Provincial Chapter 1956 — Acts

--- Page 1 --- Jesu Christi Passio . May , 1956 . # # # # # # # an extra number of acts and decrees . held in Tenth provincial chapter of the of the DUBLIN . Province of St. Patrick province . St. Paul's retreat . ergus , 6/1/015 --- Page 2 --- discharged . First Session . he was unanimously elected to this charge . Fr. Ambrose was then called to The Most Rev. President then nominated selves in spirit in the presence of our Holy Founder and thought , spoke : they were servants assembled to serve the best interests of the brothern their decisions on the intrinsic merits of the propositions and not merely customary prayers had been recited the Most Rev. President addressed the The first meeting of the Chapter took place at 9 a.m. on Wednesday , to live for the Conversation : all do that by observing the Holy Rule . are spirit by judicious legislation . ' There are three things that are superiors is laid the added duty of advancing the same cause by seasonable should speak and act fearlessly , always remembering that good or harm will discipline , if there be need to do so , by abolishing abuses ; 3 ) to repeal which are in accord with our Holy Rule , the Regulations , the Sacred Canon Rev. Fr. Ambrose as Custos , and secret .0 Servando ! . In a similar responsibility of the Capitular Fathers is grave and during these days the voted as if he were presiding at the Chapter . Each Passionist has now and the Apostolic Constitutions approving our Congregation ; 2 ) to restore Capitular Fathers and in the course of his address he reminded them that action , and upon the Capitular Fathers is laid the duty to preserve th "living its spirit and provocative that sane spirit by example . " Upon enactments of previous Provincial Chapters when this is advantageous . The st Rev. Father Malcolm of Mary , Superior General presiding . When the within our competence in regard to legislation : 1 ) to make useful decrees # in subjective views . It would help greatly if the Fathers placed them Province . To do this they must put aside self-interest and base come to many according to the manner in which this responsibility is The Most Rev. President then nominated Rev. Fr. Ambrose as Custos , and of Wednesday , 16th May . Wednesday , 15th May , so as to be present for the opening session on the With February , 1956 . As requested in the letter of convocation , the morning of Wednesday , 16th and the Salem Tridour which began on the evening ing first obtained the permission of Most Rev. Fr. General , escribed by Chapter XXX of our Holy Rule , Very Rev. Fr. Kergus , Provincial asked the Tenth Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Patrick by Lette at a rathers arrived at St. Paul's Retreat , Mount Argus , on the even Preliminary Sessions : --- Page 3 --- began that evening at 8 o'clock . 7 pomo . Second Session . Meritorum' was resumed and continued until the end of the Session at The Capitular Fathers assembled for the Second Session on the same The members of the Chapter assisted at the prescribed Trichium which vening at 3.30 . After the usual opening prayers , the ' Discussion Third Session . The prescribed prayers were recited , and the ' Discussion The third session began on the following morning . 17th May . at 9 orclock . This session ended at noon . Meritorum' was resumed . This session ended at noon . Meritorum' was resumed . Meritorum' The Capitular Fathers assembled for the Fifth Session of the 18th May . at 9 o'clock . ' The ' Discussion Meritorum' ( " 1907 1913 of the 18th May . at 9 O'clock . The ' Discussiveness and the chapter proceeded to discuss the proposed revision the Provincial Curia , by the Religious of the Province . always in a spirit of charity . were then handed to the temporary secretary . and the Father Master of Novices to examine and report on the financial The Chapter then proceeded to the ' Discussion Meritorum' . In a short statements . All the documents , listed in the Letter of Convocation Secretary and added to those which had already been submitted , through Fatima House , St. Patrick's Juniorate and the Provincial Administration required of Superiors . A Superior should be a light , an example , a the Capitularists to assess the merits of each without fear or favour , but giving occasion for factions amongst the religious . Finally , he exhorte The Agenda was then considered . The Father President asked the proposals , having been accepted by all , were listed by the temporary at are necessary for ruling . A Superior must rule his community just ! reader , as well as a guardian of souls and bodies . A custodian of ' and their purpose . In their search for suitable candidates for office , The Father President then administered to all the Oath " de secreto address , the Father President emphasised the importance of these discussion moderately , prudently , not neglecting correction when it is needed , not the Capitular should bear in mind those qualities which our Holy Ru" Capitularists they had any proposals to put to the Chapter . Their # # # www well responsibilities . Having elaborated to The Most Rev. Fr. President then nominated the two Fathers Consultors Its , His Paternity next enumerated and described the various talents Betreats ; Very Rev. Mr. Provincial read the financial statements from The fourth session , which began at 3.30 on the same evening , was at 7 p.m. , and the Capitulars assisted at the Tridium devotion devoted entirely to the ' Discussion Meritorum' . Fourth . Fourth Session . session . --- Page 4 --- First Consultor . for the future welfare of our Province . " respond to his holy inspirations and are submissions to his guidance . governs the Church through His chosen instruments ; and still be paraclete still continues , and its effects , though not palpable , an consoling on an occasion such as this , when decisions have to be visible mission of the Holy Ghost and its miraculous effects must be " Thisreflection , " continued Father Christopher , " is most opportun make them but , what is just as important , in those who have to accept with the Feast of Pentecost . he treated briefly of the Miracle of made which demand great faith and vision , not only in those who have to It is for us to co-operate by so disposing our minds and hearts that The Cavitular Fathers joined the community after Vespers for the the frightened men of the Passion into the Apostles of Pentecost mom- Chapter . It would be a great want of faith , - it would be to " give ving noticed the presidential co-incidence of this Chapter invoking the assistance of the Holy Spirit in the deliberations of this anctifies and directs the members of the Church in so far as they ded as historical events : but the invisible mission of the none the less real and fruitful . ' The Holy Ghost still' vivifies and the Holy Spirit of God " to doubt that this assistance will be forthcoming usual Chapter Allocutio which was given by Very Rev. Mr. Christopher , some time past , the religious of the Province have been and of its effects , as manifested in the transformation whose fearless eloquence filled the multitude with a manazer the Holy Ghost may find in them ready instruments of His holy designs hem . For some time past , the religious of the Province distinction should be made between " Decrees " and " Recommendations " it which read ambiguous or refer to situations and circumstances no longer then read over the Decrees and Recommendations , as listed in the existing Curia in accordance with a recommendation of the previous Provincial contain matters , not already explicitly legislated for in the Code , c Fergus , Provincial , explained the principles which had guided the Curia Compendium , and the Capitular gave their opinion as to which should be abrogated and which refrafted or retained in its present form . This session was brought to a close at noon with the usual prayers . existing should be refrafted and brought up to date . Father Provincial in our Holy Rule and Regulations : and that Decees or Recommendations a new Compendium ; that only those Decrees should be retained which Compendium of Decrees' which was submitted to them by the in drafting the proposed revision . " He suggested that a clear-cut- At the request of the Father President , the Very Rev. Fr. of their particular needs or circumstances . possibilities of the Mission's future . help of Father Placid , an effort was made to estimate the prospects and be departed from on this occasion and that , as is usual in some other The Chapter again assembled in the Chapter at 3.30 p.m. : and when reats in the forthcoming elections was discussed . It was agreed Fathers in that territory . A discussion followed , in which , with the before the session closed , the order of priority among the various of decrees " was continued . During this session , the Canitular's invited of our Foreign Mission Field in Bechuanaland , who gave a very comprehensive sixth Session . Provinces , electoral priority should be given to those Retreats which . in the opinion of the Capitulars , called for special consideration because that the customary order of precedence according to seniority should sixth . inter Room the Very Rev. Fr. Placid , the Religious Superi- I detailed report of the activities and achievements of a tomary prayers had been recited , the discussion of the 'C before the session closed , the order of priority among 050ERSON000000000000 --- Page 5 --- Albert of Jesus and Mary , Rector of St. Mungo's Retreat . Macartan of the Holy Name . Rector of St. Mary's Retreat Cyprian of the Holy Souls , Il Provincial Consultor Edmund of the Blessed Virgin , Rector of St. Paul's Retreat Fergus of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary . Provincial Malcolm of Mary , Superior General and President , Angelo of the Five Wounds , Rector of St. Michael's Retreat Maurice of the Precious Blood , Master of Novices . Andrew of the Sacred Heart , Rector of St. Joseph's Retrea Alphonsus of Our Lady of Sorrows , Rector of St. Gabriel's Mr. Rev. Fr. Peter Paul of the Seven Dolours , Rector of Holy Cross Reti Christopher of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus , I Prov. Cons. 1961 62 . 