANITA BENTURADO MS.NELIA DEMAVIVAS MS.AIDA MAGSIPOCAIDA

12. FRANCISCAN SECULAR INSTITUTE OF THE MS.ANGIE DY MISSSIONARIES OF THE KINGSHIP OF MS. IRENE MARAMAG CHRIST FABIC FAMINI MARIA RENITA ORBETA SORO EVELIA

13. SEI MARIA ZAIKOKU KAI Ms.KIM HYUM SOUK MS.LEE EUN KYUNG

14. FRATERNITE JESUS CARITAS MS.CECILIA CHENG

15. SECULAR INSTITUTE OF THE VOLUNTEERS MS.THERESA TINGSON OF DON BOSCO MS.RUBY ISIDORA G. PALMA MS.RODORA G. PALMA MS.AVELINA L. MANDIN MS.MINERVA ORIJEULA REGINA V. PALENCIA LEONILA P. TABAR DELIA S. ATANACIO MERNA C.ABONYAWAN

16. DAUGHTERS OF THE QUEENSHIP OF MARY MS.PRAKAIMER THONGINTIR MS.MONICA URAI SUKSAED Teresa Suwalee Rangseesukanon Lucia Paveena Niyomtham Teresa Punwilai Wongsit Angela Ankara Chuenban

17. OMMI MS.SAYARAK MANICHANSENG DOAN THI NGOC DIEP

18. SECULAR INSTITUE COMPAGNIA MS.AGUSTINA DWI SUSANTI MISSIONARIES DEL SACRO CUORE

19. PRETRES NOTRE DAME DE VIE ARCHBISHOP CAPALLA FR.ARNOLD CRISOTOMA

20. KOREA- DIOCESAN PRIEST REV.FR.KIM KLIM

21 OMMI Đoàn Thị Ngọc Diệp Nguyễn Thị Lan Phương Nguyễn Ngọc Thanh 22 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF THE FAMILY OF Trần Thị Kim Quyên MARY OF THE VISITATION Phạm Thị Kim Sao Vũ Thị Thu Hồng Nguyễn Thị Xuân 23 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF MISSIONARIES OF Trần Minh Cương JESUS (IMJS) Nguyễn Tiến Thịnh Bùi Thị Vẹn Trần Thị Hồng Nguyễn Hữu Việt Nữ 24 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF JESUS CARITAS Phạm Thị Hồng Vân (JCF) Vũ Thị Mỹ Linh 25 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF SERVITIUM Phạm Thị Thanh Nga CHRISTI (SC) Đỗ Thị Thoa Nguyễn Thị Tiến Minh Nguyễn Thị Bạch Tuyết Nguyễn Thị Xuân Hoa Trần Thị Ngân

26 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF SERVANTS OF Đinh Thị Bạch Huệ GOD (SISG) Hoàng Thị Thiêm Nguyễn Thị Phương Dung Đỗ Hồng Hưởng Lại Thị Lệ Uyên Phạm Thị Kim Hồng Nguyễn Thị Kim Phụng Nguyễn Thị Kim Nga Nguyễn Thị Vóc Phạm Thị Thanh Thuỷ 27 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF CONSECRATION Nguyễn Thị Huyền OF HAI PHONG Không Thị Hải Yến 28 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF THE PRIESTS OF Trần Đức Cường THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS (COR UNUN) Nguyễn Hữu Văn Nhuyễn Trọng Tính Nguyễn Văn Toanh 29 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF MISSIONARIES OF Nguyễn Thị Dung CHARITY (MC) Hồ Ngọc Huệ Trần Thị Tuyết Phan Thị Nhan Nguyễn Thị Kim Lương Nguyễn Thị Vân Nguyễn Thị Lịch Lê Thị Cẩm Minh Bùi Thị Nghiệm Võ Thị Kim Phượng Trịnh Thị Hảo Hoàng Thị Thu Phượng Chu Thị Minh Trang Nguyễn Thị Thơm 30 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF THE SACRED Nguyễn Thị Thúy Hạnh HEART OF JESUS (IFSCJ) Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Yến Phạm Thị Yến Vân Nguyễn Thị Tươi Nguyễn Thị Hiền Ngô Thị Lan Nguyễn Thị Thuận Nguyễn Thị Lợi Nguyễn Thị Phúc Trần Thị Thảo Hồng

