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6/1/10/5
Jesu Christi Passio
*****
A C T S A N D D E C R E E S
of the
T E N T H P R O V I N C I A L C H A P T E R
of the
PROVINCE O F S T . P A T R I C K
H E L D I N
S T . P A U L ' S R E T R E A T , M O U N T A R G U S , D U B L I N .
MAY, 1956.
*****

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Jesu Christi Passio
A C T S
of
THE TENTH PROVINCIAL CHAPTER
of
THE PROVINCE OF ST. PATRICK.
MAY, 1956.
Having first obtained the permission of Most Rev. Fr. General, as prescribed by Chapter XXX of our Holy Rule, Very Rev. Fr. Fergus, Provincial, convoked the Tenth Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Patrick by letter dated 17th February, 1956. As requested in the letter of convocation, the Capitular Fathers arrived at St. Paul's Retreat, Mount Argus, on the evening of Tuesday, 15th May, so as to be present for the opening session on the morning of Wednesday, 16th and the Solemn Triduum which began on the evening of Wednesday, 16th May.
Preliminary Sessions:
First Session
The first meeting of the Chapter took place at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Most Rev. Father Malcolm of Mary, Superior General presiding. When the customary prayers had been recited the Most Rev. President addressed the Capitular Fathers and in the course of his address he reminded them that they were servants assembled to serve the best interests of the brethern of the Province. To do this they must put aside self-interest and base their decisions on the intrinsic merits of the propositions and not merely on subjective views. It would help greatly if the Fathers placed themselves in spirit in the presence of our Holy Founder and thought, spoke and voted as if he were presiding at the Chapter. Each Passionist has vowed to live for the Congregation; all do that by observing the Holy Rule, cultivating its spirit and propagating that same spirit by example. Upon Superiors is laid the added duty of advancing the same cause by seasonable correction, and upon the Capitular Fathers is laid the duty to preserve the same spirit by judicious legislation. There are three things that are within our competence in regard to legislation: 1) to make useful decrees which are in accord with our Holy Rule, the Regulations, the Sacred Canons and the Apostolic Constitutions approving our Congregation; 2) to restore discipline, if there be need to do so, by abolishing abuses; 3) to repeal enactments of previous Provincial Chapters when this is advantageous. The responsibility of the Capitular Fathers is grave and during these days they should speak and act fearlessly, always remembering that good or harm will come to many according to the manner in which this responsibility is discharged.
The Most Rev. President then nominated Rev. Fr. Ambrose as Custos, and he was unanimously elected to this charge. Fr. Ambrose was then called to the Chapter Room where he took the cath 'de secreto servando'. In a similar

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The Very Rev. Rectors then read the financial statements of the Retreats; Very Rev. Fr. Provincial read the financial statements for Fatima House, St. Patrick's Juniorate and the Provincial Administration. The Most Rev. Fr. President then nominated the two Fathers Consultors and the Father Master of Novices to examine and report on the financial statements. All the documents, listed in the Letter of Convocation were then handed to the temporary secretary.
The Agenda was then considered. The Father President asked the Capitulars is they had any proposals to put to the Chapter. Their proposals, having been accepted by all, were listed by the temporary Secretary and added to those which had already been submitted, through the Provincial Curia, by the Religious of the Province.
The Chapter then proceeded to the 'Discussio Meritorum'. In a short address, the Father President emphasised the importance of these discussions and their purpose. In their search for suitable candidates for office, the Capitulars should bear in mind those qualities which our Holy Rule required of Superiors. A Superior should be a light, an example, and a leader, as well as a guardian of souls and bodies, a custodian of the regular observance and of the temporalities. Having elaborated these points, His Paternity next enumerated and described the various talents that are necessary for ruling. A Superior must rule his community justly moderately, prudently, not neglecting correction when it is needed, not giving occasion for factions amongst the religious. Finally, he exhorted the Capitulars to assess the merits of each without fear or favour, but always in a spirit of charity.
The Father President then administered to all the Oath 'de secreto servando', having first explained the extent of its obligations. The 'Discussio' then began, and continued until noon when the session ended with the usual prayers.
Second Session
The Capitular Fathers assembled for the Second Session on the same evening at 3.30. After the usual opening prayers, the 'Discussio Meritorum' was resumed and continued until the end of the Session at 7 p.m.
The members of the Chapter assisted at the prescribed Triduum which began that evening at 8 o'clock.
Third Session
The third session began on the following morning, 17th May, at 9 o'clock. The prescribed prayers were recited, and the 'Discussio Meritorum' was resumed. This session ended at noon.
