Continuing the commitment
Frater Fernando Orozco Cardona was the first of three SCJs to renew vows this month. He did so on August 2, at Sacred Heart Monastery. Br. Clay Diaz renewed his on August 4 at Christ the King Parish in Mississippi, and Frater Joseph Vu will renew vows on August 10 at the Dehon Formation Community in Chicago.
All three will continue studies in Chicago this fall.
Br. Clay recently posted an update on the province blog site. Click here to read it.
Keep in prayer
Margaret Kelly, the sister of deceased SCJ Fr. Tony Kelly, has asked for prayers for her sister Frances. She was diagnosed with lung cancer and a tumor on the brain. Please keep the family in your prayers.
Moved in
As noted last week, SCJs have been moving to Sacred Heart at Monastery Lake, the new development across from Sacred Heart Monastery/School of Theology. The address for the property is the same as the previous Villa Maria address:
7330 S. Lovers Lane Road (Hwy 100)
Franklin, WI 53132-1849
Residents now include (apartment and phone numbers appear after each name; the area code is 414):
Fr. Jim Brackin: 520-7947, apt. 204
Fr. Michael Burke: 409-4840, apt. 311
Fr. Paul Casper: 409-4842, apt. 103
Fr. Tom Cassidy: 409-4836, apt. 307
Fr. Mark Fortner: 409-4851, apt. 210
Fr. Ed Griesemer: 409-4830, apt. 110
Fr. Byron Haaland: 525-2452, apt. 411
Fr. Paul Kelly: 525-2446, apt. 405
Fr. Johnny Klingler: 409-4850, apt. 310
Br. Ray Kozuch: 525-2448, apt. 407
Br. Peter Mankins: 409-4843, apt. 203
Br. Matt Miles: 409-4828, apt. 108
Br. Tim Murphy: 409-4835, apt. 308
Dn. David Nagel: 409-4833, apt. 303
Fr. Rob Naglich: 525-2451, apt. 410
Br. Long Nguyen: 525-2445, apt. 404
Fr. Thi Pham: 525-2450, apt. 409
Fr. Bill Pitcavage: 409-4841, apt. 106
Br. Frank Presto: 525-2440, apt. 403
Fr. Tony Russo: 409-4862, apt. 206
Fr. Jim Schifano: 409-4831, apt. 102
Fr. Yvon Sheehy: 525-2447, 406
Fr. Tom Westhoven: 409-4829, apt. 100
Fr. Chuck Wonch: 409-4832, apt. 301
Br. Leonard Zaworski: 409-4852, apt. 306
Other updates:
Fr. Guy Blair
St. James Parish
400 S. Main St.
Chamberlain, SD 57325-1522
Fr. Charles Brown
St. Francis Residence
12001 W. Woods Road
Franklin, WI 53132-1362
Fr. Greg Schill
St. Michael Community House
1360 Nesbit Road, P.O. Box 38
Nesbit, MS 38651-0038
Villa Maria razed
After Habitat for Humanity salvaged windows, doors, fixtures and other items from Villa Maria, the building was demolished last week. A few photos of the process were taken on Friday, August 5. Click here to view them.
Cameroon becoming a province of its people
“It is because of the efforts of those who served before me and the many sacrifices of our missionaries that the Province of Cameroon has come to be what it is today,” said Fr. Léopold Mfouakouet. “This is a legacy, a sacred heritage to be preserved.”
On June 14, Fr. Léopold became the first African SCJ to serve as provincial superior of the Cameroon Province. He is only the second African SCJ to lead a province; Fr. Carlos Lobo of the Mozambique Province was the first. He is now in his second term.
“I realize that I am both a witness and actor in the growing province of Cameroon,” said Fr. Léopold about his appointment.
Established just over 15 years ago, the Cameroon Province is young. However, the SCJ presence in the country goes back almost 100 years. In 2012 the congregation will celebrate its centenary there. The U.S. Province financed the construction of a new church dedicated to the Sacred Heart in Bafoussam. Its dedication will be in conjunction with the celebration of the SCJs’ 100th anniversary next year.
Fr. Leopold is an alumnus of Sacred Heart School of Theology’s ESL program. Click here to read the full article about him, and the Cameroon Province.
Provincial’s time
After attending his last CMSM assembly as president of the organization last week, Fr. Tom Cassidy is on his way to India today where he will take part in the ordination of 12 SCJs to the priesthood.
Among Fr. Tom’s final tasks as CMSM president was to receive, on behalf of CMSM, Catholic Charities USA Centennial Medal. Acknowledging the award, Fr. Tom said that “on behalf of the 241 members of CMSM, representing all forms of male religious life in the United States I gratefully accept this award. We take seriously the call of the Gospel as first revealed to the people of Israel, the need to take care of the widows and orphans, another way of saying the poor and marginalized in our society and around the world. We appreciate this award knowing it comes from Catholic Charities USA, an organization committed to assisting those most in need. This award reminds us of what we have done and strengthens our commitment as men religious to work harder on behalf of the poor.”
Fr. Tom will be away from the Provincialate until August 22.
Anniversary of founder’s death
This Friday, August 12, is the 86th anniversary of the death of Fr. Leo John Dehon, founder of the Priests of the Sacred Heart. Click here to read about him and his life.
Upcoming meetings and events:
August 30-31: Provincial Council Meeting
October 2: Pet Blessing (SHST)
October 4-5: Provincial Council Meeting
November 14-16: SCJ Retreat, Pinellas Park
December 14-15: Provincial Council Meeting
December 18: Advent Concert, 2 p.m.