1961 62 . 1961 62. it # V. Rev. Fr. 1961 62m. 1961 62. V. Rev. Fr. Edmund acted as Master of Ceremonies . seventh session . Room were then closed . up by all present , who then walked in procession to the Chapter Room . At 6.30 on the following morning . Saturday . May 19th. a Solenn At 9 a.m. the Canitular Fathers and the Religious of the Retreat Mass of the Holy Ghost was sung in the Church , - the Celebrant being were taken by V. Rev. Mrs. Alphonsus and Maurice respectively , whilst who then dismissed with the prescribed formula . The doors of the Chapt Most Rev. Father General , vested in surplus and white stole and hold- ev. Fr. Fergus , Provincial . The offices of Deacon and Subdeacon mbled in the Choir for the formal Opening Ceremonies of the Chapte ing the Crucifix . intoned the Hymn ' Vexilla Regis ' . This ersicles and prayers were sung by the Father President --- Page 6 --- ( of St. Mary's 800,000 Eighth Session . various Retreats , and in the order already agreed upon . This session began the same evening at 4 o'clock . When the custom- Sacred Heart was elected at the first scrutiny . The newly-elected The Chapter then took up the election of the Rectors to the Very Rev. Father Edmund of the Blessed Virgin was elected as Rector election of a Master of Novices , and Very Rev. Father Andrew of the ers had been recited , the Chapter proceeded at once to ified his acceptance , and the election was framed and published voices . but neither should they flee from it . Provincialate ? " Norices and Rectors . As for themselves , they should not seek office , Father President then instructed the Scrutineers in their duties , sideration , and to do likewise in choosing the Consultors , Master of of the Holy Spirit , not emotionally but in a spirit of profound faith . and the Chapter proceeded to the election of a Provincial . Before the Finally , he exhorted the Capitular to weight as objectively as Having reminded them that they were supported and guided by Divine indulging in a stubborn and unreasoning or selfish choice , and exhorted to vote the necessary qualities of mind and soul , together with suffic- to consequences , disregard for the general good of the Province , while you has enlightened himself as fully as possible by listening with an ion ; and especially it is to be hoped that all have invoked many times , sossible what they had observed in , or heard about , the men under con ient health and strength , to undertake the arduous duties of the race , he warned them against carelessness in their choice , indifferent them to forget personal injuries , real or imaginary , as well as favours received or hoped for . " There is only one standard or judgment accept- ivately as well as in the community prayers , the light and guidance among you one whom , before God , you believe is best fitted to lead you t of our Holy Founder . It is to be hoped that each one the spirit of our Holy Founder . It is to be hoped that ceived or hoped for . " There is only one standard of just ped for . " There is only one standard of judgment accept sen mind to those capable of giving an intelligent and unbiased coin- those capable of giving an intelligent and unbiased up as First Consultor at the 4th Scrutiny . at the 6th scrutiny . 1940 # During the remainder of the morning session , the following ance , the election was framed and published in the prescribed form . At the 7th scrutiny . Very Rev. Father Cvorian of the Holy Souls The Community was then summoned to the Chapter Room and informed Very Rev. Father Maurice of the Precious Flood , as Second Consultor the Church where Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was imparted by Very Rev. Father Fergus of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary , elected Provincial their obedience and felicitations , and then went to selected Provincial . " The newly-elected having signified his access of the elections which had already taken place . ' All offered the newly- elections were also made , and duly framed and published : - new Provincial , and a 'te Deum " of thanksgiving was sur --- Page 7 --- accepted their offices . of St. Paul's Retreat , Dublin , at the 6th scrutiny . passive voice . Rector of St. Gabriel's , Enniskillen , at the sixth scrutiny . Very Rev. Father Alexis of the Mother of Sorrows was elected as During this election , Very Rev. Father