--- Page 1 --- 7/3/22/2 Mt. Argus 22/2 CALL NO ITEM NO 1917-86.17 001 YEAR MONTH DAY 14/3 05.04 SERIAL 113 CLASS. NUMBER. ARENIVES MAJNT ARGUS, DUBLIN, S. Acts of 21st. Provincial Chapter of the Anglo-Hibernian Province of St. Joseph of the Congregation of the Most Holy Cross and Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ held in St. Anne's Retreat Sutton June 10th - 15th 1914. --- Page 2 --- Acts of the 21st Prov. Chapter of the Anglo-Hibernian Province of St Joseph of the Congregation of the Most Holy Cross and Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, held in St. Anne's Retreat, Sutton June 10th to 15th 1914 By the Commotory letter of the V. Rev. T. John of Jesus Crucified, Provincial, dated March 14th 1914 and sent to all the Rectors and Superiors of the Province, the Capitular Fathers were summoned to assemble in St. Anne's Retreat, Sutton, June 2nd 1914. But owing to difficulties in obtaining passports for the M. Rev. T. General, and his Secretary V. Rev. T. Lee, the date had to be postponed till June 9th when all the Fathers assembled to assist at the Tridum and preliminary meetings in preparation for the Chapter, to be opened on June 13th 1914. First Meeting At 9 o'cl on the morning of June 10th the first preliminary meeting was held. All the Capitular Fathers were present with the exception of the V. R. T. Kevin of the Sacred Hearts, who is now acting as an Army Chaplain, and had written that he could not be present at the Chapter as he was unable to obtain an extension of leave. After moving the aid of the M. Ghost, the M. Rev. T. General announced to the great joy of all that our M. Father, the Pope had given his Blessing to the Capituress and to the other religious of the Province, recommending strongly to all to cultivate the virtues of Christity and peace. The M. Rev. President then read the rescript of the Sac. Cong. of Religious, giving to the Secretary General, V. Rev. T. Lee of the S. Heart of Jesus, the right to be present as assistant to T. General but without the active voice, and subject to the consent of the Chapter to the Vice-Provincial of Australia and to the Master of Novices the right to be present with active voice. A secret vote was taken and the consent was unanimously accorded to V. Rev. T. Ephrem. It was regretted that the V. R. T. Athanasius of the Mother of God, Vice Provincial of Australia could not be present, as the Chapter was held at an earlier date than was originally intended. The V. Rev. T. Ephrem of the Infant Jesus was elected Secretary of the Preliminary Meetings. --- Page 3 --- and the Rev. L. Henry of St. Paul of the Bros.-bustos. As the latter's services were not immediately available, Rev. L. George of our Lady of Good bouncel, was appointed locum tentins for this meeting. The seals of Office, Litteral Patentes, Inventories, Certificates of the due celebration of Masses, and of the keeping of the Archives, and the "Status Animanum" were handed to L. General. The Financial Statements of the various Retreats were read by their respective Sectors. V. Rev. L. Provincial presented and read the financial statements of our Retreats at Larmarthen and Herne Bay and gave a general outline of the finances of our Paris house. V. Rev. L. Byprian villain were appointed to Gamine and report on the Financial Statements, V. Rev. L. Sis William and Urban, on the Certificates of the celebration of the Masses, the Inventories etc. and V. Rev. L. Malachy and Bernard on the "Status Animanum". A number of subjects were proposed for discussion. After this the oath "de Secreto Servando" was taken by all. The "discussio mentorum" then commenced and continued until the conclusion of the meeting at 12 O'clock. Second Meeting The Fathers having assembled at 4 p.m. the usual prayers were recited. The Rev. L. Henry having taken the oath as bustos the "discussio mentorum" was resumed. The meeting was intended that the baptisters might assist at the devotions of the Fidelum following upon the return of the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the Church. The "discussio mentorum" was afterwards continued to the close of the meeting at 7.30 p.m. At 9 o'clock on the morning of the 11th the Fathers met in the Chapter Room, the opening prayers being recited by L. General. The discussio mentorum was resumed and finished. Then the subject of the Aluminate was considered till the meeting closed at mid-day. Fourth Meeting This meeting opened at 9 o'clock am, L. General reciting the prayers --- Page 4 --- 3. The Capitulars discussed fully our Observance, our Missions & Retreats our Confraternities