Theme: Rome II - Fr. Konior (PO) / Spirituality Apostolate & Dehonian Family - Fr. Wardjito (CU)

08:30 - Completion of discussion on Economy

10:30 - Rome II - Fr. Konior (PO)

15:30 - Spirituality & Apostolate - Fr. Wardjito (CU)

17:30 - Dehonian Family - Fr. Wardjito (CU)

Summary

Today was devoted to several themes. Because the discussion on the economy could not be completed last evening it was carried over to the first session of the morning. The rest of the morning was devoted to a presentation on the structure of Rome I & II. There is now a clear distinction, in a juridical sense, between the Curia (CU) and the International College and curial staff. Included in the report were several questions posed to the provincials, especially those who have students in Rome. The afternoon sessions were devoted to the presentations of Fr. Wardjito.

Meeting Notes

Today marks the feast of Martin of Tours, and since the superior of the Indian Community, Martin van Ooy, celebrates his name's day the community was treated to a pig roast. Our Polish confreres were kind enough to provide after dinner drinks, since this is also Polish Independence Day. Several delegates also reminded us that this Armistice Day. In the US it is celebrated as Veterans Day, in Great Britain it is called Remembrance Day.

The International Finance Commission completed their meetings today. They have taken under advisement the many suggestions offered in the plenary sessions, and will make their recommendations to the General administration as to how best implement the following two motions approved at the XXth General :

It is suggested that instead of looking to the Great Common Fund, the General Aid Fund be made more operational with a sharing system based on the contribution of the Provinces .... [This is the substance of Motion 2.]

The XX General Chapter entrusts the superior general and his council with studying how to bring about in the congregation the sharing of goods and the solidarity, involving the provinces:

• in planning the development of the congregation and its works
• in finding the means to bring this about

[This is the substance of Motion 8]

Today's reflection is offered by Wieslaw Swiech, regional superior of Finland. Wieslaw hopes to begin a sabbatical early next year in the United States to improve his English skills. The recent health problems of Bishop Paul Verschuren, scj, forced the starting date to be pushed back from the fall to the winter ESL term at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners (Cf. Wieslaw Swiech).
 

Wieslaw Swiech

International SCJ Meetings brings delegates from around the globe speaking many different languages. The active working languages of the group include: English, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. In addition Dutch , German and Polish can be frequently heard, as well as Bahasa Indonesian, plus the native languages of Africa and Asia spoken by several of the delegates.

To keep the hall from falling into a tower of Babel a group of seven translators under the leadership of Kathleen Elslander have been employed to offer simultaneous translation. This marks the 21st year Kathleen has provided translation services to the General Curia.
 

The translation hall with four soundproof booths in the background in from which the professional translators do their work.