Fourth Session
The fourth session, which began at 3.30 on the same evening, was devoted entirely to the 'Discussio Meritorum'. The Chapter adjourned at 7 p.m., and the Capitulars assisted at the Triduum devotions at 8 o'clock.
Fifth Session
The Capitular Fathers assembled for the Fifth Session on the morning of the 18th May, at 9 o'clock. The 'Discussio Meritorum' was completed, and the Chapter proceeded to discuss the proposed revision of the ('Compendium of.....'

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'Compendium of Decrees' which was submitted to them by the Provincial Curia in accordance with a recommendation of the previous Provincial Chapter. At the request of the Father President, the Very Rev. Fr. Fergus, Provincial, explained the principles which had guided the Curia in drafting the proposed revision. He suggested that a clear-cut distinction should be made between 'Decrees' and 'Recommendations' in a new Compendium; that only those Decrees whould be retained which contain matters, not already explicitly legislated for in the Code, or in our Holy Rule and Regulations; and that Decrees or Recommendations which read ambiguously or refer to situations and circumstances no longer existing, should be redrafted and brought up to date. Father Provincial then read over the Decrees and Recommendations, as listed in the existing Compendium, and the Capitulars gave their opinion as to which should be abrogated and which redrafted or retained in its present form. This session was brought to a close at noon with the usual prayers.
.....
The Capitular Fathers joined the community after Vespers for the usual Chapter Allocutio which was given by Very Rev. Fr. Christopher, First Consultor.
Having noticed the providential co-incidence of this Chapter with the Feast of Pentecost, he treated briefly of the Miracle of Pentecost and of its effects, as manifested in the transformation of the frightened men of the Passion into the Apostles of Pentecost morning whose fearless eloquence filled the multitude with amazement. The visible mission of the Holy Ghost and its miraculous effects must be regarded as historical events; but the invisible mission of the Paraclete still continues, and its effects, though not palpable, are none the less real and fruitful. The Holy Ghost still vivifies and governs the Church through His chosen instruments; and still he sanctifies and directs the members of the Church in so far as they respond to his holy inspirations and are submissive to his guidance.
'This reflection,' continued Father Christopher, "is most opportune and consoling on an occasion such as this, when decisions have to be made which demand great faith and vision, not only in those who have to make them but, what is just as important, in those who have to accept them. For some time past, the religious of the Province have been invoking the assistance of the Holy Spirit in the deliberations of this Chapter. It would be a great want of faith, - it would be to 'grieve the Holy Spirit of God' to doubt that this assistance will be forthcoming. It is for us to co-operate by so disposing our minds and hearts that the Holy Ghost may find in them ready instruments of His holy designs for the future welfare of our Province."
.....
Sixth Session
The Chapter again assembled in the Chapter at 3.30 p.m.; and when the customary prayers had been recited, the discussion of the 'Compendium of Decrees' was continued. During this session, the Capitulars invited to the Chapter Room the Very Rev. Fr. Placid, the Religious Superior of our Foreign Mission Field in Bechuanaland, who gave a very comprehensive and detailed report of the activities and achievements of our Fathers in that territory. A discussion followed, in which, with the help of Father Placid, an effort was made to estimate the prospects and possibilities of the Mission's future.
Before the session closed, the order of priority among the various Retreats in the forthcoming elections was discussed. It was agreed that the customary order of precedence according to seniority should be departed from on this occasion and that, as is usual in some other Provinces, electoral priority should be given to those Retreats which, in the opinion of the Capitulars, called for special consideration because of their particular needs or circumstances.

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Seventh Session
At 6.30 on the following morning, Saturday, May 19th, a Solemn Mass of the Holy Ghost was sung in the Church, - the Celebrant being V. Rev. Fr. Fergus, Provincial. The offices of Deacon and Subdeacon were taken by V. Rev. Frs. Alphonsus and Maurice respectively, whilst V. Rev. Fr. Edmund acted as Master of Ceremonies.
At 9 a.m., the Capitular Fathers and the Religious of the Retreat assembled in the Choir for the formal Opening Ceremonies of the Chapter. Most Rev. Father General, vested in surplice and white stole and holding the Crucifix, intoned the Hymn 'Vexilla Regis'. This was taken up by all presents, who then prayers were sung by the Father President, who then dismissed with the prescribed formula. The doors of the Chapter Room were then closed.
