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J.C.P. 54 2 No 7 7th 9/2/61
7/3/81
Bernard of the Blessed Virgin Mary of St Joseph's Anglo-Hibernian Province — Provincial.
To the very Rev Fathers Consultors, Rectors & Master of Novices — to the Rev Fathers & to the Students and Brothers of our Province Grace & Peace through Jesus Christ Crucifix.
My very dear Brethren,
We have received notice from our Most Rev Father General that owing to the unsettled position of Religious Orders in Italy, Our General Chapter, now due, cannot be held — and that Our Holy Father, the Pape, has on this account, by a decree of the Sacred Congregation of Bishops and Regulars, confirmed all Generals of Religious Orders and Congregations, residing in Rome, in their office ad mentem.
Our Most Rev Father General has, however, granted us the necessary power & permission to convoke & hold the Chapter now coming due in our Province — naming for it the second half of June, but leaving to us the selection of the day when, and the Retreat where it is to be held.
We therefore announce to you, Very dear Brethren, that Our Seventh Provincial Chapter will, with God's blessing, be cannonically held at St Saviours Retreat, Broadway, Worcester shire, on Thursday the 24th day of June, the feast of the Nativity of our Lord's Precursor, in this year of General Jubilee — and for us Passionists a year of joy, & we hope of grace special grace, it being the Centenary of the death of our Holy Founder and Father, St Paul of the Cross.
But we pray all the Capitular Fathers to assemble at the said Retreat, not later than monday the 21st

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Iubilee — and for us Passionists a year of joy, & we hope
of grace special grace, it being the Centenary of the
death of Our Holy Founder and Father, St Paul of the Cross.
But we pray all the Capitular Fathers to assemble
at the said Retreat, not later than monday the 21st
of June, in order to assist at the Tridum prescribed

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by our Holy Rules — and to take part in the preliminary conferences which will be held during the three days preceeding the opening of the Chapter.
You are all aware, Very dear Brethron, of the importance of our triennial Chapters. In them Superiors are elected to govern and guide us in the way of perfection to which we are called. Wise decrees are framed for the correction of abuses, if such unhappily exist.
Others are framed to prevent such abuses creeping in amongst us. In a word the Provincial Chapter has to see and to provide for whatever may seem good in the Gord, for the spiritual and temporal welfare of the Province.
The Capitular Fathers, therefore, stand in need of Special aid from God the Father of lights, to guide and fortify them, that they may do their duty before heaven and earth, divested of all human feelings, such as; ambition, partiality, natural sympathy, likes or dislikes — but with prudence, wise counsel & singleness of purpose — having only one aim in view, namely: the glory of God & the consolation of our dear Mother the Congregation.
We are confident, however, that all who love the Congregation, as good children do a kind Mother, will pray most fervently that God may bless our Seventh Provincial Chapter.
But besides the prayers which we know you will offer to God, he alone being witness, we prescribe the following to be said daily by the Community in common during the time of the afternoon meditation, from the 1st of May till the twenty first of June: —
I Veni Creator &c — II Litany of the B.V. Mary, with the prayer "Concede nos. &c. — III Three Paters, Aves and Glorias" in honor of St Michael, St Joseph & St Paul of

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roomed at chapter.
But besides the prayers which we know you
will offer to God, he alone being witness, we prescribe the
following to be said daily by the Community in common
during the time of the afternoon meditation, from the 1st
of May till the twenty first of June: _____
I Veni Creator &c — II Sitany of the B. V. Mary, with the
prayer "Concede nos. &c. — III Three "Paters, Aves and
Glorias" in honor of St Michael, St Joseph & St Paul of
the Cross, with their respective prayers. — IV. On the

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days of the Tridum, & the day of the opening of the Chapter,
the students, Lay Brothers & Novices shall approach Holy
Communion.
We remind the Fathers Pestors to bring to the Chapter1. Their "Littoral Patentes" and "Seal of Office"2. A certificate of the faithful celebration of the Masses,
signed by all the Priests of the house, except the
Father Pestor.3. A certificate of the exact keeping of the Archivium
signed by the F. Pestor & F. Vice Pestor.4. An Inventory of all the goods of the house, made
out under various heads, such as: Church -
Sacristy - House - Library &c &c.5. A correct financial statement of the Retreat and
Mission - giving an abstract of the Income &
Expenditure during the three years - stating at
the same time, the amount of money left in
the Deposit & Bank, at the time of leaving home for
the Chapter.6. A faithful statement of all debts thus: -1. How much on Interest & at what per cent?2. How much without Interest?3. What amount due for domestic & other expenses?
We now conclude, Very dear Brethren, by recommending
ourselves to your pious prayers, and imploring the
blessing of God upon each of you.
Yours affectionately in J. Christ.
Bernard of the B. C. Mary.
Provincial.
Given at this Retreat
3.