Hoàng Thị Nguyện Lê Thị Sương Độ Thị Liên Nguyễn Trâm Anh 31 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF MISSIONARIES OF Huỳnh Ngọc Duyên THE SICK OF “CHRIST HOPE” Nguyễn Thị Bích Thủy Nguyễn Thị Hồng Liên Nguyễn Thị Hồng Loan 32 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF JESUS Nguyễn Chánh Thi Trần Công Lộc 33 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF CARITAS CHRISTI Trần Thị Kim Anh Trần Thị Hà Nguyễn Thị Hiên Cao Thị Hương Hoàng Thị Kính Ngô Thị Mộng Lành Trần Thị Duy Loan Lê Thị Lý Vương Thanh Mai Phan Thị Mai Nguyễn Thị Phương Mai Phan Thị San Nguyễn Thị Tư Trần Thị Hương Nguyễn Thị Hương Phạm Thanh Xuân Vũ Thị Chuộng Phạm Thị Nam Trần Thị Thanh Loan 34 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF SERVANTS OF Trần Thị Tịnh SACRED HEART (ASC) Đinh Thị Kim Hoàng Thị Hới Phạm Thị Dung Nguyễn Thị Nguyệt Nga Nguyễn Thị Hồi Trần Thị Nga Mai Thị Sửu Nguyễn Thị Đào Trần Thị Thanh Nga Phạm Thị Mỹ Lê Thị Hỷ Ninh Thị Chương Nguyễn Thị Thơ

35 SECULAR INSTITUTE OF LIFE AND Mai Thùy Nga PRESENCE Hà Thị Hiên Nguyễn Thị Hạt Mai Thị Bạch Tuyết Lê Thị Lệ Thủy Trần Ngọc Thủy Nguyễn Thanh Thủy Nguyễn Thị Khiêm Phan Thị Minh Châu Đỗ Thị Mai Nguyễn Thị Dinh Hồ Thị Thanh Thủy 36 SECUAR INSTITUTE OF THE SACRED HEART Nguyễn Hữu Ái OF JESUS (COR UNUN) Trần Trọng Phú Dung Phan Ngọc Hiến 37 SCALABRINI SECULAR MISSIONARIES Bianca Maisano (MSS) Marianne Johanna Buch Maria Antonietta Azzola

REFERENCE APPENDIX 1 - byDr. EmilioTresalti

Hints for thought about consecrated secularity

Foreword This is an introductory speech; it does not pretend to be a lecture. I just want to share with you some reflections sprouting mainly from the teachings of the Church and from my experience. Simply some hints for thought. I leave them to your meditation. 1. The adjective “secular” and even more, the substantive “secularity” have been used for centuries - in the language of Catholic Church - in very negative sense as non-religious or anti- religious. These terms “secular/secularity” came to be used with a full positive sense first time only in 1947 and 1948 in the two founding documents of the Secular Institutes - “Provida Mater Ecclesia” and “Primo Feliciter” - issued by pope Pius XII. Yet the modern concept of secularity in Christian terms has been made explicit only by Vatican II Council, mainly in the Dogmatic Constitution “Lumen Gentium”: “What specifically characterizes the laity is their secular nature. …… the laity, by their very vocation, seeks the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and by ordering them according to the plan of God. They live in the world, that is, in each and in all of the secular professions and occupations. They live in the ordinary circumstances of family and social life, from which the very web of their existence is woven. They are called there by Godthat by exercising their proper function and led by the spirit of the Gospel they may work for the sanctification of the world from within as a leaven. In this way they may make Christ known to others, especially by the