The Father President intoned the 'Veni Creator', which was sung by the Capitular Fathers, and was followed by the prescribed versicles and prayers. At the request of the President, the temporary Secretary called the roll of all those having an active voice in the Chapter: -
M. Rev. Fr. Malcolm of Mary, Superior General and President,
V. Rev. Fr. Fergus of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Provincial
" " " Christopher of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, 1 Prov. Consultor
" " " Cyprian of the Holy Souls, 11 Provincial Consultor
" " " Edmund of the Blessed Virgin, Rector of St. Paul's Retreat
" " " Albert of Jesus and Mary, Rector of St. Mungo's Retreat.
" " " Alphonsus of the Seven Dolorous, Rector of Holy Cross Retreat.
" " " Alphonsus of the Lady of Sorrows, Rector of St. Gabriel's Rt.
" " " Macartan of the Holy Name, Rector of St. Mary's Retreat
" " " Andrew of the Sacred Heart, Rector of St. Joseph's Retreat
" " " Angelo of the Five Wounds, Rector of St. Michael's Retreat
" " " Maurice of the Precious Blood, Master of Novices.
Each Capitular, as his name was called, signified his presence by answering 'adsum'.
The roll-call having been completed, the Father President, using the prescribed formula, asked the Capitulars whether the Tenth Provincial Chapter had been legitimately convened and, having received an affirmative answer, he declared the Chapter canonically opened.
The usual acts of humility were then performed, and the Seals of Office and Litterae Patentes were handed in. The Father President imparted to all the 'absolutio ad cautelam', he himself received it from the Father Provincial. By secret ballot, the Capitulars elected the Very Rev. Father Cyprian to act as permanent secretary to the Chapter, and Very Rev. Frs. Macartan and Maurice to be First and Second Scrutineers respectively. The President and the Scrutineers then took the oath 'de secreto servando et de munere fideliter adimplendo'. All the Capitulars then took the following oath with regard to the election of the Provincial: - "Testor Christum Dominum, qui me iudicaturus est, me electurum quem, secundum Deum, iudico elegi debere."
The Father President then addressed the Capitulars, reminding them of the serious obligations incumbent on them in the election of a Provincial. "We have now reached the most solemn moment of this Provincial Chapter," he said. "Within this more you will choose from (among you one whom,.....)

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among you one whom, before God, you believe is best fitted to lead you in the spirit of our Holy Founder. It is to be hoped that each one of you has enlightened himself as fully as possible by listening with an open mind to those capable of giving an intelligent and unbiased opinion; and especially it is to be hoped that all have invoked many times, privately as well as in the community prayers, the light and guidance of the Holy Spirit, not emotionally but in a spirit of profound faith."
Having reminded them that they were supported and guided by Divine Grace, he warned them against carelessness in their choice, indifference to consequences, disregard for the general good of the Province, while indulging in a stubborn and unreasonable selfish choice, and exhorted them to forget personal injuries, real or imaginary, as well as favours received or hoped for. "There is only one standard of judgment acceptable to God and the Church," he said. "Has this Father for whom I intend to vote the necessary qualities of mind and soul, together with sufficient health and strength, to undertake the arduous duties of the Provincialate?"
Finally, he exhorted the Capitulars to weight as objectively as possible what they had observed in, or heard about, the men under consideration, and to do likewise in choosing the Consultors, Master of Novices and Rectors. As for themselves, they should not seek office, but neither should they flee from it.
Father President then instructed the Scrutineers in their duties, and the Chapter proceeded to the election of a Provincial. Before the voting began, Very Rev. Frs. Angelo and Maurice renounced their passive voices.
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At the 7th scrutiny, Very Rev. Father Cyprian of the Holy Souls was elected Provincial. The newly-elected having signified his acceptance, the election was framed and published in the prescribed form.
During the remainder of the morning session, the following elections were also made, and duly framed and published: -
Very Rev. Father Fergus of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, as First Consultor at the 4th Scrutiny.
Very Rev. Father Maurice of the Precious Blood, as Second Consultor at the 6th scrutiny.
The Community was then summoned to the Chapter Room and informed of the elections which had already taken place. All offered the newly-elected Church Provincial benediction and felicitations, and then went to the Church where Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was imparted by the new Provincial, and a 'te Deum' of thanksgiving was sung.
Eighth Session
This session began the same evening at 4 o'clock. When the customary prayers had been recited, the Chapter proceeded at once to the election of a Master of Novices, and Very Rev. Father Andrew of the Sacred Heart was elected at the first scrutiny. The newly-elected signified his acceptance, and the election was framed and published.
The Chapter then took up the election of the Rectors to the various Retreats, and in the order already agreed upon.