of the Passion, suggestions being made for their further extension and our Parochial work. The report on the Status Animarum furnished by V. Rev. Tro Malachy Wherman was listened to with great gratitude to God, for the good work for souls done by our Fathers. From the report the following details are drawn:- Missions & Retreats 424; Charity Sermons 214; Population of our Parishes 21, 549; Baptisms 2, 254; Harvariages 4 41; Converts 334; Daily Communicants 404; Communions 740, 000; Visits to Sick 14, 200; Children in our Schools 3928; Members of the Conf. of Bross & Passion 4 393. At 3:00 pm the Capitulars Fathers joined the Community for Vespers, after which the V. Rev. Tro. Philip delivered an appropriate discourse, taking as his text: "Wherefore, Brethren, look ye out among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business" (Acts 6. 3.) Tro Philip spoke of how at an early date of its existence the circumstances of the Church in Jerusalem called for the establishment of an order of men whose functions, to judge by the situation which called it into existence, would be primarily the administration of temporal things. The Twelve summoned an assembly of the faithful, pointed out to them the nature of the emergency which had arisen, namely the discontent more or less justified with the actual administration of the temporalities of the young community and requested them to select seven men to whom the equitable distribution of the same might be intrusted. These men should possess certain characteristics; they should be just an unblemished reputation, they should be full of the Holy Ghost, and should have wisdom in the higher spiritual sense of the word. Those eligible as religious Superiors in religious Institutes should have the same characteristics and for a stronger reason, because their spiritual duties are of primary and paramount importance, their duties as temporal administrators being only secondary. First they should be men of good reputation, because it is only such who can rightly command the confidence and respect of those with whom they have relations besides ourselves regard the Superiors as representatives of the body and it is by them that they judge the whole body, at least as a rule candidates should also be filled with the Holy Ghost; in this sense that they should exhibit in their lives the fruits of the Holy Spirit, the first of which according to St. Paul is love & charity. This charity should be modelled on the charity of Jesus, especially on Her Spirit. --- Page 5 --- which he showed to the narrow circle of his direction, ... which prompted him to correct their defects with tact and delicacy, to bear patiently with their strange lack of spirituality, a charity which in a word no human ingratitude or perversity could discourage or overcome. Wisdom is also necessary as the Superior is to be the guide of his subjects, and to fulfil this office a right wisdom is al voluntarily necessary. He must have a knowledge of human nature not only in general, but as it effects in the various persons who form his community with their individual peculiarities. The preacher concluded: The welfare of the Province for the leaving three years, and in a minor degree the welfare of the people who depend on the ministrations of our Fathers, will be promoted or prejudiced by the choice we shall make. Each one of us, therefore, should reflect well and seriously on his own responsibility matter... and as we are easily decided, let us not fail to ask the Holy Spirit to give us that light and that absolute disinterestedness that are necessary for us if we are to make a right choice. Sixth Meeting. The meeting commenced at 4 p.m. with the usual prayers. The following telegram was sent to the Holy Father. The Passionist Fathers assembled in Provincial Chapter have received with profound gratitude and emotion the maternal blessing and counsel of your Holiness conveyed by Most Rev. To General Silvic. They offer you Holiness their respectful and filial honorage and promise to cultivate by every means in their power the spirit of the charity of thrive and of their Holy Founder. The baptistar Fathers then considered the state of our houses in Australia. While sincerely regretting the absence of the V. Rev. To Pro Provincial owing to the holidary of the Chapter at an earlier date than was originally intended, they went with Mrs. Sathafatim the great progress that had been made within the three previous years, especially the opening of the Revitation, the acquisition of the new property near Ayania, and the laborious and successful work of the