testimony of a life resplendent in faith, hope and charity. Therefore, since they are tightly bound up in all types of temporal affairs it is their special task to order and to throw light upon these affairs in such a way that they may come into being and then continually increase according to Christ to the praise of the Creator and the Redeemer.”[LG 31] Secular Institutes, in the mind of the Catholic Church, are supposed to join vitally secularity and consecration. “And” is very important- This “and” is expressed and developed clearly in Canon Law (can. 713, mainly in § 2). Canon 713 §2 -“In the world and from the world, lay members participate in the evangelizing function of the Church whether through the witness of a Christian life and of fidelity toward their own consecration, or through the assistance they offer to order temporal things according to God and to inform the world by the power of the gospel.” Pope Francis has said recently – speaking to Italian Secular Institutes’ Directors: The approval of Secular Institutes has been a true revolution. 2 Let me give a bird’s eye flight over the evolution of the concept and the word of secularity worldwide. If we go back through the human history, in the earlier societies, religion was everywhere. The whole set of distinctions we make between religious, political, economic, social, etc., aspects of the societies didn’t make sense. Now, one understanding of secularity is in terms of public spaces; i.e. putting religion out of one or more of government, army, public schools, marriage legislation, trade rules, etc. This, not so much against , religion or religious institutions, but in terms of distinctions. Cesar is not a God, and God, or better, His representatives & religious institutions, is/are not interfering in Cesar’s areas of competence and vice-versa. A second meaning of secularity may be considered consisting in the falling off of religious belief and practice, in people – both individuals and groups - turning away from God, no longer going to Church. This meaning is close to “secularism”. A third sense focuses on the conditions of belief. It consists basically of a move from a society where belief in God is unchallenged and indeed, unproblematic, to one in which it is understood to be just one option among others. For instance in 16th century in the West it was virtually impossible not to believe in God and not accepting this belief openly, meanwhile in many milieu in modern West it is really hard to believe and to show it openly, even though quite often this belief is respected or at least tolerated. The term and concept of “secularity” make always reference to “religion”. 3 In Asia are permanently living members of roughly 40 Secular Institutes of Pontifical Right out of the total 82. Two of them founded in Asia: one in Japan and one in India. I have not recent figures of the S.I.s of diocesan right. Secular Institutes born in Asia have been founded by foreign missionaries. Also most of the Secular Institutes present in Asia have been established by foreign missionaries. In most of both cases they have been conceived as nimble auxiliary tools for missionary activities. Almost all are composed of women only. The concept of secularity animating their Founders was mainly related to the agility of either their individual members and works or activities. This concept was also grounding S.I.s for priests. The theological concept and understanding of secularity was generally irrelevant, if not fully foreign, to their Founders. Can we speak of a special role of SI in the Asian context? Before attempting to answer such a question, let me say few words on secularity in Asia. Asia is a huge and differentiated political, cultural, religious, economic reality. Yet we can grasp quite a few common streams which clearly differentiate it from, e.g., Europe. One of these is

religion. Asian people live in an enchanted world, much more than Europeans. Europe started disenchantment process centuries ago. Religion is everywhere even in most technically advanced areas. Religion occupies all the private and public spaces. Even in countries which proclaimed to be secular, or which apparently had succeeded in being “secular”, there is a kind of backward looking which in some cases materializes even in public actions and/or legislation. Secularity, in Christian terms, is grounded on the biblical account of Creation. In most of Asian “religions” the relationship between Human being and Nature is opposite: for instance, for Buddhistic-Shintoists divinity lies in Nature itself whereas there is no concept of the “Creator” who created Nature (Universe) from without or from above. This is the background/filigree of Asian culture(s). A big question mark: is “secularity” as understood and lived in Asia, the same as European, African, American ones? Being minorities, at what degree may Christian be “secular” in not-secular societies? “Knowledge, morality, art, government, and the economy should become religious, but freely and from inside, not by compulsion from outside”(M.Epstein quoted by the Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor).1 4 What do we mean by “Consecrated life” here and now? [John Paul II - Apostolic exhortation “Vita Consecrata” n.10]. The Holy Spirit, who wondrously fashions the variety of charisms, has given rise in our time to new expressions of consecrated life, which appear as a providential response to the new needs encountered by the Church today as she carries out her mission in the world. One thinks, in the first place, of members of Secular Institutes seeking to live out their consecration to God in the world through the profession of the evangelical counsels in the midst of temporal realities; they wish in this way to be a leaven of wisdom and a witness of grace within cultural, economic and political life. Through their own specific blending of presence in the world and consecration, they seek to make present in society the newness and power of Christ's Kingdom, striving to transfigure the world from within by the power of the Beatitudes. In this way, while they belong completely to God and are thus fully consecrated to his service, their activity in the ordinary life of the world contributes, by the power of the Spirit, to shedding the light of the Gospel on temporal realities. Secular Institutes, each in accordance with its specific nature, thus help to ensure that the Church has an effective presence in society. Valuable role is also played by Clerical Secular Institutes, in which priests who belong to the diocesan clergy, even when some of them are recognized as being incardinated in the Institute, consecrate themselves to Christ through the practice of the evangelical counsels in accordance with a specific charism. Can. 573 §1 - Life consecrated through profession of the evangelical counsels is a stable form of living, in which the faithful follow Christ more closely under the action of the Holy Spirit, and are totally dedicated to God, who is supremely loved. By a new and special title they are dedicated to seek the perfection of charity in the service of God's Kingdom, for the honor of God, the building up of the Church and the salvation of the world. They are a splendid sign in the Church, as they foretell the heavenly glory. Can. 712 - Without prejudice to the provisions of can. 598 - 601, the constitutions are to establish the sacred bonds by which the evangelical counsels are undertaken in the institute. They are to define the obligations which these bonds entail, while always preserving in the manner of life the secular character proper to the institute. Can. 713 §1 - Members of these institutes express and exercise their special consecration in apostolic activity. Like a leaven,

