December 2nd, the final day of the Major Superiors meeting, was a time to tie up loose ends and share final bits of information about the congregation’s calendar during the next two years.
First on the agenda was the next General Conference. The major superiors endorsed the proposed theme, location and timeline. “Mercy and the social teachings of the Church,” is the working theme for the conference; the specifics will be fleshed out in the months ahead after a preparatory committee is established.
The Philippines will host the conference; it will be based at a facility approximately an hour-and-a-half outside of Manila. And though the final dates have not been set, a window from July 18-28, 2018, has been set aside for it.
Fr. José Carlos Brinon, general postulator, updated the superiors on the various causes for the congregation. Among those in process through his office are the causes for Fr. Juan Maria de la Cruz, Fr. André Prevot, Fr. Bernard Longo, Fr. Martino Capelli and Bishop Joseph Wittebols.
“People ask me, ‘How is this or that cause coming along,’” said Fr. José Carlos. “I always ask them, ‘Do you pray, do you pray for these causes?’ We must keep these causes in our prayers always.”
The “Spiritual Path”
Fr. John van den Hengel updated his fellow superiors on the Iter formativo, or in English, The Spiritual Path. This is a four-year formative program to introduce lay people to Dehonian spirituality. It was developed between 2012-2015 by SCJ theologians around the world. All four years have been translated into Italian, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese, though a final bit of work is needed to complete the project, which should be done next year. Click here to access the texts.
Each entity is welcome –– encouraged – to adapt the guide to its reality. Fr. John gave the example of the US Province where David Schimmel, director of Dehonian Associates, developed a one-year program from the four guides. The material not used in the first year can easily be used at formative gatherings in later years.
“What is most helpful is that we now have a series of texts that can help any group get started,” said Fr. John. “It is a sort of compendium of Dehonian spirituality but also a path that people can follow to make as their own what Fr. Dehon left us as his charism. It is our privilege to introduce it to others so that it can become more fruitful for the Church.”
Other work of the day included discussions about future collaboration between the entities, including an increased sharing of personnel –– or more accurately –– an increased welcoming of SCJs from one entity to another to both enhance the Dehonian presence around the world and to build a greater sense of internationality: Sint Unum.
Fr. Heiner Wilmer spoke briefly about how the General Council will organize its meeting schedule during the next year. Instead of setting aside several months in the spring and fall to be present in Rome it will most likely look at using teleconferencing to stay in contact regularly.
He also noted that the template for visitations will be similar as to what was done during the previous administration. Accompanied by a member of the council, the general superior will visit each entity at least once during his six-year term. A continental gathering will follow the end of the visitations to that area.
Danke!
In his concluding remarks Fr. Heiner noted that “We have had an intense meeting; I am grateful to Lord who gave us the opportunity live this time of fraternity and common exchange. I hope that it was a moment of rich growth, as well as a time to share in the mutual challenges of our time.”
The final word from Fr. General came in his mother tongue: “Danke!”
And while the superiors were concluding their meeting, the entity secretaries spent much of the afternoon having a tour of the Vatican’s Secret Archives (they are pictured below in front of the door to the Archives). Their workshop will continue through December 7.
Click here to view photos from the day, including an evening concert in the chapel and the closing celebration.
Click here to view all of the photos of the Major Superiors meeting.
