Rome, June 1st, 1998
Prot. N. 130/98
To: All provincial and regional superiors
Dear Colleagues,
Just before departing this evening with Fr. Zolile Mbambani for South Africa and Mozambique to make our fraternal visit to those regions for this term I want to share some news with you about the Congregation and about some personnel changes at the Curia.
1. In the first place, as you know already, the 19th of June on the Feast of the Sacred Heart will see the official inauguration of the Province of Mozambique. Our presence in this country is well-established and the province has the foundations and the resources and capacity to manage itself in a seasoned manner. As far as the Congregation is concerned, this constitutes still another act of reliance and trust in the continent of Africa.
2. On May 7th past, after having suppressed the French-Canadian province, the General Administration canonically erected the French Canadian Region dependent upon the General Superior and his Council for a period of transition to start on 24th June. The transitional nature of this establishment is due to the changes that are being studied at the province level by the three provinces of North America.
Named as the Regional Superior of the Region is Fr. Maurice Légaré to whom was granted all the powers he previously held as provincial superior except those retrained by right by the Superior General.
This change from province to region in transitory fashion is a considered decision made by the members of this province through a lengthy community process.
This is a realistic step they took to equate their organizational structure to what is realistically possible for their members while performing their mission and task in the Church in a better manner. Their task is clear and meaningful. It is accomplished in three areas: parochial ministry, education, and assistance to those dying of AIDS.
While their numbers are reduced and their canonical status is changed, these religious continue to work at the vocational ministry which is governed by a "policy of life". They walk down their new road in serenity and theological hope.
We assure these brethren of our prayers and fraternal esteem in the conviction that through their witness to SCJ religious life and by their activities the Lord will grant new growth according to his plan of love.
3. Change of Personnel In The Curia
The Curia has undergone the following changes:
Other changes are anticipated but have not yet been finalized.
As Superior General and in the name of the General Administration and of the entire Congregation I sincerely wish to thank these individuals and their provinces for a ready availability and joyous generosity in response to the needs of the entire Congregation.
At the same time I wish to thank those who, having completed their service terms, are returning to their own provinces (Fr. Bernard Rosinski, Fr. José Miguel Garcia Tutor, Fr. Otto Seidel). Everyone appreciated their dedication, competence and love for the Congregation. Their leave-taking has left a void, not in terms of work because we have found replacements, but rather in their manner of being present to and assisting the Congregation which has been closely tied to their individual personalities and spirituality. Now they will continue to assist our religious family and the Kingdom through the exercise of other talents and responsibilities. Our wish for them is the fullness of joy that Christ promised those pour themselves out for their brethren in their daily lives (cf. St. John 13: 15-17).
I think it is also my duty to render special thanks in the name of everyone to Br. Rutgerus and to express my estimation for someone who worked at Rome I for 41 years. This work was silent, persevering, attentive -- all supported by a witness of simple religious life and a love for the Congregation which nothing could shake.
My prayer is that we can find throughout the Congregation other examples of such joyous availability out of pure love for the Sacred Heart. I greet you fraternally.