Continuing the work of the international theological conference

Two months after the theological seminar “Charism and Devotions” concluded in Yogyakarta, the North American Theological Commission met September 12 at the Provincialate Offices in Hales Corners, Wis. Members of the commission: Fr. Gustave Lulendo N’dotony (Canada), Fr. John van den Hengel (Canada), Fr. Charles Brown (USA) and Fr. Zbigniew Morawiec (USA).

The positive feelings about the Indonesia experience were still high when the group gathered. Fr. Ziggy called it a “coming of their own” of the Indonesian Province with its excellent preparation and wonderful hospitality. For the North American Commission, the seminar was an opportunity to set its own program of reflection and to create a contribution to the Congregation’s spirituality.

During its September meeting the North American Commission finalized “The Surplus of Charity,” the paper delivered by the commission in Indonesia. It was based on the results of the survey done with members of the Canadian Region and US Province in preparation for the international theological seminar. The paper will be among those to be published by the Centro Studi Dehoniani in an upcoming issue of Studia Dehoniana.

If you would like to read a copy of the paper, CLICK HERE.

Also during its meeting the commission decided to undertake a collaborative study of a major issue in Fr. Dehon’s writings, namely, the notion of “pure love.” How did the founder think that pure love could transform society? What did he mean by pure love?

The commission will meet again in February, 2018, with each member contributing pieces to the research on the study.