missioners. Further they recommended the Provincial to strengthen the Australian foundations by studying efficient prices there as soon as the accumulations allowed it. The Chapter also recognises the obligation upon this Pro Province of extending the Grade and its work throughout the British Empire. It considers that the time is near at hand when a founder in short of his mate in Isanada and recommends that the Provincial and the Consultors should obtain all possible information on this matter with a view to such a foundation. In accordance with the prescription of our H. Rule the conduct of the lay. Brothers was also considered. The meeting closed at 4 p.m. --- Page 6 --- On the morning of Wed. June 13th at 8 o'c the solemn Votine Mass of the Holy Chost was sung by V. Rev. Est. Provincial; Est. Philip + Sebastian 1st and 2nd. Consultors being Deacon and Sub-deacon. Est. General V. Rev. Est. Leo and the other Capitulars were present in the Sanctuary First session. At 9.30 the Capitular Fathers and the religious community assembled in the choir. The In. Rev. President, vested in Cotta + white molle, and carrying the Crucifix intoned the "Veilla Regis" which was taken up by the religious, who then walked in procession to the chapter room. The prescribed prayers then being chanted, the President dismissed in the usual manner those not having the active voice. V. Rev. Est. Arban + William designed that the certificates of the due celebration of Masses and other papers examined by them were in due order. Some further important matters were dismissed till the close of the meeting at noon. Second Session The Fathers met at 4 p.m., the usual prayers being recited. V. Rev. Est. Gyprian + Alban presented their financial report, which was listened to with much satisfaction, inasmuch as it revealed that in spite of the difficulties of the times, the Province was in a healthy financial condition. The Chapter further discussed and adopted certain proposals for the better administration of the funds + properties of the Province. On account of their special nature these proposals will not come into force until they have been examined and sanctioned by the General Curia in Rome. The In. Rev. Est. General then gave a very fervent address to the Capitulars. He shoke of the importance for the welfare of the Province of good Superiors. Tho' the fourth in the order of time, this Province of St. Joseph would seem to be second in importance, because on H. Townder saw it already in vision during his life. He reminded them most carefully that it was the duty of Superiors to take care not only of the material property of the communities but far more of their spiritual welfare. Hence arose the necessity of pouring forth their hearts to God in fervent prayers to direct them in the choice of worthy Superiors. The names of the Capitular Fathers were then called each answering "adsem' except V. R. Est. Kevin who was unable to be present for the reasons previously stated In Rev. Est. Sylvius of St. Bernard, General, President; V. Rev. Est. John of Jesus Crucified, Provincial; V. Rev. Est. Philip 1st. + Sebastian 2nd Consultors V. Rev. Est. Malachy, Rector St. Jesus Highgate V. R. Est. Arban of the Bischop St Savionus Biway ". Bernard of the Im. Coxep Rector St Annes Sutton; William of S. Heart's St Pauls. Sembling " Alban of the Im. Concert " St Mungo's Glasgow; Gyprian of Pret. Blood N Gross Relifast " Egwin of the S. Heart " St. Manys. Harborne; Kevin of S. Hearts St Manys Camarthen " Thancis of V. Soloris " B. Gabriels The Grace + Ephrem of the Infant Jesus Masin of Provinces. The In. Rev. President then invited the Veni Creator, which was sung followed by the versicles and prayers. He then asked the Fathers whether --- Page 7 --- They considered the chapter lawfully and canonically convened so that its work might be proceeded with. All having answered in the affirmative the basilicas to the following oath, "Spondes ae juro secundum veritatem conscientiae meas probiores ae magis idoneos me electurum" Sic me bless adjuvet et haec sancta Dei Evangelia. After the customary acts of humility had been performed by the V. Rev. T. Provincial in his own name and in the name of the baptistant the President gave the absolutio ad cavitelam he afterwards receiving it from V. Rev. T. John Provincial. By secret battet V. Rev. T. Ephrem of the Infant Jesus was elected Secretary and V. Rev. Tro Bernard and Francis 1st and 2nd Scrutiniers. The secret Contra Sollicitantes and the chapter of the Tridentine Council de Regularibus were read by the Secretary, who then received from the