1Charles Taylor : “A Secular Age”. Belknap Harvard 2007

they endeavor to permeate everything with an evangelical spirit for the strengthening and growth of the Body of Christ. §2 Lay members participate in the evangelizing mission of the Church in the world and from within the world. They do this by their witness of Christian life and of fidelity to their consecration, and by the assistance they give in directing temporal affairs to God and in animating the world by the power of the Gospel. They also offer their cooperation to serve the ecclesial community in accordance with the secular manner of life proper to them. 5 Secular Institutes, as I said earlier, are supposed to join vitally secularity and consecration. What Paul VI said to them in 1972, is still true here and now: “To be in the world, that is, to be committed to secular values, is your way of being the Church, of making the Church present, of working out your own salvation and being heralds of redemption. The condition in which you live, your life description in human society becomes your theological self and your way of bringing salvation into the realm of reality for all the world to see. In this way you are an advance guard of the Church "in the world": you are yourselves an expression of the Church's mind: to be in the world in order to shape it and sanctify it "as from within, like leaven in the dough" (Lumen Gentium, 31) - a task, remember, which falls mainly on the shoulders of the laity. You are a clear, tangible, telling proof of what the Church sets out to do for the building of the world of "Gaudium et Spes ". Borrowing from the Canadian philosopher “Knowledge, morality, art, government and the economy should become religious, but freely and from inside, not by compulsion from outside”.2 This is the task of (Christian) lay people. What Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi states for laity is straight applied to S.I.s members by Paul VI on 25th August 1976: “If they remain faithful to their specific vocation, Secular Institutes will become, as it were, "the experimental laboratory" in which the Church tests the concrete ways of her relations with the world. That is why they must listen to the appeal of the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi, as being addressed particularly to them: "Their primary task... is the implementation of all Christian and evangelical possibilities, hidden but already present and active in things of the world. The specific field of their evangelising activity is the vast and complicated world of politics, social matters, economy, but also culture, sciences and arts, international life and the mass media" (E. N.70). This – to be faithful to their specific vocation - is the lot of Secular Institutes whose members join secular condition and (special) consecration. Before 1947 such a union was unthinkable and even forbidden. Consequently, proper discernment of vocations and appropriate formation of their members are the two basic targets of S.I.s. The lack of proper discernment strongly denounced since decades by some members too often results in a shrinking of the institutes. Secular Institutes’ members must be equipped to be what they are supposed to be. Consequently, their formation has to be aimed at their vocation, cannot be borrowed – not even adjusted - from religious formation. This is a challenge for S.I.s in Asia; more appropriately, it is a challenge for the Christians in Asia! 5 Let me end my speech by offering you an example of consecration lived in secularity. To be concrete, of a consecrated man who was also a fully secular man. I could mention quite a few others, men and women, yet I choose a person who had also an important relationship with Vietnam! Giorgio La Pira (1904-1977).He was an Italian professor of Roman Law at Florence University and a politician who participated in the assembly that wrote the ItalianConstitution following World

2Charles Taylor : “A Secular Age”

War II. Afterword he served as Mayor of Florence twice (1950-1956 and 1960-1964). As the mayor of Florence, La Pira’s influence extended well beyond his municipality. In his public and private life he was a tireless champion of peace and human rights who worked for the betterment of the poor and disenfranchised. He was a member of the Secular Institute of the Missionaries of Kingship of Christ. He made several «official» trips to Russia, China and Vietnam during the Cold War to promote peace and human rights, which were virtually unheard- of among Western politicians. He visited Vietnam in 1965 where he met Ho Chi Minh to whom he presented an outline for a peace plan. This laid the groundwork for the accord that later ended the Vietnam War. He was fully consecrated and fully secular. His process for the cause of beatification has been underway since 1986.