Very Rev. Father Edmund of the Blessed Virgin was elected as Rector (of St. Mary's .....

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of St. Mary's Retreat, Drum-mohr, at the 6th scrutiny.
During this election, Very Rev. Father Christopher renounced his passive voice.
Very Rev. Father Alexis of the Mother of Sorrows was elected as Rector of Holy Cross Retreat, Belfast, at the first scrutiny.
Very Rev. Father Kevin of the Holy Souls, was elected as Rector of St. Paul's Retreat, Dublin, at the 6th scrutiny.
Very Rev. Father Peter Paul of the Seven Dolours, was elected as Rector of St. Joseph's Retreat, Collooney, at the 2nd scrutiny.
Very Rev. Father Stephen of the Blessed Sacrament was elected as Rector of St. Gabriel's, Enniskillen, at the sixth scrutiny.
The election in each case was duly framed and published. Those of the newly-elected, who were present, signified their acceptance. Very Rev. Father Kevin was called to the Chapter Room, and consented to accept the office to which he had been elected. Very Rev. Fathers Alexis and Stephen were informed by phone of their election, and both accepted their offices.
Ninth Session
The Capitulars assembled for the Ninth Session on the morning of Sunday, 20th May at 9 o'clock. Having recited the usual prayers, they proceeded to balloting for the remaining offices.
Very Rev. Father Anselm of the Sorrowful Virgin was elected Rector of St. Michael's Retreat, Dankeith, at the 7th scrutiny.
Very Rev. Father Valentine of the Immaculate Conception was elected Rector of St. Mungo's Retreat, Glasgow, at the second scrutiny.
The election was in each case immediately framed and published. Very Rev. Father Anselm was called to the Chapter Room and informed of his election to which he gave his consent. The Secretary informed Very Rev. Father Valentine of his election to the Rectorship of St. Mungo's, which office he accepted.
The Community was then summoned to the Chapter Room, and informed of the elections.
The Chapter, then, resumed its discussion of the proposed revision of the "Compendium of Decrees"; when this was finished, they passed on to discuss some of the items of the Agenda.
Very Rev. Fathers Fergus and Peter Paul were appointed to redraft those Decrees and Recommendations in the "Compendium" which the Capitulars had agreed were in need of revision, and also to draw up new Decrees which would express the mind of the Chapter on the proposals that had already been discussed.
This Session continued until 1.15 p.m., when the Father President announced that there would be no evening session.

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Tenth Session
The Capitulars again assembled at 9 a.m. on Monday, 21st May. Father Placid was again invited to the Chapter Room to inform the Capitulars of the present state and the prospects of the 'Parish' or 'Mission District', recently acquired by the Province in the Diocese of Johannesburg, and of the possibilities of our establishing a regular Retreat there in the near future. Very Rev. Fr. Fergus clarified our position relative to the Diocesan authorities, and gave an account of his negotiations with the Bishop concerning the boundaries of the Mission District, and the number of priests that would be needed to staff it adequately. These were carefully noted with a view to the drawing up of a future contract.
While Father Placid was still present, the Capitulars passed on to consider the Home Organization of our Foreign Mission. It was agreed that, in order to provide the Mission with financial means to undertake further development, our fund-raising efforts would be more widely and more efficiently organised, and that the staff, engaged on this work, should be provided with greater facilities, including suitable office-premises.
The remainder of the Session was devoted to a discussion on the need for a new 'Directory of Missions and Retreats'. The Capitulars agreed that the present Directory was both out-of-date and incomplete. They were of the opinion that, before a new Directory is drawn up, the experienced missioners of the Province should be given an opportunity to advise the Provincial Curia as to desirable additions and alterations.
Before the session closed at 12.15 p.m., the Acts of the Chapter, which had already been formulated were given a provisional reading, and after some emendations had been suggested, were approved by the Capitulars.
Eleventh Session
The eleventh session began the same evening at 3.30 p.m. Practically the whole of this session was given to a discussion of the future status of St. Mary's Retreat, Drum-mohr. After the opinions of all had been heard and thoroughly discussed, it was agreed that the time had not yet come to make a final decision on this problem. The Capitulars, however, were hopeful that a further and sustained effort would enable the Retreat to be established on a secure basis.
Arising out of this discussion, many other aspects of our work and future in Scotland were considered.
The Secretary then continued the reading of the Acts of the Chapter which, after an insertion had been made, were formally approved by the Capitulars.
The Session closed at 7.15 p.m. with the usual prayers.