President the faculty of publishing the scrutinies and of framing and publishing the elections. The Secretary and Scrutiniers took the oath that they would faithfully and canonically fulfil their offices. The chapter then proceeded to elect the Provincial. On the 6th scrutining V. Rev. John of Jesus busified was elected. The Secretary framed and published the election in the several form. The newly elected Provincial in accepting the office thanked the baptistants for their expression of their confidence in him. The baptistants then tendered their congratulations. The community were summoned to the chapter room. The Secretary having announced the election of the Provincial they offered him their obedience and good wishes. Solemn Remediation of the B. Sacrament was given by the newly elected Provincial and the Te Seum was sung in thanks giving. It is session closed at 4 p.m. Third session This session opened at 7 a.m. with the invocation of the St. Spirit. The elections were immediately resumed with the following results. V. Rev. T. Ceypriam of the Pret. Blood 1st Consultor " " " Sebastian "Sm. Concep 2nd "" " " Ephrem "Inf. Jesus Mass. of Novices" " " Malachy "4 Colors Dector of St. Joseph's Highgate" " " Eguin "S. Heart "St. Savior's Broadway" " " Isidore "Mother of God "St. Anne's Sutton "" " " Francis "4 Colors "St. Paul's Dublin "" " " Alban "Sm. Concep "St. Margaret Glasgow "" " " Bernard "" " " "Holy Cross Belfast "" " " Antoninus "S. Hearts "St. Mary's Harborne "" " " Urban "B. Sacrament "" " Carmanthen "" " " William "S. Hearts "B. Valmelo The Yram " The elections were framed and published by the Secretary in the prescribed form with the spect of that for the Master of Novices. The 1st Scrutinier duly framed and published this election. The community were then called about 12 by with the several prayers of thanksgiving. --- Page 8 --- Courth Session. The Capitular Fathers assembled for the last session of 17.30 on the morning of the 15th June. The proceedings were opened with the recent invocation of the Holy Spirit. The General asked the Capitular Fathers if there were any other matters to be discussed or considered. Several subjects were subscribed. The In Rev. T. President strongly recommended the Fathers of the Province to interest themselves in the process of the Confirmation and Canonication of our Religious who have died in the order of Sanctity especially Ver. T. Dominic of the Mother of You - the Founder of our Province. Each issue of the bros should be used for this purpose and Missions shebreats will also furnish favorable opportunities. Our Fathers should also expect the sick and others who stand in need of some special grace to address themselves with confidence to said Ver. Dominic. The In Rev. T. President in recognition of the long and distinct inshed services rendered to the Province by the V. Rev. T. Philip of the Inn York and to utilize his great abilities and experience recommended to T. Provincial that he be appointed to the position of Provincial Secretary with sole dependance on the Provincial. The appointment having been made by the V. Rev. T. John and warmly acclaimed by the Capitulars, T. General in gracious times expressed his cordial approval. In Rev. T. General then addressed the Capitulars. He was sed the great pleasure it was for him to preside at the Chapter of the Province of St. Joseph and the edification he received by the year displayed for the best interests of the bongregation and the spirit of charity which pleaded the discussions. Very Rev. T. Provincial in the name of the Capitulars lasted in very cordial terms Mr. Rev. T. General for his patent guidance during the labours of the Chapter, adding that the presence of His most Rev. Paternity had made all of us as never before realize the true spirit of a Cassionist, a son of St. Paul of the bross. --- Page 9 --- The following decrees and recommendations were then read and approved. 