REFERENCE APPENDIX 3 – REPORT OF PLAN OF ACTION 2014 – 2018 BY THE SECRETARY OF ACSI MS.SATIRA SOARES, CARITAS CHRISTI

REPORT OF PROGRESS ON ACSI PLAN OF ACTION FOR 2014 – 2018

At the last General Assembly held in Seoul, South Korea in 2014 the first General Assembly after Vatican recognition of the Conference as an official body in the Church and the approval of its statutes on September 27, 2011, the following Plan of Action for 2014- 2018 was drawn up by the members. It was based on the general and particular aims as stated in Article 1 of the ACSI Statutes and was presented by Ms.Angeline Dey, Missionaries of the Kingship of Christ- Philippines

ACSI PLAN OF ACTION FOR 2014 – 2018

A. FAVOUR CONTACTS, EXCHANGES OF EXPERIENCES AND MUTUAL HELP AMONG THE INSTITUTES • Quarterly publication of the ACSI newsletter • Creation of a website • Visit to Secular Institutes (SI) in one country, at least, once during the four years. • Establish and strengthen national/sub regional conferences • Theme for the Year of Consecrated Life “Living the Evangelical Counsels

B. ENCOURAGE AND HELP LAY ASSOCIATIONS OF CONSECRATED LIFE WHO WANT TO BE APPROVED AS SECULAR INSTITUTES • Identify lay associations present in each country

C. PROMOTE STUDY AND RESEARCH… TO GAIN GREATER INSIGHT TO PRESENT DAY MISSION OF SECULAR INSTITUTES • Know the needs, interest and concerns of secular institutes in relation to their retired, elderly and sick members. • d) Make present the needs, interests and concerns of the Institutes to the FABC and to the Holy See • Request time during Episcopal conferences and diocesan meetings to make known the presence of secular institutes in the country/diocese • Submit reports to FABC and to the Holy See of ACSI meetings

D. FIND WAYS AND MEANS OF DISSEMINATING INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUE NATURE AND PURPOSE OF SECULAR INSTITUTES AMONG ALL SECTORS OF THE CHURCH IN ASIA • Encourage participation of SI’s in the national and diocesan vocation promotion programs • Inform /invite Catholic News Agency during ACSI meetings • Promote active participation in consecrated life at the International, Regional, National, Diocesan and Parish levels

I am happy to present to you an update on our progress in implementing these plans:

Following the General Assembly in Korea we were able to continue the good work of our predecessors:

A. FAVOUR CONTACTS, EXCHANGES OF EXPERIENCES AND MUTUAL HELP AMONG THE SECULAR INSTITUTES THROUGH THE • Quarterly publication of the ACSI newsletter ACSI newsletter – Keeping in touch was a priority of ACSI. Important information, updates, forthcoming events, reports of conferences and meetings and statistical data were shared through the newsletters and sent to member Institutes, CMIS, FABC and Congregation for Consecrated Life and Apostolic Life.

• Creation of a website While deliberating on the creation of the website it came home to us that the Executive body is changed every 4 years and the elected members come from different countries. The question of who would maintain the website with updates posed a problem hence the website is still open for the members to suggest a suitable solution.

• Visit to Secular Institutes in one country at least once during the four years. The Executive Council of ACSI had a National meeting in Vietnam in September 2017. The country is richly blessed with 1282 women Secular Institute members, 23 men Secular Institute members, 21 Secular priests in 17 Secular Institutes in Vietnam, a vibrant people firm in their faith.

• Establishing and strengthening National/sub Regional Conferences The first national meeting of Secular Institutes in Vietnam was a response to one of the activities proposed by the GA in 2014 in keeping with the action plan of ACSI. The birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary saw the birth of the Conference of the Secular Institutes in Vietnam. Thanks to God for this wonderful gift to the Church. The Conference will work under the direction and responsibility of the Religious Committees belonging directly to the Bishops’ Council of Vietnam. We are happy to share with you that members of Secular Institutes have had their National meetings in India, the Philippines and Korea. This helped to bring together the members of Secular Institutes to get to know more about one another, their formation, ongoing formations, share their concerns, needs and find appropriate solutions.

