3 renew vows

Last week three SCJs renewed their vows with the Priests of the Sacred Heart: Frater Juan Carlos Castañeda Rojas (Aug. 9), Frater Joseph Vu (Aug. 10) and Frater Justin Krenke (Aug. 12). Frater James Nguyen renewed his vows on July 29.

Reflecting on what it means to be a religious, Frater Joseph wrote that “My vows continually remind me of my dedication to live my life’s intent on being united with the Heart of Christ and to be in community with my brothers.”

Frater Juancho said that his experience at World Youth Day solidified his commitment to religious life as an SCJ.

“Today I said Yes once again to God!” wrote Frater Juancho after renewing his vows. “Renewed by my participation in World Youth Day and the message of Pope Francis to all of us to ‘not be afraid to say yes to Him,’  I renewed my vows as a member of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart.  I do so with the strongest conviction that it is rewarding and amazing to say YES to God!  Truly, I believe that I have been called to be a servant of love and prophet of reconciliation following Fr. Dehon teachings.”

Click here to read Frater Juancho’s reflection on participating in WYD.

Frater Justin renewed his vows during morning Mass at Sacred Heart at Monastery Lake; Fr. John Czyzynski, SCJ, his former novice master, received the vows. In a reflection that he gave prior to his renewal Frater Justin said that “God calls all of us to go out in any way we can to be a part of the world, not a part from the world. This is the message of Fr. Dehon. So today, before all of you, before Fr. John [Czyzynski], before my brothers in community, I very joyfully renew my vows and continue the message of Christ and of our dear founder, Fr. Dehon.”

Click here to read Frater Justin’s full reflection as well as view a few photos from the ceremony.

 

Canadian Region looks toward the future

The Canadian Region held its annual assembly August 8-10 at a retreat center just outside of Montréal. Members of the region come from around the globe, including Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Netherlands, Indonesia and Brazil, as well as French and English-speaking Canada.

Joining the region for the assembly were Fr. Stephen Huffstetter, SCJ, general councilor, and Fr. Ed Kilianski, SCJ, provincial superior of the US Province.

“When I returned to Canada last year, I had the sense that the region was sleepwalking to its future,” said Fr. John van den Hengel, SCJ. He was named regional superior soon after completing his term on the General Council last year. “To counter the sleepwalking, it is not enough to see how we can manage to get through the next few years. The region cannot just make a few adjustments here, a few adjustments there. There needs to be a long-term plan.”

The assembly focused on a task it began in local communities earlier in the year: creating a ten-year plan. “In view of the future, what projects do we wish to maintain at all costs?” said Fr. John. “Would the present  community in its make-up still be viable? What in our [local] communities will need strengthening; what needs to be re-visioned, what provisions would need to be made regarding the members, the houses, finances, care, support?”

Members of the region went back to their local communities with a little “homework;” continued processing toward the ten-year plan.

Click here to read more about the assembly, and the installation of the three new local superiors of the region: Fr. Gustave Lulendo for Montréal, Fr. Paul Tennyson for Ottawa, and Fr. Aegi Warsito for Toronto.

Click on the image above to view a slideshow of the assembly; if the image link does not work, click here to view it.

 

Fr. Francis installed as new district superior in Vietnam

On August 12, the anniversary of the death of Fr. Leo John Dehon, Fr. Francis Vu Tran, SCJ, was installed as the new District Superior of Vietnam. He succeeds Fr. Rino Venturin, SCJ. Originally a member of the US Province, Fr. Francis transferred to the Vietnamese District earlier this year.

Also during the ceremony the district accepted seven new students to the formation program. “We had about 150 guests at the Mass,” said Fr. Francis. “It was a very beautiful moment for the Vietnam District. Fr. Sugino [general councilor] shared a wonderful homily regarding leadership and the call to serve one another with love and care.”

Click here to view a photo album from the day.

Keep in prayer

Frater Juancho Castañeda Rojas, SCJ, asks for prayers for his sister Claudia Castañeda. She is in the hospital undergoing tests.

Please remember

Bertha Vickerd, the aunt of Fr. Wayne Jenkins, SCJ, died Friday, August 12, in London, Ontario. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Fr. Raulino Busarell, a member of the South Brazilian Province, died on August 10. He was born in 1922, professed in 1942 and ordained in 1948.

Devon Neuman, the cousin of Frater Justin Krenke, SCJ, died August 8; he was 37. Frater Justin asks for prayers for the family, especially Devon’s mother, who is currently battling cancer.

 

St. Joe’s honors school chaplain

During staff orientation last week at St. Joseph’s Indian School in South Dakota,  staff presented Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ, a star quilt to commemorate his 50 years of religious life. Fr. Anthony is chaplain at the school. Allyssa Hoffer of St. Joseph’s did an interview with Fr. Anthony in which he reflected on his vocation, religious life, and St. Joe’s.

What does Fr. Anthony enjoy about his ministry at the school?

“The kids,” he said. “I am able to see the students in church on Sundays but also go into the homes for prayer. I am a referee at the games and participate in a wide variety of activities that take place here. I can show the students that I too am human and make individual connections for those who may need to talk about things. St. Joseph’s also has a great staff who go the extra mile, which in return, makes me go the extra mile.”

Click here to read the full interview.

On his way!

Fr. Tom Cassidy, SCJ, returns to his second home this week: India. Be sure to periodically check the province blog to read snippets from his daily journal. Click here to access it.

Thank you!

Fr. Giovani Pontes, SCJ, originally from Brazil and now ministering in Canada, shares his gratitude for his ESL experience at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology:

“I had always in my heart the desire to better know a second language and preferably deepen my knowledge of English. Now that dream has come true.

“Thank you Laura Keller! You sent with great efficiency and patience the documents that made it possible to start the course. Your work is essential; you are a gateway.

“Thank you also to my teachers, Kelly, Kiki, Vicki and Dominic! You showed a lot of patience, efficiency and creativity throughout the course. You showed joy in what you do in classes and activities outside of the classroom, especially with laughter and friendship.

“Thanks also to Frs. Ed, Paul and Jim because of the beautiful Dehonian spirit of welcome, hospitality and cordiality.

“Thanks to the US Province because it offers us a very good course and a great learning experience!

“And thank you to everyone who made this environment a healthy place for study, prayer, fun, and fraternal coexistence. I am happy to have lived those months there.”

Provincial’s time

Fr. Ed Kilianski, SCJ, is in the office for much of the next couple of weeks. On August 26 he will be the main celebrant and homilist at a Memorial Mass for Fr. Peter Mastrobuono, SCJ, at Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in Houston. The Mass is at 7:00 p.m.

On August 31 he will take part in the Opening Mass for the new school year at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology.