Congratulations

On March 25, 1998 the anniversary of Leo John Dehon's baptism and the feast of the Annunciation, the SCJ territorial community in the Philippines welcomes its first two novices. The new novitiate is located at Dimataling , one of the three original mission sites staffed by scjs in 1989. The two new novices are: John Karl Czbaluna (25) and Arthur f. Guevara (26). Photo taken of rectory at Dimataling during last visit of Fr. General. The new novitiate is located on the same property, and is also built in the same native style.

The community chose to begin with an extended period of postulancy in order to better know their candidates. Out of the initial group of five, two opted to return to their families, one has asked to continue his postulancy, and the other two begin their novitiate on the 25^th.

Congregational Stats

The statistics for the fourth quarter 1997 have been compiled and published. Access can be had on the Letters & Documents Page or by linking directly from here. The year ended with the congregation having 2295 professed scjs and 91 novices. (Cf. Statistics)

New Page

At the request of Carlos Alberto da Costa Silva (CU), responsible for the area of Social Responsibility -- Justice and Peace (cf Plan: "We, the Congregation, In Service to the Mission" 1997-2003 #42.2), we have added a new page to the web site. At his suggestion, it will be called JUSTITIA ET PAX. As noted on the homesite welcoming page, we will endeavor where possible to post items in multiple languages.

New Province Letter Posted

In the name of Fr. General , Umberto Chiarello the vicar general, has written a letter to the congregation on the creation of the new province of Mozambique. This letter can be found on the Letters & Documents page and is available in English, French and Italian. You may also access it directly by using this link: March 14^th Letter.

New Deacons

Francisco Javier Luengo (HI) and Raul Calabuig (HI), earning licentiates in youth ministry from the Salesian University in Rome, will be ordained deacons in Roma I chapel on April 18, 1998. Raul Calabuig & Javier Luengo Roma I courtyard

Special Edition

In 1997 there were 18,500 men and women religious in Holland of which 80% were 65 years of age or older. The Dutch Association of Conferences (KNR) has produced a special edition of Information Bulletin of the Religious in Holland On the care for elderly religious (Year 8 - n. 1 -1998).

Copies of this document might be available in several different languages (including, French, German and English) from:

KNR - afdeling communicatie
postbus 111
5201 AC 's-Hertogenbosch
Nederland