Dehonian Family meets in Rome
There is one Dehonian charism, but many, MANY different models of how that charism is lived. Under the “Dehonian Family” umbrella are lay Dehonians, consecrated women and professed SCJs.
In 2014 members of the Dehonian Family from around the world came together in Rome to share their experiences. From that meeting developed a coordinating group. Given a three-year term, it was tasked with the implementation of the “Spiritual Path” (a formative guide to the Dehonian charism), establishing communication networks among the Dehonian Family, and looking at ways of creating structure and growth.
Three years later the Dehonian Family is again gathered in Rome. Meeting from May 13-16, continental representatives are taking a closer look at the many expressions of the Dehonian Family and seeking a path toward creating a cohesive structure. It would be a structure that respects the autonomy and unique vocation of each component of the Dehonian Family while identifying that which allows such diversity to be in communion.
David Schimmel, director of Dehonian Associates, and Fr. John van den Hengel, regional superior of Canada, are representing North America.
Reports and photos areposted on the DehoniansWorldwide Facebook page. Click here to view it.
Click here to access a photo gallery from the days.
Please remember
+Karen Jeltz, director of administration for Sacred Heart Southern Missions, died on May 9. The wake will be May 20 from 1-4:00 p.m. at M.J. Edwards Whitehaven Funeral Chapel, 5494 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116
The funeral will be May 22 at 11:00 a.m. at Brown Missionary Baptist Church, 980 Stateline Rd E, Southaven, MS 38671. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene, Memphis, TN 38125
+Fr. Eugéne Marie Hubert Quanjel, a member of the Dutch – Flemish Confederation, died May 2. He was born in 1924, professed in 1958 and ordained in 1965.
North American Migration Committee prepares for assembly
Members of the North American Migration Committee met at the Provincial Offices in Hales Corners May 9-10. Much of the meeting was devoted to preparations for the Province Assembly, where the committee will lead a day of activities regarding migration concerns. Among the speakers that day will be Sr. Norma Pimentel, MJ, who runs a welcome center at Sacred Heart Church in McAllen, Texas, which has helped over 20,000 immigrants. Click here to learn more about her in a feature done by ABC News.
The committee is pictured above. On screen is Karen Mahoney, whose plane was cancelled and thus met with the committee via video conference. Committee members also include Fr. Peter McKenna, Mark Peters, Fr, Tony Russo, Fr. Jan de Jong, Fr. Richard MacDonald and Fr. Louis-Marie Butari (who was unable to take part in the May meeting).
New SCJ bishop
Pope Francis has appointed Fr. André Vital Félix da Silva, a member of the Brazil-Recife Province, as bishop of the diocese of Limoeiro do Norte (Brazil).
Fr. da Silva, 51, is from Recife. He did his philosophical studies at the Salesian Institute of Philosophy in Recife and his theological studies at the Franciscan Institute of Theology at Olinda. He also has a licentiate in Biblical Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome.
He made his first profession in 1986 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1991. Fr. da Silva has done parish ministry, served in formation, and has been vice provincial superior. Currently provincial secretary and a member of the Provincial Council, he also serves in a parish and is a member of the Dehonian Theological Commission of Latin America.
RSVP reminders
“Open Hearts – Coeurs Ouverts” – Registration for the first of the North American Dehonian Retreats, August 13-19 in Mississauga, Ontario, closes on May 31. For members of the US Province and Canadian Region who have not yet registered and would like to do so, click here.
US Province Assembly – SCJs are asked to register by May 18 for the June 5-9 province assembly. RSVP at 414-425-6910 or by sending an email to provadm@usprovince.org. Individuals are reminded to make their own room arrangements.
Provincial’s time
May 18-22 Fr. Ed Kilianski will be in Houston for the eighth grade graduation at Our Lady of Guadalupe and to help with weekend ministry.
Closing shot
Below is the Dehonian Family “family photo” taken this morning in Rome. Click here to access a full-size copy of the group photo. Click here to view the photo gallery.
