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Very Rev & Richard C.P. Richard
Of Pauls Retired - Bulletin
7/3/12/1
Acts And Decrees
OF THE
ELLEXE IV TH PROVINCIAL CHAPTER.
OF THE
ANGLO-HIGERNIAN PROVINCE OF THE CONGREGATION
OF THE
Most Flory Crossed Passion
OF
OUR LORD -
JESUS CHRIST
No. 16
S. Joseph's Retired
Highorie
June 1897
London.

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JCD
JUNE 1887
Acts and Decrees of the 11th Provincial Chapter of the Anglo-Hibernian Province of the Congregation of the Most Holy Cross Sappon of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the title of St Joseph held in the Reheal of St Joseph Highgate London. —
— June 1887 —
On the 20th April 1887 the Very Rev Friendent of the Sacred Heart of Jesus issued to all the Superiors of the Province the usual "Convocation letter" calling upon the Capitular Fathers to assemble at St Joseph's Reheal London on the 7th June to assist at the 'Indum' in preparation for the Chapter summoned for the 10th June 1887.
All the Capitular Fathers were present at the above named Reheal on the appointed day, at 3-30 in the afternoon of the 7th June there were assembled in the 'chapter room' the following Fathers:—
1. The Very Rev Friendence of Christ Lady of Help 2nd Cons. fer President of the Chapter2. " " " " " Vincent of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Provincial3. " " " " Arthur of St Paul of the Cross 1st Prov. Cons.4. " " " " Alphonso of the B. V. Many 2nd Prov. Cons.

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5 The Very Rev. Gregory of St Joseph
Rector of St Josephis London.
6 " " " " Reginald of the Immac-Concep.
Rector of St Saviour's Broadway
7 " " " " Gerard of the Immac-Concep.
Rector of St Anne's Retreat Sutton.
8 " " " " Bernard of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Rector of St Paulis Dublin.
9 " " " " Anthony of the Holy Crofts
Rector of Holy Crofts.
10 " " " " Richard of the Immac-Concep-Harborne
11 " " " " Michael of the Sacred Heart of Mary
12 " " " " Superior of St Josephis Paris
12 " " " " Norbert of St Paul of the Crofts
Superior of St Mungo's Glasgow.

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3
1st CONFERENCE.
After moving the Holy Ghost, the usual prayers; the letter of Delegation from the Most Rev & General appointing the Very Rev & Lawrence of Mr Lady of Help, as President of the Chapter, was read by the Very Rev & Uncent. Provincial.
The Very Rev & Richard was unannouncy chosen P. Secretary of the preliminary Conferences.
A Rescript of Mr Holy Father Leo XIII was then read granting up to the Very Rev & Michael of St Josephis Hospice Paris and to the Very Rev & Nobel of St Mungo's Glasgow active voices.
After some consultations the following commissions were appointed:—
1. To examine the financial statements of each house in the Province.—Fro. Alfonsus + Bernard
2. To verify statements in certificates of one celebration of masses and faithful keeping of the "Archives".
Ft Gregory + Michael.
The subjects in reference to the Province in General, for future discussion in the Chapter were then proposed by the Father's Provincial and his two Consultors and this first Conference closed at 5-45 p.m. with the usual prayers.—

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IV
II CONFERENCE
JUNE 8th-87.
At 9 o'clock a.m. the Capitular Lathers assembled in the chapter-room. The Conference was opened with the usual prayers. The Very Rev. President then desired each of the Rectors (in order of seniority) to make known any matter for discussion, relating to their respective Religions.
This Conference closed with the usual prayers at 10-50.
III CONFERENCE
This conference opened at 4 o'cl. p.m. with the usual prayers. The financial statements of each house having passed through the usual Examination the Very Rev. Philhornus read the results which proved very satisfactory. The debt of the Province having been reduced by £3,400 during the last three years.
The oath "de secreto servando" was then taken by all the Capitulars. After this the discussion "inerita + demerita" commenced of the non-capitulars having the passive voice.
Conference closed with the usual prayers at 6:30.