Christopher renounced his Very Rev. Father Peter Paul of the Seven Dolours , was elected as Very Rev. Father Steuben of the Blessed Sacrament was elected as Alexis and Stephen were informed by phone of their election , and both the newly-elected , who were present , signified their acceptance . to accept the office to which he had been elected . Very Rev. Father Rector of St. Joseph's Retreat , Collooney , at the 2nd scrutiny . of St. Mary's Retreat , Drum-mohr , at the 6th scrutiny . The election in each case was duly framed and published . Those y Rev. Father Kevin was called to the Chapter Room . and consisted of Holy Cross Retreat , Belfast , at the first scrutin St. " Mungo's , which office he accepted . had already been discussed . announced that there would be no evening session . on to discuss some of the items of the Agenda . of the elections . which would express the mind of the Chapter on the proposals that " Rev. Father Valentine of his election to the Restorship of This Session continued until 1.15 v.m. when the Father President had agreed were in need of revision , and also ' to draw up new Decrees The Community was then summoned to the Chapter Room , and informed Verv Rev. Fathers Ferrus and Peter Paul were appointed to refraft The election was in each case immediately framed and published . The Chapter , then , resumed its discussion of the proposed revision of his election to which he gave his consent . of his election to which he gave his consent . ' The Secretary inform Decrees and Recommendations in the "Compendium " which the Capitula Rev. rather Anselm was called to the Chanter Room and informed . scrutiny . Very Rev. Father Valentine of the Immaculate Conception was Rector of St. Michael's Retreat , Dankeith , at the 7th scrutiny . Verv Rev. Father Anselm of the Sorrowful Virgin was elected elected Rector of St. Mungo's Retreat , Glasgow , at the second --- Page 8 --- on , many other aspects of our work and Provincial Levy . had been made , were approved by the Capitularis . Very Rev. Father Cyprian then gave a brief statement of the The twelfth Session began at 9 a.m. on Tuesday , 22nd May. Chapter up-to-date , which , after certain insertions and amendments he Secretary continued and " completed the reading of the Acts of the Twelfth Session . Twelfth Sea . Twelfth . il needs of the Province , and explained the necessity a drawing up of a future contract . Tenth Session . suitable office-premises . which had already been formulated were given a provisional reading , and this work , should be provided with greater facilities , including Capitulars of the present state and the prospects of the ' Parish ' undertake further development , our fund-raising efforts should be more The remainder of the Session was devoted to a discussion on the staff it adequately . These were carefully noted with a view to the experienced missioners of the Province should be given an opportunity before the session closed at 12.5 p.m. , the Acts of the Chapter , or ' Mission District ' , recently acquired by the Province in the Diocese of Johannesburg , and of the possibilities of our establishing a regular The Cavaliers again assembled at 9 a.m. on Monday , 21st May . to consider the Home Organization of our Foreign Mission . It was Father Placid was again invited to the Chapter Room to inform the They were of the opinion that , before a new Directory is drawn up , the for a new ' Directory of Missions and Retreats ' . The Capitular's after some enendations had been suggested , were approved by the Capitulars . idely and more efficiently organised , and that the staff , engaged on greed that the present Directory was both out-of-date and incomplete . Retreat there in the near future . Very Rev. Fr. Ferrus clarified our position relative to the Diocesan authorities , and gave an account of Mission District , and the number of priests that would be needed to his negotiations with the Bishop concerning the boundaries of the agreed that , in order to provide the Mission with financial means to While Father Placid was still present , the Capitular's pa use the Provincial Curia as to desirable additions and alteration re Session closed at 7,15 p.m. with the us the Retreat to be established on a secure basis . however , were hopeful that a further and sustained effort would enable yet came to make a final decision on this problem . The Capitular's , heard and thoroughly discussed , it was agreed that the time had not of St. Mary's Retreat , Drum-nohr . After the opinions of all had The eleventh session began the same evening at 3.30 n.n. Practically the whole of this session was given to a discussion of the future status Eleventh . session . made , were formally approved by the the reading of the Acts of the Chapter --- Page 9 --- Ballot . submitted its report to the Chapter . the evening of Tuesday , 22nd