1. That the Provincial and his known consultors be instructed to obtain if possible permission for a foundation as an Alumniate in some part of Ireland where we have no house at present. In case of failure, the Archbishop of Dublin should be approached with a request for a new foundation in his discess. If he should refuse a suitable house should be treated on the grounds of Mr. Argus, particulars being left to The Provincial and his known consultors. In view of the fact that the matter does not accomplish delay, the requisite steps should be taken at once.2. Considering that the Professed religious in our Noviciate are not properly honored, the Capitular Fathers order that plans for new buildings including accommodation for the Professed and Novices and a suitable Church should be prepared, the portion of the plans providing accommodation for the Professed to be carried out before next Chapter. Measures should be taken at once to provide a sufficient supply of water for said Retreat.3. The Superiors Missouri Confessors are earnestly exhorted to interest themselves in procuring suitable subjects for the Alumniate and Noviciate.4. Recognising the victory and necessity of doing all possible to preserve the health of the Novices the Capitular Fathers recommend the Provincial and his known consultors to send a relation to the General Leuna to allow the use of butter at the morning collation.5. To the support of the Alumniate, Noviciate and other needs of the Province, the Chapter levies the following annual sums of £1,000 on St. Alexander's Liberal Glasgow, £200 on St. Anne's Retreat Sutton, and £100 on Holy Cross Retreat Galfast. --- Page 10 --- 6. In accordance with the decree of the General Chapter of 1908, V. Rev. L. Philip and Rev. L. Benedict were appointed to inspect the Sermons and instructions, and to examine them in Moral Theology. 7. The Chapter draws the need of greater fidelity in keeping the Observance especially the rule of Silence and the attendance of the Religious at the Examen. The Friday Chapter, and the blessing before night prayers. The Chapter charges the Provincial to make diligent inquiry at the Visitation on these points. 8. The Religious are reminded that the weekly "Benedicite" which has to be asked according to our custom, includes only those things which tradition has defined. If any of the Religious have need of anything further they should apply for it in writing to the Rector. Thenceforth if granted it will be taken as included in the weekly permission. 9. The Chapter directs that the "bross" should be conducted on religious lines to the exclusion of anything bordering on political controversies. It recommends the Provincial and his Consultors to take the necessary steps to ensure this. --- Page 11 --- 10. While we rejoice at the excellent public opening which exists throughout the Province on the subject of Temperance, we hereby confirm several all former legislation of Provincial Chapters on this matter especially concerning the drastic measures to be taken with any offender. We further injoin upon the Provincial and other Subvicious the obligation of dealing severely with anyone who shows any signs of drink to the clinical dispersion of the religious or of stenclars. If the individual has previously transgressed, whether in the same or in a different community, more salutary measures should be taken in his case. 11. The Chapter requests the Provincial and his known substances to regulate for the granting of a suitable rest to Messioners and others who have been engaged in continuous and laborious work, having regard to the particular needs and circumstances. 12. For the sake of uniformity and economy the Chapter charges the Provincial and his known substances to take steps to have the cloth used for habits and mantles throughout the Province proceeded form some common source. The Mr. Rev. T. General Confirmed the elections and acts of the Chapter, having received faculties from the H. Tather to confirm the election of those who by reason of having held the savoir office continuously for more than one term were ineligible according to the prescription of the Holy Rule C 22. V. Rev. Tr Provincial in the name of the Chapter proposed a cordial vote of thanks to the Very Rev. L. de See. General for his able assistance not only to the bepitulars, but also to his Mr. Paternity. To do suddenly replied Sylvius a S. Bernardo Gray. Gen. Praess baptistic. Joannes a Jesu brucifero Gray. Provincialis Philippus ab Im. bon. Primus known to Prov. Abastianus ab Im. bon. Secundus " " Malachias a vii Dol. Rector Recesso St. Joseph apres Highgate bon. Urbanus a St Sacramento bod. Rector St Salvatoris apres Broadway Bernardus ab Im. bon. Rect. Rec. Stat Annae apres Subbon Intelmus ab bon. Jesu Mariae visit Rec. St. Pauli apres Doublin Albanus ab Im. bonesp. Rector Recss. St. Kentigeni apres Glasseran Kyprianus a Pret. Sang. Rector Recss. St. Brucis apres Religion Egwinus ab. bords Jesu Rec. Recss. Stat Mariae apres Harbor Franciscus a vii Dol. Rector Recss. St. Sabinilis apres Inner King Ephrem ab Infante Jesu Magister Provisionarium Ephrem of the Infant Jesu Secretary June 18th '01 Concerned at cum originali John of Jesus brucified, St. Joseph's Rebeccat Highgate Hill June 28th 1914 Provincial