Twelfth Session
The twelfth Session began at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, 22nd May. The Secretary continued and completed the reading of the Acts of the Chapter up-to-date, which, after certain insertions and emendations had been made, were approved by the Capitulars.
Very Rev. Father Cyprian then gave a brief statement of the financial needs of the Province, and explained the necessity of the Provincial Levy.

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The question of a Central Library for the Province was next considered, and Very Rev. Father Cyprian assured the Capitulars that, while nothing elaborate could yet be attempted, every effort would be made by the Provincial Curia to provide an adequate supply of periodicals and reference-books which, he hoped, would be the beginnings of a Central Library.
The Decrees of the two previous Chapters were then reconsidered in accordance with the third Decree of the Ninth Provincial Chapter, and it was agreed that the Fourth Decree of the Eighth Provincial Chapter and the Third Decree of the Ninth Provincial Chapter should be rescinded, while the second Recommendation of the Ninth Provincial Chapter should be revised, so as to make its provisions more practicable.
The remainder of the session was taken up with the drafting of the Decrees, which were to be voted upon in the final Session.
After the usual prayers had been said, the Chapter adjourned at 12.15 p.m.
Final Session
The Capitular Fathers assembled for the final Session at 4.30 on the evening of Tuesday, 22nd May.
The opening prayers having been said, the Committee, which had been appointed to examine the financial statements of the various Retreats, submitted its report to the Chapter.
The Secretary completed the reading of the Acts of the Chapter which were approved by the Capitulars. The President then asked if the Capitulars had any other matters to discuss and proceed to the final framing of the Decrees to be enacted, and if those which had been revised. By secret ballot, the Chapter then rescinded those Decrees of past Chapters which the Capitulars had discussed in previous Sessions and had deemed superfluous. The revised Decrees were then voted upon, by secret ballot, and approved in their revised form. Finally, the new Decrees were approved by secret Ballot.
The official business of the Chapter being now closed, the Father President addressed the Capitulars. He referred, at some length, to the coincidence of the Chapter with the Centenary of the Passionists in Ireland. This coincidence, he hoped, was a happy augury, and pointed to unlimited horizons of progress and achievement. He then commented on the great spirit of sincerity and charity which had marked the proceedings of the Chapter. He thanked the outgoing Provincial and Curia for their co-operation and straightforward dealing with him generally, and the Rector of Mount Argus for the gracious hospitality, which he had received on this and former visits to the Retreat.
In reply, Very Rev. Father Cyprian, Provincial, remarked that if, as he believed, the Chapter had been both peaceful and progressive, the credit was in large measure due to the capable and pleasant chairmanship of the Father President. On behalf of the Capitulars, he thanked his Paternity for the patient consideration and attention with which he had guided their discussions and proceedings, and assured him that he would be always welcome amongst them.
The Father President then put the question whether the Chapter could be now brought to an end, and having received an affirmative answer, he formally declared the Tenth Provincial Chapter of Saint Patrick's Province canonically closed.
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- 9 -
Most Rev. Father President then declared the Chapter closed and invited the Capitulars to sign the Acts, etc.
Malcolm of Mary, Sup. General and President. ✓
Fergus of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Provincial. ✓
Christopher of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, 1 Consultor ✓
Cyprian of the Holy Souls, 11 Consultor. ✓
Edmund of the Blessed Virgin, Rector, St. Paul's Retreat. ✓
Albert of Jesus and Mary, Rector, St. Mungo's Retreat. ✓
Peter Paul of the Seven Dolours, Rector, Holy Cross Retreat. ✓
Alphonsus of the Mother of Sorrows, Rector, St. Gabriel's Retreat. ✓
Macartan of the Most Holy Names, Rector, St. Mary's Retreat. ✓
Andrew of the Sacred Heart, Rector, St. Joseph's Retreat. ✓
Angelo of the Five Wounds, Rector, St. Michael's Retreat. ✓
Maurice of the Most Precious Blood, Master of Novices.
The newly-elected among the Capitular Fathers, having jurisdiction, then made their Profession of Faith and prayers the Oath against Modernism. The Session concluded with the usual prayers.
Cyprian of the Holy Souls.
Secretary.
St. Paul's Retreat,
Dublin.
22nd May, 1956.
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Confirmation of Elections
Auctoritate qua in Domino fungimur, Acta et Decreta hujus
Capituli necnon electionem Rectorum et Magistri Novitiorum,
libenter confirmamus,
L + S
Malcolm a Maria, C.P.
Praep. Gen. et Praeses.
Dublini, 22 Maii, 1956.