Two enter postulancy
Congratulations to Kenneth Anyanwu and Celsus Robert who were welcomed into postulancy during the First Friday liturgy with the formation community on February 7.
Kenneth, originally from Nigeria, earned a master’s degree in Jewish-Christian studies from Seton Hall University before applying to candidacy. “Initially, what attracted me to the Priests of the Sacred Heart was the name,” said Kenneth. “When I inquired further, I learned that they have what I consider a captivating life and ministry which blends well with my personality, gifts and vision. The fact that the SCJs are committed to continuing Christ’s work of rebuilding our world into God’s kingdom of justice and love is a strong connection for me.”
Celsus is a native of St. Lucia. Prior to candidacy with the SCJs, he lived in Los Angeles and worked as a long-term case manager at Kaiser Permanente Hospital. Active in his home parish of St. John the Evangelist in Los Angeles, he served as a youth minister, a choir member and as a member of the parish council. He has undergraduate degrees in Social Work and Criminal Justice from Cheyney University (Pennsylvania) and an MBA in Healthcare Administration from California Southern University.
Postulancy is a time of preparation for novitiate. Fr. Andrzej Sudol, SCJ, is the director of postulants.
Keep in prayer
Last week, Fr. Ed Kilianski, SCJ, moved to the rehabilitation unit at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. The plaster cast has been removed from the affected leg and has been replaced by a removable brace, which comes off during physical and occupational therapy. Please continue to keep him in prayer as Fr. Ed works toward the goal of soon returning home at Sacred Heart at Monastery Lake. As noted previously, Fr. Ed had surgery at the end of January to remove his foot and part of his shin to treat a bone infection.
Migration and immigration the focus of First Friday at Sacred Heart Monastery
Migration, immigration and respect for one another regardless of cultural background were the themes of the First Friday evening at Sacred Heart Monastery on February 7. Members of the North American Migration Committee led the evening, beginning with Eucharist, and concluding with a presentation to the formation community.
“Every person in this room has a story of immigration or migration, a story of encounter,” said Fr. Richard MacDonald, SCJ, in his introduction to the evening presentation.
Dehonians shared their personal stories of migration, including Fr. Quang Nguyen, SCJ, whose family fled Vietnam by boat. He was one of the last members of his family to arrive in the United States.
What does it mean to feel welcome, to be welcomed?” said Fr. Peter McKenna, SCJ, after reflecting on his experience of being a North American living in Rome. “What is God asking of you at this moment? How are you being asked to make life easier for a refugee, a migrant? God is asking you to offer a gift of yourself; what is it?”
In small groups (English, Spanish and Vietnamese language groups), students and SCJs reflected on those questions. Noting that students are pulled in many directions, including ministry, school and prayer, one group emphasized that no matter how busy a person is, there is still something that he can do. Being present and listening to another is a first step. It is important to not just be welcoming of others, but to learn about the cultures of others, especially those with whom one lives. Other suggestions included helping migrants fill out forms, volunteering with Catholic Charities, “or simply muting the television for a few minutes to call your government representative to express your concern about a migration issue, or send an email.”
The formation community at Sacred Heart Monastery hosts a special evening of prayer and reflection on each First Friday of the academic year. This month’s gathering also included the postulancy ceremony for Kenneth Anyanwu and Celsus Robert (see above), and a Come and See Weekend during which those discerning a vocation come to visit the monastery.
READ MORE on the province website.
CLICK HERE to view an online photo album from the evening.
Financial newsletter for employees
On February 4, province employees received a “Financial Wellness Newsletter” from Dn. David Nagel, SCJ, province treasurer. The newsletter, sent by email in a similar format to the Fridge Notes, is produced by the province’s financial advisors and contains tips about financial planning, especially in regard to retirement.
Note that since the mailing was sent to staff email lists, some SCJs who may have been on those general lists may have also received the newsletter. Questions about the newsletter? Contact Dn. David.
In Rome
Fr. Raúl Gómez, SDS, president-rector of Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, and Fr. Charles Brown, SCJ, will be in Rome later this week to meet with the rector and dean of the Gregorian University along with Fr. Carlos Luis Suárez Cordoniu, SCJ, superior general, about a possible affiliation relationship with Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology.
February 20-22, Dr. Patrick Russell (SHSST chief academic officer) will join Fr. Raúl for a gathering hosted by the Generalate to discuss ways of promoting and supporting the higher education centers of the congregation, including SHSST. Representatives from the major Dehonian centers and the Centro Studi Dehoniani will be a part of this Rome gathering.
We Remember
We have just begun linking biographies to each SCJ in the online Necrology. The PDFs are modeled on the book “We Remember,” a three-ring binder done years ago that included one-page profiles on each deceased member of the US Province. If a name is highlighted in the Necrology, you can click on it to access the PDF, which can either be read online or downloaded. It is hoped that all biographies of those who were members of the US Province can be linked by the end of March, 2020.
The Necrology is available in the Members section of the US Province website. Click here to access it directly.
Divine Heart Seminary Reunion
There will be an all-school reunion of alumni of Divine Heart Seminary in Donaldson, IN, on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at Bobak’s Signature Events, 6440 Double Eagle Dr., Woodridge, IL 60517, 630-968-7778. The cost is $75 per person and includes a four-hour open bar. Mass will be at 4:30 p.m., with cocktails and dinner following (dinner at 6:30 p.m.).
Suggested lodging is at the Hyatt Regency, 1400 Corporate Dr., Lisle, IL 60532, 630-442-6012. Room rates are $114 with breakfast, $108 without. When booking, note that you are requesting a room for the DHS reunion. A shuttle will be provided between the hotel and the banquet facility. Note that this is the same location as the 2016 reunion.
Questions? Contact Keith George at 630-327-3721.
Looking ahead
Recently added to the North American Google Calendar is the meeting of North American administrations on Tuesday, April 28. The Canadian and US councils will gather for dinner the night before (April 27) at Sacred Heart at Monastery Lake and then have a full day of meetings on Tuesday at the Provincial Conference Center. Other meetings and events during the upcoming months:
March 3-4, 2020 – Provincial Council meeting
April 27-28 – North American Councils dinner and meeting
May 5-6, 2020 -Provincial Council meeting (budgets)
June 8, 2020, 4:30 pm – Province Jubilee Celebration
June 9-12, 2020 – Province Assembly
June 11, 2020, 7:00 pm – Provincial Council meeting (advancements in formation)
August 12-13 – Provincial Council meeting
September 15 and 17 – The council will meet on September 15. The Dehon Lecture, featuring Fr. Carlos Luis Suarez, will be on September 16. Fr. General will meet with the council on September 17
November 10-11 – Provincial Council meeting
December 15-16 – Provincial Council meeting
January 5-7, 2021 – Provincial Conference
Click here to access the North American Google Calendar. Have an event to share? Click here to submit it.
Closing shot
Fr. Quang with Alejandro, one of our visitors at Sacred Heart Monastery for last weekend’s “Come and See.” Come and See is an opportunity for men discerning a vocation to religious life to literally “come and see” the US Province formation program. Click here to learn about future Come and See weekends.
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