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6/1/62
GERALD OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS
PROVINCIAL OF ST. PATRICK'S PROVINCE
TO
THE VERY REVEREND FATHERS CONSULTORS, RECTORS, MASTER OF NOVICES, AND TO ALL THE PRIESTS, STUDENTS, AND LAY-BROTHERS OF THE SAID PROVINCE OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE MOST HOLY CROSS AND PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST; GRACE AND BLESSING IN THE LORD.
Presuming that permission will be granted by the Most Reverend Father Titus of St. Paul of the Cross, Superior General of the Congregation, we hereby appoint the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 16th of June, as the date of the Opening of the Sixth Provincial Chapter, to be held at St. Paul's Retreat, Mount Argus, Dublin. We request the Capitular Fathers to be present at the said Retreat, not later than the 12th of June, so as to take part in the Solemn Tridum and Preliminary Meetings, previous to the Opening of the Chapter.
It is but fitting that this, our Sixth Provincial Chapter, should take place during the month of June, dedicated in a special manner to the Divine Heart of Jesus. Placing our confidence in the traditional belief of the Congregation, as expressed in the official Act of Consecration, which we make on the first Friday of every month in every Passionist Retreat, we have chosen, presuming the consent of the Most Reverend Father General, the Feast of the Sacred Heart for the Opening of the Chapter. In a work of such importance, we feel assured that the Capitular Fathers will have the assistance of the Divine Heart of Jesus.
In reviewing the events of the past three years, in so far as they have affected the material and spiritual conditions of the Province, our first duty is to express to Almighty God our deepest gratitude for His Divine aid and

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protection. In the midst of the present universal war which is causing such appalling destruction to life and property, we are happy to state that the Province of St Patrick has not suffered any serious loss. Meeting with great difficulties and often exposed to grave dangers, the conduct of our Religious has been worthy of the highest praise. They have carried out their duties with fidelity and obedience, in keeping with the spirit of the Congregation.
We feel grateful, also, to Divine Providence for the progress, both spiritual and material, of the Province since the last Chapter. Though not what we would have desired under normal conditions, the progress has been on the whole satisfactory. Reviewing the external work of the Province, our missions and retreats deserve special mention. Judging from the favourable reports, received from Bishops, Priests, and Superiors of Religious Congregations, we are convinced that, owing to the zealous efforts of our Missionary Fathers, we are at present amongst the most successful missioners in this country.
No less satisfactory is the work of the Fathers, in the Parishes attached to our Churches. The spiritual necessities of the people have been faithfully attended to, as can be seen from the numbers who have approached the Sacraments, the work done by the auxiliary societies established in the Parishes, and especially the assistance given to the young through the introduction of Youth organisations.
The Confraternity of the Cross and Passion, attached to our Churches, carried on the Passionist Apostolate in a most deserving manner. At present, this special work of the Congregation has to contend with many difficulties, owing to war conditions. However, it is gratifying to know that, in all our Churches, the Confraternity continues to make steady progress.
To all our Brethren, - Priests, Students and Brothers, we feel grateful for the obedience they have given to us, and the zeal and care with which they have

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fulfilled the duties, imposed upon them by their Superiors.
As you are aware, the Provincial Curia has recently secured a new Foundation in the Diocese of Achonry. Permission having been obtained from the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, the Holy see granted through the Most Reverend Father General the Apostolic Beneplacitum to erect a new canonical foundation. We are happy to state that the property, acquired in the Diocese of Achonry, is ideal in many ways for a Passionist Retreat. To the Most Rev. Dr. Morrisroe, the Province of St. Patrick is deeply indebted. Without his co-operation, the establishment of this new foundation would have been impossible.
Though our Province has been blessed by God during the past three years, it would be untrue to state that there is no room for spiritual improvement. As individuals and communities, we have failed in many ways. Holy Rule, therefore, has wisely ordained the convocation of Provincial Chapters. The purpose of such meetings is to correct abuses which may have arisen; to form decrees for the promotion of zeal and fervour; and to elect Superiors who by word and example will preserve the true Religious Spirit. In the correction of abuses and the making of decrees, we have the Holy Rule and Regulations to guide us. The most important duty of the Chapter, therefore, is to elect Superiors for the coming three years. The history of Religious Orders clearly shows that the spiritual welfare of the communities and the happiness of the individual Religious depend to a great extent upon Superiors. Our Holy Rule reminds us that "the soundness of the members depends on the head. Hence in electing Superiors, the Capitular Fathers are asked to strive with the utmost earnestness to disregard all human considerations and choose the most worthy and best qualified." Though these words of the Holy Rule refer to the election of the one who is to rule the entire Congregation, they apply equally to those who are to be elected in the coming Chapter for the next three

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years. The mind of our Holy Founder in this matter is well known. In a letter, which he wrote to all the Superiors of the Congregation, dated 4th May 1761, we have the following wise counsel: "On the right and prudent conduct of the Rector," he wrote, "depends not only the right and prudent government of the Retreat, but also the greater perfection of the entire Congregation."
The present Provincial Chapter, owing to the disturbed conditions of the times, places upon the Capitulars very serious responsibilities. While gladly acknowledging the deep spiritual life of our Province, we cannot ignore the many moral evils which surround us. The future, therefore, will demand greater vigilance in the keeping of our Holy Rule, a more intense love of prayer, and a more constant putting in practice of the spirit of the Congregation. How these aims are to be accomplished will depend upon those elected to rule the Province of St. Patrick for the coming three years. It is evident, therefore, that the present Chapter, on account of the extraordinary conditions of the present times, and the uncertainty of the future, is of the utmost importance.
In a work of this kind both human and divine aid must be sought. The Capitular Fathers, from mutual exchange of opinions and knowledge gained from personal experience, will be able to form a judgment as to the fitness of those eligible for office. But such assistance would be of little avail without the help of Almighty God. Hence the necessity of earnest prayer for the coming Chapter. "Though the course of events, fixed by God's providential decrees, is infallibly determined, He leaves it for the most part to secondary causes to see to the working out of His Divine plan. It is thus that He has made the prayer of petition a necessary condition by which the results of human enterprise are obtained." It is imperative, therefore, that for the success of the coming Chapter we should lift up our minds and souls to the God of all gifts for light