May 01, 2009
CIRCULAR NO.2 / JV/GEN/2009
Dear Brothers,
Fraternal greetings! We are still in the joyful Easter tide. This is a time and season when the Risen Lord exhorts his beloved disciples and followers to prepare for the coming of the Divine Spirit. The resurrected Lord moves in the group, meets in apparitions, strengthening the weakened and feeble faith of the early followers. This is a time when the Church is being built, the communion being strengthened and aspects of greater sharing among the believers being enforced.
Like the early Church, we too need to strengthen our communion with the Risen Lord. Our Church, our communities are in urgent need of the strengthening presence of the Risen Jesus and His animating Spirit. The primitive Church grew in number and favour with the Lord by their sharing and mutual affection. “All who believed were together and had all things in common; They would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all as any had need” (Acts 2:44-45). The ‘communion aspect’ of the early Church was the visible sign of the Lord’s presence. The Church was attractive to outsiders because of this “communio” or “ecclesia” nature. The outsiders wondered at the ‘Fraternita’ of the first followers.
In our own day, what characterizes the Church is this mutual love and communion. The world, more than ever before, looks towards the Church and its Institutions to preach and practice this communion of Brotherly/ Sisterly nature. Saint Francis and Clare could not think of a stronger Church without this aspect. One of the greatest gifts that Francis desired for his Order was the ‘Precious gift of Fraternal Life’.
As we celebrate the Lord’s Easter presence with us and as we are in the 800th year of the approval of the Franciscan Rule by Pope Innocent III, we shall confirm our Brotherhood / Sisterhood by mutual affection and charity for all, especially for our Brothers. Let the Spirit of Jesus animate our lives and our communities to greater dynamism and enthusiasm!
By June 2009, we will be witnessing the closing ceremonies of the ‘Pauline Year’ which was opened by the Holy Father in June 2008. It is our fortune, that Christianity has this great preacher of Faith, who in his inimitable way has expounded to us the mysteries of Faith and the centrality of Christ in his / in our lives. Thanks to Paul and his zeal that the Church is Catholic! Without Paul, we would have missed the theological depth of the Gospels and the fire of “preaching Christ” in Season and out of Season. Our own founder Brother Paulus Moritz took this name precisely fired by the missionary enthusiasm of Paul. Let us pay our tributes to this gentle apostle to the nations by arranging greater studies on his writings and conducting Liturgical Services in our Institutions and mission areas. May this great missionary apostle make us follow Christ in simple, practical ways!
“Where we are spiritually free, we do not have to worry about what to say or do in unexpected, difficult circumstances. Where we are not concerned about what others think of us or what we will get for what we do, the right words and actions will emerge from the centre of our beings because the Spirit of god, who makes us children of God and sets us free, will speak and act through us’. Jesus says, when you are handed over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes, because it is not you who will be speaking, the spirit of your Father will be speaking in you” (Mt. 10:19-20).
“Let us keep trusting the spirit of God living within us, so that we can live freely in a world that keeps handing us over to judges and evaluators” (H.J.M. Nouwen; ‘Bread for the Journey’). Let us not be afraid of adversities and uncertainties because the spirit guards and guides us especially at this Season of Easter. Wish you all a spirit filled time!
Informations: The 1st General Council Meeting was held from 16th – 18th April 2009 at the Generalate, Mount Poinsur, Mumbai and the following are some of the decisions made by the General Council:
New Provincial Councillors: Bro.Burkhard Handel has been appointed as the new Provincial Councillor of St. Francis Solano Province, South America in place of Bro.Andreas Scharf who expired a few months ago. Bro.Noas Tete has been appointed as the new Provincial Councillor of St. Joseph’s Province, North India, in place of Bro.Bartholomius Kandulna who has been elected General Councillor in our recent General Chapter.
Provincial Chapter of SFSP, South America: The Provincial Chapter of St. Francis Solano Province, South America, is scheduled to be held from 6th – 11th July 2009 at Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay. This Provincial Chapter is going to be very important for the Province as well as for the whole Congregation. Therefore, may I request you all, to kindly pray in a very special way for the success of the Provincial Chapter of St. Francis Solano Province. Representing the General Council, Bro.Wolfgang Stroemer and myself would be attending the Provincial Chapter.
Perpetual Profession ceremony: There will not be any ‘Perpetual Profession’ ceremony / programme organized at the Generalate in Mumbai on 4th October 2009. The respective Regional Superior/ Provincials are requested to do the needful for the receiving of Vows / Perpetual Profession programme within the Region / Province.