• Theme for the Year of Consecrated Life “Living the Evangelical Counsels” Following the lead of the World Conference of Secular Institutes in the celebration of the Year of Consecrated Life, “Living out the Evangelical Counsels in a Secular World” was adopted as theme of the 2nd Philippines National Meeting, with a talk on “Obedience in the Life of Secular Institute Members” by Fr. Aldrin Lopez followed by a panel sharing on living out one’s Consecration as a Secular Institute member.

The 21st Biennial meeting of the Indian Conference of Secular Institutes (ICSI) was held on October 10th-12th, 2016 with the theme “New Evangelization and Formation”. 45 members from 12 Secular Institutes participated in the meeting. Though each one takes a different path they have the same destination. It was a time of sharing how each Institute is living the Mission entrusted to them

B. ENCOURAGING AND HELPING LAY ASSOCIATIONS OF CONSECRATED LIFE THAT WANTS TO BE APPROVED AS SECULAR INSTITUTES. In sharing information we were able to help an institute in India (Divya Jyoti Association – Andhra Pradesh) that is striving for approval as a Secular Institute.

• Identify lay associations present in each country - Through our consistent efforts we were able to compile a list of Secular Institutes and lay associations opening the doors of communication with members from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. - The ACSI Directory was updated from time to time and the member institutes informed, accordingly. Information was also sent to the Congregation of Consecrated life and Apostolic Life, FABC-OCL, CMIS and Local Bishops. - C. PROMOTE, STUDY AND RESEARCH….TO GAIN GREATER INSIGHT TO PRESENT DAY MISSION OF SECULAR INSTITUTES • Know the needs, interest and concerns of Secular Institutes in relation to their retired, elderly and sick members. Through our interaction during conferences and meetings we were able to glean that most institutes are looking for training of Formators among the members of Secular Institutes who understand secular spirituality.

ECHOES OF THE PLAN:

Thailand: Presented by Ms. Saksri Ngamwong, Daughters of Queenship of Mary:

• There was a need to encourage members of Secular Institutes, to live as Seculars and not in communities.

• Formalize formation programme

• Make known the true nature of Secular Institutes to the local Church Hierarchy and through magazines/diocesan bulletins.

Hong Kong: Presented by Ms. Cecilia Cheng, Fraternite Jesus Caritas

• Need to know other Secular Institutes and initiate contacts with them.

Mauritius: Presented by Elena Brelu Brelu, OMMI

• Know Secular Institutes not only in Mauritius but also in the islands around e.g. Seychelles and even South Africa.

India: Presented by Dr. Ivan Netto, Christ the King

• The National Conference of India has completed 40 years. It is striving for Canonical recognition. The National Conference can make known the fruits of the GA at their next meeting.

• Get a list of Secular Institutes and Lay Societies from the National Federation.

Philippines: Presented by Angeline Dey, Missionaries of the Kingship of Christ, Philippines

• Finalize the 2nd meeting of Secular Institutes in the Philippines Date: 22nd – 24th October 2015 at Daovo City Philippines. The Theme: “Living the evangelical counsels in a secular world”. • Consolidation and concretization of plans made in 2013 in view of the current ACSI plans, the plans of 2013 to be presented at the second meeting.

Korea: Presented by Maria Lee

• This was the first meeting of Secular institutes in Korea and they plan to meet again in 2015 with a view to create an association with the guidance of Fr. Christopher Kim. One Institute expressed that the ACSI GA 2014 has brought them together after 32 years

• Make present the needs, interests and concerns of the Institutes to the FABC and to the Holy See Through our reports of Conferences, meetings we shared our concerns with the FABC, CMIS and the Congregation for Consecrated Life and Apostolic Life.

• Request time during Episcopal Conferences and Diocesan Meetings to make known the presence of Secular Institutes in the country/diocese - 30th November to 3rd December 2017, Dr. Adelaide Vaz participated in the Congress on “Vocation Promotion” organized by the Congregation for Consecrated Life in Rome where she got an opportunity to make an intervention which helped to focus on the issues of vocation promotion in Asia

• Submit reports to FABC and to the Holy See of ACSI meetings - Reports of ACSI Conferences and National Conferences and meetings in Korea, Vietnam, Philippines and India were sent to FABC, CMIS and the Congregation for Consecrated life and Apostolic Life