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— TV CONFERENCE —
JUNE 9th
At 9:15 ocl. this morning 9th June the Fathers again assembled. the conference was opened by the usual prayers, after which the discussion of "merita + demerita of the non-capitulars" was continued. Then followed the discussion of the merits of the Capitular Fathers each going out of the room in his turn, beginning with the Father Provincial.
This Conference closed with the usual prayers at 12-15 a.m.
This evening after Vespers at 3-ocl p.m. the usual capitular discourse to the community was delivered by the Very Rev. P. Alphonsen 2nd Provincial Consultor. He drell upon the operation of the Holy ghost in location, in Redemption, + in the working of the Church. After showing how the Church prepared for her councils by the invocation of the Holy ghost, prayer to he deduced the grave necessity for prayer, for the gifts and direction of the Holy ghost for the Capitular Fathers in their deliberations. - the elections upon which so much of god's honour and glory, the welfare of the Congregation on Mother and the happiness of the

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6 Religious depended. He concluded with a fervent escortation to dispose their minds and hearts by the removal of pride, ambition, human respect all in a word. That could prevent the Holy Spirit coming down upon them to enlighten, guide and direct comfort and strengthen them in their arduous work.
V H. CONFERENCE.
Conference opened with the manal prayers at 5:30 pm.
The discussion during the conference was on matters which were to be treated of in the chapter.
The Conference closed with the manal prayers at 6-30 pm.

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JUNE 10th At 8 o'clock on the morning of this day a Solemn Mass "The Spiritual Sanction" was sung by the Very Rev. Francisco Provincial. -
After the Mass all the Religious Community assembled in the church, from thence went in procession to the Chapter Room sunging the "Verilla Regis".
On their arrival in the chapter room at a signal from the Very Rev. Francisco President, all relied except the Capitular Testimony who answered to their names in the following order: -
The Very Rev. Francisco of Our Lady of Helf, Cons. Jen. President.
" " " " Vincent of the Sacred Heart of Jesus," " " " Arthur of St Paul of the Crofts," " " " Alphonso of the Blessed Virgin Mary," " " " Fregory of St Joseph," " " " Reginald of the Innuae Conception," " " " Terard of the Innuae Conception -" " " " Bernard of the Blessed Virgin," " " " Anthony of the Holy Cross," " " " Richard of the Innuae Conception -" " " " Michael of the Sacred Heart of Mary," " " " Norbert of St Paul of the Crofts -

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Having intoned sung the Vern Creator with the customary prayers - the usual acts of mortification were gone through. The absolution ad cantelium given the diliere Patentis and seals of office handed in. The protest of not excluding the monasteries - worthy was made, together with that of not admitting the unworthy, and the Pontifical Decree "contra sollectantis" was read.
After this the Very Rev. President delivered an eloquent address in Latin, of which the following is a translation: -
Speaking to you Venerable Fathers on the Election of Spheron I consider it appropriate to commence with the words of St Peter Kanian "Inis potest hoc ferrea sceculo monasterium sine capitis periculo regere?" who can in this iron age rule a monastery without dange to his own soul?" (Op 21 in Pram)
For as you are aware monasteries are abodes of voture constituted by Our Lord in the Church and in serving and honouring them, too much study and labour cannot be expended. Although as the Apostle St Paul says it belongs to the Lord to give the increase yet it is the duty of Pretales to plant and to water, and he who fails in this as St Basil says will bring upon himself grave and irrevitable ruin (in reg fus trus). But perhaps the duties of superiors which in other monasteries are difficult, are easy in ours? On rather are they not more difficult? It is our preculiar spirit to labour not only for our own sanctification, but for that of others from which may arise

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too much familiarity with externs which unless moderated may easily arise arise too much and dishorse regular discipline. Hence as Jamlerus says, a Superior should take care "in intra Dominum suam improbam societatem, et foris noxiam familiaritatem to violate disciplet sive impediat" for as the same author adds "Ve Congregationi illi ubi dus hæc deficierint" From which things we may conclude the great care that should be taken by the who is elected to the office of Superior should be endowed in those qualities and gifts by which he may worthily fulfil his. Otherwise great evil will accrue to the individual himself who salvation will be imperilled, and also very great evil to H. Monastery over which he is placed. Who shall be thought worth to bear so great a burden? Let us called to mind those words of the Royal Prophet "Bonitatem, et disciplinam et scientiam do me" "IS 18-66" "Teach me goodness, discipline & knowledge" which words according to S Bernard may be specially applied to Religious Superiors (serm 2 in Temp) He therefore is to be considered by us worthy who possesses goodness discipline and knowledge that is the who shines forth by his good example, who burns with holy geal for the regular observance and who has the spirit of diversion. And indeed who without goodness can benefit others? Since a Superior should go before all, as the above-named Jamlerus has said "he should go before all his sub-geets in the example of his life, & lead them more by work than by word, and therefore Gregory Bishop of Arles work

