Dear Brothers:
District of India
I returned to St. Louis last weekend after a long journey from India. I spent eight days with the brothers in Bangalore, attending the District Assembly, installing the new District leadership, and receiving the perpetual vows of three Indian Marianists. It was a rich, exhausting and hopeful time.
The members of the District gathered for their assembly, which began on Dec. 28 and concluded New Year's Eve. On the first day, there was a frank discussion about current District issues, ending with rituals of brotherhood, reconciliation and unity. That afternoon, the gathering heard a presentation on "Charism and Mission" by
Bro. Erick Otiende, director of the Marianist Scholasticate in Nairobi. The afternoon ended with a talk on "Mission of the Church in India" by Fr. Emmanuel of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales.
Lay Marianist Savio Franco, a graduate student at the University of Dayton, served as the facilitator throughout the assembly. He worked with the District Council to plan the event, and his facilitation skills were greatly appreciated. He also wrote eight songs for the assembly, reflecting Marianist themes.
The second day was devoted to presentations on all the District communities and ministries with an opportunity for the brothers to ask questions and share reflections. The afternoon was spent in dialogue with the outgoing District Council. Each District community took responsibility to organize the liturgical celebrations.
I made a presentation on "Marianist Life and Mission in the District of India" on the morning of the final day, and the afternoon was spent in theme-based group discussions: vocations, formation, religious renewal, MLC, ministry of formal schools, development and informal education, and financial sustainability. Each group made recommendations for the new District Council, the communities, and individual religious. After a Prayer of Unity which ended just before midnight, the brothers celebrated the beginning of the New Year with dancing and the burning of "The Old Man."
The assembly was an excellent expression of Marianist life: focused on gratitude for the last 34 years, a realistic assessment of present challenges and issues, and hope for the future.
New District Council
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The new council: Bro. Arokia Doss Ambrose, councilor; Bro. Paulus Lakra, asst. for temporalities; Fr. Varghese Manooparampil; asst. for religious life; Bro. Augustus Surin, district superior; Fr. Sudhir Kujur, asst. district superior; Fr. Bhaskar Galleli; asst. for education; and Bro. Marianus Bilung, councilor.
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During the celebration of the Eucharist on Jan. 1, Feast of Mary Mother of God, new District leadership was installed. The new leaders received a blessing from the District community directors and were presented with the recommendations from the discussions of the previous day. These recommendations will be prioritized as the Council begins its work. The members of the previous Council symbolically "passed on the torch" to the new leaders and, at the end of the Eucharist, the new Council gave a hearty expression of gratitude and appreciation for all that the previous Councils had accomplished.
Perpetual Vows
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Bros. Peter Paul K., George Hans and Balaswamy A. professed perpetual vows on Jan. 2.
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On Jan. 2, three Indian Marianists, in the presence of assembly members and their families, professed perpetual vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and stability. The gathering space had been transformed overnight to a beautiful liturgical space by members of the scholasticate community and others.
Fr. Jack McGrath
was the main celebrant, novices led the music, and Fr. Ignatius Arulappen gave a fine homily.
Bro. Augustus Surin and I witnessed the profession. The three brothers - Balaswamy, George Hans, and Peter Paul - were well prepared, participating in a month-long renewal of Marianist spirituality and studies with Fr. Jack, and spending November in the Spirit of Saragossa retreat at the novitiate in Ranchi. The District and the entire Society of Mary are blessed with these shining examples of lifelong commitment and religious spirit.
I returned to the Province both tired and hopeful. There are significant challenges that exist - personnel, formation, and finances - but I was heartened by the sincere and evident religious commitment and desire to see the gift of the Marianist charism flourish in India. I ask you to pray for this District and all its members.
Personnel
Fr. Rich Wosman, president of Central Catholic High School in San Antonio, has decided he will not return to his position at Central next year to pursue other ministerial endeavors. Fr. Rich will complete the school year assisted by Paul Garro, principal/provost, and Ed Ybarra, vice president-student development.
"Fr. Richard's tireless service and significant contributions have positioned Central Catholic for continued success," said
Mike Keeffe, chairman of the board of directors. "We thank him for assembling an experienced, highly qualified management team and wish him well in all his future endeavors."
Our Province and the board of directors are engaged in a search for a successor. Please pray for Rich during this time of transition, and for the Central school community.
Provincial Chapter Convocation
I am happy to announce the convocation of the twenty-fourth session of the Provincial Chapter of the Province of the United States. This session of the Chapter will be held from March 5 - 9, 2015, at the Marianist Retreat and Conference Center in Eureka, Mo.
Propositions for the twenty-fourth session of the Provincial Chapter are due at the Office of the Assistant Provincial by Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015. READ MORE.
Priestly Ordination
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Deacons Arul Raj Maria Francis and Jinu Muthukattil will be ordained on Jan. 22.
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Two Indian Marianists will be ordained priests on Jan. 22 in Bangalore through prayer and the imposition of hands of the Archbishop of Bangalore,
Most Rev. Bernard Moras. Deacons
Arul Raj Maria Francis and
Jinu Muthukatti completed their seminary formation in June and have been serving in the District since then: Arul in Austin Town/Bangalore, and Jinu in Andra Pradesh at the Jacob Gapp School. Both will have celebrations in their home parishes in the weeks following the ordination. Please join me in praying for these men and for a fruitful priestly ministry in the Society of Mary.
Chapter Elections
With the acceptance by Fr. Manuel Cort�s of Brian Halderman's request for exclaustration, a vacancy occurs among the elected members of the Provincial Chapter. According to our Rule of Life 7.80, the replacement for an elected member is the religious next highest on the list of nominees in the same category. Bro. Ed Violett is the religious in the lay category next in line and
he has accepted the responsibility of completing the vacant term to March 2017. The Council and Province thank Ed for his willingness to take on the responsibilities of membership on the Provincial Chapter.
By his election, Brian fulfilled two requirements of Chapter composition: He was from Texas and under 50. The Manual of Procedures states that we need to have two representatives from Texas and two members under 50. Since Bro. Ed Violett fulfills neither of these, we will begin a balloting process to meet these requirements.
Bro. Joe Kamis will initiate this election in the near future.
Consultation - Assistant Provincial
A reminder to send, email or fax your consultation form for assistant provincial to the General Administration
no later than Jan. 20.
As we begin a new year, let's remember to pray for one another, for brothers who are ill, and for the many people who are generous to us.
Fraternally,