D. FIND WAYS AND MEANS OF DISSEMINATING INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUE NATURE AND PURPOSE OF SECULAR INSTITUTES AMONG ALL SECTORS OF THE CHURCH IN ASIA

Important documents on Secular Institutes have been circulated to all Member Institutes to be shared with the Local Church and others they include:

• The Secular Institutes – Their Identity and Mission • Forms of Consecrated Life • Papers on Consecrated Secularity presented by Rev. Fr. Subhash Anand at various Conferences and meetings namely: - Formation in Secular Spirituality - Some Contemporary Challenges - Prayer in the Life of Seculars - Religious Congregations and Secular Institutes - Consecrated Secularity: Theological basis and Practical implications. - Nature Spirituality and formation for secular Spirituality - Secular Institutes God’s Gift to our times

• Encourage participation of SI’s in the national and diocesan vocation promotion programs In the Philippines and in India Secular Institute members have been included in the Regional and Diocesan Vocation Promotion Teams for the promotion of Consecrated Life.

• Inform/invite Catholic News Agency during ACSI meetings

• Promote active participation in Consecrated Life in the International, Regional, National, Diocesan and Parish level Maintained the Link with the FABC-OCL, CMIS, and Congregation for the Consecrated life and Apostolic Life.

• Jennifer Mascarenhas from Caritas Christi attended the Symposium for Consecrated Life for Institutes of Pontifical Right at the invitation of the Congregation of Consecrated Life and Apostolic life and presented a paper on “Formation in Caritas Christi”. Her report was published in the Dec. 2015 newsletter.

• Our young members Ayres D’Souza and Maria Furtado from Caritas Christi and Elvita Dubli, Mary Shamala, and Gracy Stanislaus, members from Madonna della Strada and Russell Coutinho from the Dominican Laity attended the meeting for young consecrated men and women in formation in Rome. The report written by Elvita Dubli was published in the December 2015 newsletter.

• 102 Responsible Generals out of the 193 Approved Secular Institutes in the world attended the General Assembly of the World Conference of the Secular Institutes in Salesianum, Rome from 21st to 25th of August, 2016. Dr. Adelaide Vaz shared a paper on “Formation in Asia” at CMIS GA.

• Lilly Fernandes from ACSI executive was elected on the CMIS Executive. CMIS has come out with the Identity Code and a few copies have been brought by Dr. Adelaide for those who would like to avail of them. From

Asia, the following Secular Institute members were present: Dr. Adelaide Vaz (Madonna della Strada), Lilly Fernandes (Maids of the Poor) and Rosamma (Ancillae) from India and Lou Solijon (Daughters of St. Anne) from the Philippines. The words of Pope Francis, “You are at the heart of the world with the heart of God” on the screen welcomed every one with joy and gratitude.

• Ma. Concepcion Gonzales, Servitium Christi and Treasurer of ACSI participated in the International meeting for the close of the Year of Consecrated life. She shared her experience of this meeting in the newsletter of April 2016. For the first time 400 consecrated Seculars from 25 different nations came together to celebrate, to learn, to share and to find support at the concluding ceremony of the Year of Consecrated Life.

• Dr. Adelaide, as President of ACSI was invited and participated in the International meeting held in Rome by the Congregation for Consecrated Life from 3rd to 6th May 2018 on the theme Consecration and the Evangelical Counsels. (She was also given a privilege to meet the Pope in the reserved seats at the audience arranged for the participants.

I quote the words of our President, Dr. Adelaide Vaz “As a member of the Executive Council of CMIS, I can truly say that during this year the Council has endeavoured to bring about a closer relationship with the Congregation for Consecrated Life. In November 2015, the Presidency met Pope Francis to apprise him of the situation of Secular Institutes in the Church today and to ask for greater support from the Church authorities. As a result, a meeting was held between the members of the Executive Council of CMIS and members of the Congregation of Consecrated Life headed by the Prefect of the Congregation Cardinal Joan Aviz Braz. They were open to more dialogue and support for Secular Institutes of Apostolic and Diocesan Right and what could be done concretely. More such meetings are in the pipeline.”

Today we are truly honoured to have with us Cardinal Joao Braz Aviz, Prefect of the Congregation of Consecrated life and Apostolic Life to interact with members of Secular Institutes.

These 4 years of our mandate has been a joyful journey of discovery, sharing and opening doors of contacts and exchanges of information and support from you all.

Thank you Satira Soares