May . The Capitular Fathers assembled for the final Session at 4.30 on ballot , the Chapter then rescinded those Deorees of past Chapters which appointed to examine the financial statements of the various Retreats , The opening prayers having been said , the Committee , which had been Final Session . The revised Deorces were then voted upon . by secret ballot , and announced he announced that the Chapter would now proceed to the final framing of the were approved by the Capitularists . The President then asked if the Capitular : final . The Secretary completed the reading of the Acts of the Chapter which rees to be enacted , and of those which had been revised . B urs had discussed in previous Sessions and had deemed superb to Capitular's had discussed in previous Sessions and had deer in their revised form . Finally , the new Decees were approved by secret id any other matters to be discussed and having received a 1 matters to be discussed and having received a negative ans the Capitular's had discussed in previous Sessions and had deemed superfluous he would be always welcome amongst them . Patrick's Province canonically closed . 1940 1959 In really , Very Rev. Father Cyprian , Provincial , remarked that if , which he had received on this and former visits to the Retreat . he had guided their discussions and proceedings , and assured him that The Father President then put the question whether the Chapter President addressed the Capitularists . He referred at some ' length , to his Paternity for the patient consideration and attention with which credit was in large measure due to the capable and pleasant chairman - ship of the Father President . ' On behalf of the Capitulars , he thanked could be now brought to an end , and having received an affirmative as he believed , the Chapter had been both peaceful and progressive , the Curis for their co-operation and straightforward dealing with him . on the great spirit of sincerity and charity which had marked the in Ireland . ' This coincidence , he hoped , was a happy augury , and pair enerally , and the Rector of Mount Argus for the gracious hospitality , ceedings of the Chapter . He thanked the outgoing Provinc mlimited horizons of progress and achievement . " He then c iswer , he formally declared the Tenth Provincial Chapter o idence of the Chapter with the Centenary of the Passionist # coincidence of the Charter with the Centenary of the Passionists , The official business of the Chapter being now closed , the Father a Central Library . The remainder of the session was taken up with the drafting of the Chapter and the Third Decree of the Ninth Provincial Chapter should Chapter should be revised , so as to make its provisions more practicable . icals and reference-books which , he hoped , would be the beginnings of in accordance with the third-Decree of the Ninth Provincial Chapter , After the usual prayers had been said , the Chapter adjourned at sidered , and Very Rev. Father Cyprian assured the Capitular's that , locrees , which were to be voted upon in the final Session rescinded , while the second Recommendation of the Ninth Provincial mile nothing elaborate could yet be attempted , every effort would be as agreed that the Fourth Decree of the Eighth Provincia made by the Provincial Curia to provide an adequate supply of period - he Decrees of the two previous Chapters were then recons : The remainder of the session was taken up with the draft --- Page 10 --- Malcolm of Mary . Sup. General and President . Cyprian of the Holy Souls , Il Consultor . Fergus of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary , Christopher of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus , I Albert of Jesus and Mary , Rector , St. Mungo's Retreat Alphonsus of the Mother of Sorrows , Rector , St. Gabriel's Re Angelo of the Five Vounds , Rector , St. Michael's Retreat . Edmund of the Blessed Virgin . Rector , St. Paul's Retr Macartan of the Most Holy Names , Rector , St. Mary's Retreat . Andrew of the Sacred Heart , Rector , St. Joseph's Retreat : " treat . Maurice of the Most Precious Blood , Master of Novices Peter Paul of the Seven Dolours , ' Rector , Holy Cross Retreat . Provincial . Consultor . St. Paul's Retreat , Dublin . Dublini , 22 Maii , 1956 . Praep . Gen. et Praeses . Malcolm a Maria , C.P. . The Session concluded with the usual prayers . The newly-elected among the Capitular Fathers , having jurisdiction , ir Profession of Faith and took the Oath against Modernis . The newly-elected among the Capitular Fathers , having jurisdiction , invited the Capitularists to sign the Acts , etc. Most Rev. Father President then declared the Chapter closed and Cyprian of the Holy Souls . Liberter confirmus , Capituli neonon electionen Rectorum et Magistri Novitiorum , Auctoritate que in Domino fungimur , Acta et Decreta huj Confirmation of Elections .