Preparatory Course for the Silver Jubilarians: A renewal Course for the Brothers due for their Silver Jubilee of Professions, is being arranged in September 2009 in Bangalore. Bro.Sebastian Adukuzhiyil, the Dean of Formation will contact the respective Brothers / major Superiors with more details. May I request the Brothers concerned to kindly make themselves free to attend this preparatory course and make maximum benefit out of the same. Silver Jubilee celebrations would be held in their own respective Provinces / Regions. Brothers who would be celebrating the Golden Jubilee of their Religious life in 2009, could seek the help of the respective Provincials, find a suitable place and attend relevant renewal programs according to their choice, in preparation for their Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Appointments & Transfers: In consultation with the respective major Superiors, the General Council has made the following appointments & transfers:
Secretary General: Bro.Xavier Alexander (SFXP) has been appointed Secretary General of the Congregation with effect from 15th May 2009.
Director of Novices: Bro.Bruno Malayil (STP) has been appointed as the Director of Novices with effect from 1st June 2009. This new appointment will be valid only for a year or so, until the next Provincial Chapters / Regional Assembly.
Bro.Dennis Thekkeparambil (STP) > to return to the Province
Bro.John Sebastian (SJBR) > Kota Hall, Kotagiri
Bro.Paulose Chirackal (SFXP) > Missionshaus Bug, Bamberg, Germany
Bro.David Kochukanjirathinkal (SFXP) > Kota Hall, Kotagiri
Bro.Xavier Augustine Vengooran (SJP) > to return to the Province
Bro.Silverius Kizhakkumthala (SJP) > Mount Alverno, Kotagiri
Bro.Cuthbert Thuruthiyil (SPP) > Mount Alverno, Kotagiri
(With effect from the 1st week of August 2009)
Bro.Aloysius J. Kettidathil (SPP) > Principal, St.Francis ICSE School,
Mount Poinsur, Mumbai
Bro.Bijumon Jose (SPP) > to return to the Province
Bro.Titus Marak (SPP) > Incharge, Trade Test Centre,
St.Francis ITI, Borivli
Bro.Binko Surin (SPP) > to return to the Province
Bro.Thomas Mandapathil (STP) > to return to the Province
Bro.Joby P. Baby (STP) > Staff, Jyothi Sadan Scholasticate
Bangalore
Bro.Sayimon Kelimattathil (SFXP) > to return to the Province
Bro.M. Robert (SJBR) > to return to the Region
Bro.Joseph Kollikolavil (SPP) > Superior, Seva Jyothi, Mysore
Bro.Giles Thekkemury (STP) > Headmaster, St.Francis School
(CBSE) at Seva Jyothi, Mysore
Bro.Aloysius Vaniyapurackal (STP) > to return to the Province
Bro.Cletus Neerattupara (SFXP) > to return to the Province
Bro.Xavier Uzhathiparampil (STP) > to return to the Province,
With effect from 25th August 2009
I am grateful to all the respective Regional / Provincials for lending the services of these Brothers to the common cause of our Congregation. My gratitude to all these Brothers for their committed services under the Generalate.
Provincial Chapters/ Regional Assembly 2010: The General Council has decided to conduct the Provincial Chapters & Regional Assembly in the following order:
11th – 18th January 2010 : St. Paul’s Province, Northeast India
01st – 08th March 2010 : St. Joseph’s Province, North India
10th – 18th March 2010 : St. Francis Xavier’s Province, Central India
18th – 25th March 2010 : St. Thomas Province, South India
06th – 11th April 2010 : St. John De Britto Region, Southeast India
14th – 21st April 2010 : Immaculate Heart of Mary Province,
Sri Lanka
May I request all our Major Superiors concerned to kindly do the needful in accordance with the Constitutions, Regulations and other documents of our Congregation to prepare for the meaningful celebrations of the Provincial Chapters / Regional Assembly at different parts of our Congregation. The General Council suggests that the theme for the forth-coming Provincial Chapters and Regional Assembly could be the same as that of the 13th General Chapter, “Universal Brotherhood – CMSF in the Global Village” for a wider participation and deeper study on it.
Assisi Pilgrimage 2009: Bros. Dominic Polaprayil (STP) and Mani Palathunkel (SJP) have been selected by the ‘Franciscan Pilgrimage Programme’, USA for a sponsored Assisi Pilgrimage in the months of July – August 2009. The General Council has decided to send Bros. Joseph Kazhikachalil (STP), Mark Topno (SJP), Thomas Puttananickal (STP), Sebastian Kochukunnel (STP) and Emmanuel Thachalodil (SJP) under ‘Assisi Pilgrimage’ tour programme 2009 – 2010. This would be the last group of Brothers sponsored by the Generalate. In future, any such programme may be organized by the respective major Superiors.
Canonization process: Bro.Savarimuthu Amburose, the Procurator General of our Congregation has been requested to initiate the work of Canonization process of our Founder, Brother Paulus Moritz. He will take up this matter with the Holy See and work out the modalities in this connection.
Bro.Sanil Tharayil (STP) has joined for a Master’s Degree in Communication at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Philippines from the academic year 2009. He will be residing with the ‘Hospitaller Brothers of St.John of God’. His mailing address: Grandada Educational Foundation Inc., San Juan de Dios Social and Health Center, 1126 R. Hildalgo Street, 1001 Quiapo, Manila, Philippines. Mob: 02-09173961126; Community: +02-734-31-74
Dismissals: The Holy See has accepted the request of the Provincials of St.Joseph’s Province and St.Thomas Province for the dismissal of Bro.Biju Jacob (SJP) and Bro.Vincent Paikad (STP) respectively. Hence, Bro.Biju Jacob and Bro.Vincent Paikad cease to be members of our Congregation with effect from 04th April 2009.
Mount Poinsur Complex: Please note that Bro.George Thottiyil, the Asstt. Superior General has been entrusted with the administration / matters connected with the whole Mount Poinsur Complex under the Generalate.
New E-mail IDs: Please note the change of E-mail IDs at the Generalate; Generalate Office : cmsfgeneralate@mtnl.net.in; Bro.George Thottiyil: georgethottiyil@ymail.com Bro.Jose Valliara : valliaraj@gmail.com / jvalliara@hotmail.com.
General Council Meeting: The next General Council Meeting will be held from 05th – 07th September 2009 at the Generalate, Mount Poinsur, Mumbai.
Sri Lanka: All of us are aware about the latest political situation in Sri Lanka which is getting bad to worse day by day. Thousands of innocent people have been severely affected by the ongoing war between the LTTE and Sri Lankan army. The relatives of some of our Brothers in Sri Lanka are also affected with this tragic situation. May I request you all, to pray earnestly, that peace returns to this otherwise peace-loving Island.
I will be leaving for Europe on 14th May 2009 and in July to South America to attend the Provincial Chapter of SFS Province. I hope to return to Mumbai by the first or second week of August 2009. During my absence, any matters of importance and connected with the Generalate administration, kindly contact Bro.George Thottiyil – Asstt. Superior General or Bro.Xavier Alexander – the Secretary General.
Points for consideration: The General Council and myself personally, would not like to interfere with the normal activities of our Communities, Institutions, Region and Provinces. It is the responsibility of the Superiors at all levels and heads of the Institutions to administer their responsibilities efficiently, effectively and according to the norms laid-down by our Constitutions, Regulations and other documents. Each one of us is equally responsible for the welfare of our own Communities, Institutions, Region, Provinces and the whole Congregation. How ever, we are there to assist / animate you whenever needed. Nevertheless, any normal problems could be settled at the respective levels of administration amicably, rather than unnecessarily rushing such matters to the Generalate. When Brothers send their requests on various matters / suggestions etc. to the Generalate, it is enough to send just one copy to the Generalate Office or to me, rather than sending copies of the same to all the General Councillors, Provincials etc. Please avoid waste of money, energy and time in this regard at all levels. It is our practice that matters of importance are always shared / discussed with the General Council.
Brothers, many of us have the nature of grumbling / complaining and unnecessarily criticizing others. During this beautiful Season of Easter / Pentecost, let us get rid of such activities and instead, work hard, contribute our very best for the common good of the communities wherever we work. Let us get rid of hatred, vengence, rebellion etc. from our hearts and be instruments of peace and harmony among whom we live and work. Let us forgive any evils that others may have done to us; look at our daily life positively and thank God for all innumerable blessings He has been showering upon each one of us. Let us learn to improve the quality of our thinking, actions and life. Our life is short in this world and we cannot afford to waste even a moment. As Religious, Franciscans and Missionaries, it is very much needed and edifying to spend enough time in prayer. That alone will help us to get rid of many of our problems. Without the blessings of God, we can achieve nothing. Therefore, with great trust and deep faith in the Lord, let us live our lives meaningfully, efficiently and effectively. May God bless each one of us and our beloved Congregation abundantly! Let us keep each other in our daily prayers. With many warm regards,
Yours fraternally,
Bro. Jose Valliara, CMSF
Superior General. |
