Dehonian theologians gather in Indonesia
Members of the North American Theological Commission (Fr. Charles Brown and Fr. Zbigniew Morawiec from the United States and Fr. Gustave Lulendo and Fr. John van den Hengel from Canada) will join SCJ theologians from around the world in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, this week for the International Dehonian Theological Seminar July 20-25.
The theme of the gathering is “Charism and Devotions: toward an inculturated Dehonian identity.” The seminar is coordinated by the Centro Studi Dehoniani (Dehon Study Center) in Rome, but developed from the work done by each of the continental theological commissions during the past year. Participants will reflect on the Dehonian identity as it is experienced in the many cultures in which the congregation is present. Approximately 50 people are expected to take part.
Click here to view a website devoted to the seminar. Preparatory materials for the gathering are already available at the site. In the days ahead photos, reports and other information from the conference will be added.
Click here or on the image above to view a video by Fr. Stefan Tertünte, director of the Centro Studi Dehoniani, in which he talks about the upcoming conference.
Treasurer’s office update
If you need to call Kevin Stanke in the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, please dial 414-333-8750. This is Kevin’s cell phone; it is adapted to allow him to hear callers more clearly. Kevin has a hearing impairment that makes it difficult for him to hear on the office phone system.
Celebrating Festa Junina!
“Learning a language is not just about communication because it also helps one understand the culture and traditions of the people who speak it,” writes Frater Juancho Castañeda Rojas in his latest post on the province blog. “And this is what has happened to me as I have been submerged in a rich and beautiful mix of religious and popular traditions that are all very important for the Brazilian people…
“I know that wherever I go I will be exposed to new cultures and traditions which I embrace with love. But I also know that wherever God leads me, I will bring with me my own essence and will keep my own traditions and culture as a Colombian. Because I am sure that those are gifts that I can share with everyone. It is true that the call to religious life has some sacrifices and we have to renounce many things. But we do not give up the essence of our personalities because that is what makes us who we are. And it was because of our uniqueness that God called us to follow him. As I continue learning about the Dehonian ministry and mission in Brazil, I am also learning about its amazing culture and its traditions which are full of color and joy.”
Click here to read his full reflection.
Remembering Fr. Yost
Friends, family and members of the Priests of the Sacred Heart (Dehonians) came together at Sacred Heart Monastery on July 13 to celebrate the life of Fr. Charles Yost, who died July 8. Fr. Ed Kilianski was the main celebrant and Fr. Bill Pitcavage gave the homily.
Click here to view photos from the Mass of Christian Burial.
Click here to read the obituary for Fr. Yost on the province website.
Please remember
+Fr. Patrick Harnett, a member of the British-Irish Province died July 17. He was born in 1929, professed in 1949 and ordained in 1954.
+Fr. Messias Francisco Rosário, a member of the Brazil – São Paulo Province, died July 12. He was born in 1937, professed in 1960 and ordained in 1984.
+Fr. Matthaeus T.M. Holland, a member of the Dutch-Flemish Confederation, died July 10. He was born in 1927, professed in 1947 and ordained in 1953.
+Br. Renato Cavaliere, a member of the Congolese Province, died July 10. He was born in 1941 and ordained in 1957.
Reminders
Dehonian Spirituality, the weekly publication produced by the Dehonian Associates Office, is on a three-week summer hiatus. The next issue will be published on August 4. Click here to view the most recent issue, published on July 7.
Also, those who registered for the first North American Dehonian Retreat (“Open Hearts / Cœerts Ouverts”) taking place August 13-19 at Queen of the Apostles Retreat Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, should have received an update by email two weeks ago. In it were directions to the center, as well as the community house in Toronto. If you are registered for the retreat and did not receive the mailing, please click here or call Mary Gorski at 414-427-4266. Also, don’t forget to RSVP if you are planning on attending the BBQ Sunday afternoon at the community house in Toronto.
Calendar items
At its meeting last week the Provincial Council added the following meeting dates to its 2018 calendar:
January 30-31
March 5-6 with the Local Superiors (beginning the evening of Monday, March 5)
March 7
April 10-11
June 5-6
August 14-15 (the council will take part in first vows and entrance to novitiate)
September 18-19
The term of the current administration concludes on September 17, 2018. It is anticipated that the September meeting will be a transitional one with the out-going and in-coming administrations present. A reminder: the Election Assembly will take place June 18-22, 2018.
Provincial’s time
Fr. Ed Kilianski is in the office until Thursday when he heads to Mississippi for meetings and to assist with Spanish liturgies on the weekend. July 31 through August 5 he will be in Scottsdale, AZ, for the annual CMSM Conference. Representatives of Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology will also be at the conference, sharing information about the seminary with the major superiors.
Closing shot
Work is complete on the new sign for Sacred Heart Monastery / Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology. The new sign reflects the full name of the school (Sacred Heart SEMINARY and School of Theology) and is updated to match the design of the building.