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10 to the abbess of a certain convent: "Let your life be as heavenly wings raising you up by desire, resounding by word, shining forth by example, whence he adds." All things which you desire others to do, do first yourself." But to goodness of life, a superior should join zeal for discipline. For as S Basil has said in his rule that he on whom the common care is imposed is obliged to give an account of all under his charge---- He should therefore watch over the souls of the brethren as one who has to render an account for the salvation of each---- He who does not this will bring himself & his followers to destruction, according to the teaching of S Basil and other Fathers and Founders of Religious Institutes. The Holy Abbot S Benedict says "He who undertakes the government of souls should preserve himself to render an account of them," and the Holy Spirit has said (Sap 6) that there is a most severe judgement for those who are placed over others. Therefore since on the observance of regular discipline may depend elemental salvation, that man should be effected to the office of superior who, is filled with holy zeal for observance, and who will so exert himself to have it faithfully kept both by himself and others. To goodness and zeal for regular discipline should be added science or knowledge, that is as S Benedict explains, the spirit of discretion. For as S Lawrence Justinian says in Chap. 5 "de regrimine Relatorum": "A father should correct his subjects not in a perfunctory manner but according to measure & quantity, & circumstances, paying attention to the time, place & circumstances, and also to the manner

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of giving the correction, the order of justice and above all to charity, because a pastor should always act in such a manner as that it may be known that he loves his flock. Which method of ruling subjects is said by the same author to consist in correcting them prudently; that is to have presence of spirit which according to the Apostle S. "Bail" is life and peace." Let therefore him who is placed over others have this presence or spirit of discretion - let him have goal for regular discipline and let him have rec-
- blinds of life. In a few words let him have goodness discip-
- line + science or knowledge which the Royal Prophet begged
of the God "Bonitatem, et disciplinam + scientiam doce me"
And in this way Venerable Fathers, and in this way alone, we
may provide for the good of each of our Rebreaks - for the
good of each - for the good of this Province - for the good of the
Entire Congregation; for the good of could and for the greate
glory of God. —
To then asked the Fathers whether they considered the Chap-
- ter barefully convoked, and was announced by each in the
Affirmation.
The Chapter then proceeded to the election of a secretary
and the choice fell on the Very Re Michael Appowards they
proceeded to the election of two scrutiniers of the Chapter, and
the Very Re Margaret of the Summer Conc. + the Very Re Mr. Mr.
Anthony, of the Holy Chors were appointed to this office. —

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All the canonical requirements for the due opening of the Chapter being fulfilled, without further delay the Capitular Fathers proceeded to the election of the Provincial. At the 2nd Sermoning, by voice of Papal Dissensation, the Very Re. Father Vincent of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was elected for the third time Provincial.
The Secretary then asked the "Placet" of the Chapter, to publish the election, which being immediately answered in the affirmative he proceeded to publish the election as follows:—"Ego Richardus al Im. Conc. nomine meo et omnium elegantium mihi consententum invocato gratia Sp. Sancti eligo et electum promuntis coram vobis publico in Prepositum Provincialem Provincia St Joseph. Admodum Reverendum Patrem Vincentium a Saero Corde Jesu. In nomine Patris. Et Filii Spiritus Sancti Amer."
The Religious Community were then summoned to the Chapter room to pay their obedience to the reelected Provincial which they did with great joy.
All then went to the Church, when after the Most Holy Savrament was exposed, the "Te Deum" was sung in thanksgivings to Jod - and Benediction given by the Very Rev. Provincial.
Session 2nd This session was held in the afternoon of the same day at 3:30 with the usual prayers. The chapter then entered upon the election of the 1st Provincial Consultor

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3
After several scrutinies the choice fell on the Very Rev Fr Dominic of the twenty Immaculate Heart of Mary. The "Placet" of the chapter being asked and obtained, the Secretary published the election in the usual form.
Then followed the election for the office of 2nd Provincial Consultor. After several scrutinies the Very Rev. Fr Michael of the Sacred Heart of Mary was chosen and the election published in the usual form.
The Very Rev Fr President then proposed the election of Master of Horries to which office the Very Rev Fr Gregory of St Joseph was chosen at the first scrutiny and the election duly published.
In due order and succession followed the elections for the various Reheats. For that of St Joseph's Reheat Hygiate was chosen the Very Rev Fr Gerard of the Im. Conc.-
For St Samion's Broadway the V. Rev Fr Raymond of St Alexandris
This Session closed at 6-45 with the usual prayers
III Session - June 11
This session was opened with the usual prayers at 9 a.m. The elections for the various Reheats was then recommended:-
" St Paul's Dublin The VR Fr Richard " " "
" Holy Croft Belfast The VR Fr Anthony was re-elected
" St Mary's Harborne The VR Fr Reginald of the Im. Conc.
The "Placet" of the Fathers being asked and obtained, the election to each Reheat was in its own form duly published by the Secretary & the session terminated happily all being elected at 12-45 p.m.

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14 1st Decrees - Opened with the usual prayers at 4-30 p.m.
Decrees -
• It is decreed by the Venerable Chapter that the Regulations made by a previous Provincial Chapter in execution of an order of the General Chapter (1878) and since then approved by the General and his Consultors, be printed and faithfully observed by all our Missionary Fathers.
The Venerable Chapter considering that on the proper training of the Students depends the good of the Congregation recommends the Directors of the Students to have great solenide for them that they be involved with the Spirit of the Congregation. It recommends more over that the same Directors have vigilant care that the Students have their Spiritual Conferences as ordered by our Regulations. . . . Let them be present as far as possible at all their recreations, & carefully watch over the regular observance. Moreover let the Students confess to him alone, and to nobody else, without the permission of the Provincial, or in particular cases of the Rector, and this permission never to be granted for ordinary direction.
The Venerable Chapter thinks it necessary to draw recommend attend to the fact that the term of the Students' Studies appointed by the Regulations be never shortened, and that the Student-Priests be never employed on missions or any parochial staties, until they have completed their full course

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150
of Studies, which should extend over five years.
It also recommends that the one year prescribed by the Holy Rule, Chap. XXII, for Students who have already finished their full course of Theology, be employed in the Study of Scripture and of the Fathers under a good Master, be in future faithfully observed.
This session closed with the usual prayers at 5:30 pm.
V Session June 13th
This session opened at 4 ocl. am with the usual prayers. The Venerable Chaple decrees that our Fathers henceforth cease to have anything to do with the sale of Scapulars or other articles of devotion and also books (the Companion of the Mission Excepted) on Missions & Reheals.
The Venerable Chaple carefully recommends the exact observance of the 24th Chapts of the Holy Rule viz that the newly ordained priests prepare a course of meditations & sermons for the Missions, and that before they can be approved to any missions their manuscripts must be submitted to the approval of two Theologians appointed by the Provincial.
This session closed with the usual prayers at 11:45.
VI Session - Opened with the usual prayers at 4 ocl. pm.
The Venerable chaple condemns the practice of our Priests collecting alms either in person or by letters outside the limits

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10 of their dischiefs without the knowledge and sanction of Fr Provincial. — X
The Very Rev. President then interrogated each of the Capitular Fathers if they had anything further to propose for the consideration of the Chapter. Having been answered in the Negative to them in the name of the Most Rev. Feneal confirmed the election of the various Rectors & the Master of Novices.
The Acts & Legees of the Chapter - about to close having been read the Capitular Fathers having returned thanks to food for the happy termination of the Chapter, desire to record in these Acts the unanimous expression of their deep gratitude to the Very Rev. President for his palent charity and Paternal Kindness which presiding over the Chapter - being the second time we have had the happiness of his Presidency. —
Lawrenchins a Mr. Anse I Cons. Jen. President -
Vincentins a St Corde Jesu Provinciclis
Arthurus a St Paulo a Cruce 1st Consultor
Alphonsus a B. M. Virgine 2nd Consultor
Gregory of St Joseph Rector of St Joseph's High State
Reginald of the Immac-Conc. Rector of St Various Broadway
Gerard of the Im. Conc. Rector of St Anne's In. Hom
Bernard of the Blessed Virgin Miany - Recircor of Clublin
Authority of the Holy Croft Rector of Holy Croft Belfast
Richard of the Im. Conc. Rector of St Mary's Harborne
Michael of the Sac. Head of Many Superiors of St Joseph's Can
Worchest of the St Paul of the Cross Superior of Glasgow.

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Dermard Mary of Jesus.
Superior General of the Congregation
Passion of Our Lord of the Jesus Christ.
The acts of the Chapter of the Anglo-Hibernian Province of St Joseph held from the 10th to the 14th of June of the current year 1887, having been received and carefully read by us we have found to be in accordance with the sacred Canons and the rules and constitutions of our Institute.
Wherefore approving and conforming by our Authority all and each act enacted by the same chapter for the good of that Province and for the integrity of the regular discipline we declare and deeree that all the religions of the same Province are bound to their observance in the same manner as if they had been deerees by ourselves.
Given from the Retreat of St Pancras near Turin
This 27th day of June 1887
Dermard M. of Jesus
General. -

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CALL NO. ITEM NO.
1877 OCT 04
YEAR MONTH DAY
CLASS. NUMBER.
ENTRY DATE SERIAL 147
1973 OCT 06
ARMY S. ARMY ARMY DIVISION 8.
Sully