Friar Servants of Mary - Province of the Isles

PROVINCIAL NEWSLETTER No. 30 27 July 2014

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NEW PRIOR PROVINCIAL ELECTEDTHE SOLEMN PROFESSED FRIARS of the Servite Province of the Isles were all entitled tovote for the new Prior Provincial. The Constitutions provide for a postal ballot, in four stages ifnecessary. The first ballot was achieved on Friday 18 July 2014, with a majority vote for fr ColmM. McGlynn OSM, who has been serving as “Acting Provincial” during the past year, with frsProvincial Bernard Thorne and Assistant Provincial Paul Addison out of action for health reasons.

Fr Colm has graciously accepted the choice of the friars, and the Prior General, fr Gottfried M.Wolff has confirmed the election. The Prior General will be in London in September for theGeneral Council Assembly with all the Provincials of the Friars across the world, and he will havethe opportunity of blessing fr Colm with an official rite of confirmation.

The term of office for a Prior Provincial elected in mid-course extends to the following ProvincialChapter of elections. This will be in 2016, now that the Holy See has approved the change voted bythe General Chapter of the Order in September 2013 extending the term-of-office for Provincialsand Officials to 4 years instead of 3.

Fr Colm M. McGlynn OSM was born on 11 July 1957, and became a novice in the Order on 10August 1981. He made Solemn Profession of Vows on 7 June 1987 and was ordained to the

priesthood on 26 June 1988. He has served the Order and the Church in many ways, including a volunteer presence in thePhilippines, a time as Parish Priest in Dundee and later in Marley, Dublin. He is currently the Prior of the community in our greatBenburb Priory, and has been on the Provincial Council of the friars since 2003 (see the photo at left!). In the past year he hasbeen “Acting Provincial”, assiduously engaged in promoting re-structuring of our presence in Dublin, in facing the challenges ofthe Order’s response to Safeguarding matters, and in wider links with the Provincials of Europe. He was an elected delegate at the2013 General Chapter in Pietralba, N Italy where he made a great contribution to the sharing on renewal of the Servite Friars. TheOrder and Friends are invited to pray for him with spiritual and practical support.

All Servants of Mary express gratitude and acknowledgement to fr Bernard Thorne for his years of service as PriorProvincial. He initially accepted the service by election when fr Pat Carroll died in 2010, and was then re-elected inthe Provincial elections of 2012. May he recover well, and find the light and strength for the next challenge presentedto him by the Holy Spirit.

Dear brothers,thank you for your vote of confidence in the recent Provincial election which RayO’Connell conveyed to me while I was on recent family holiday in Canada. Thank you andour Servite Sisters and Family for your words of encouragement, support and prayer.Soon we will be celebrating the feast of St Philip Benizi a great lover and seeker ofpeace and justice and reconciliation in his time and place. His vision is so needed todayin all the agony of people in Gaza and Israel and Iraq and Syria and Ukraine and Russia,and where we find ourselves in our ministry. St Philip never gave up on others believingin their goodness and capacity to change, like St Peregrine.Wishing you his inspiration in all your endeavours for The Lord.

Fraternally, Collie

An August Note from the Prior Provincial

St Philip Benizi - 23 AugustStatue in Our Lady of DoloursServite church, Kersal, Salford

JUBILEES and ANNIVERSARIES with CONGRATULATIONS

BIRTHDAY MESSAGES FROM ST. JOSEPH’S SWAZILAND

“On this special day we are recalling all the times we spenttogether, this always

brings smiles on our faces. Happy Birthday to our specialfriend BR. GABRIEL

who forever hold a special place in our hearts.”Children from St. Joseph’s Primary School

18 March 2014

197413 July

2014

Fr Chris M.O’BrientOSM

BIRTHDAYfr Patrick O’Connell 95 on 4 August. fr Donal Cahill 70 on 19 February. fr Stephen Naughton 90 on 11 October.fr Bernard Thorne 75 on 8 June. fr Peter Conniffe 75 on 21 December

SOLEMN PROFESSION ANNIVERSARYfr Gabriel Hooper 55 on 27 September. fr Colum McDonnell 60 19 September . fr Sean Lennon 35 17 Novemberfr Dermot MacNeice 50 on 20 September. fr Tim Flynn 50 on 2 May. fr Philip Allen 50 on 16 November

PRIESTLY ORDINATION ANNIVERSARYfr Chris O’Brien 40 on 13 July. fr Jimmy Kelly 30 on 23 September

The Provincial Chapter was held from Monday lunchtime, 23rd June - Thursday lunch time, 26th June 2014.The appointed Vicar (a kind of Acting Prior) to theChapter was fr Gabriel M. Bannon OSM. 21 voting friarswere present , with the absence of those 11 who were unable totravel. The Guests were: Sr Ann Ballad OSM represent-ing the Servite Sisters Miss Valerie Voak SSI represent-ing the Servite Secular Institute; Phil Clarke OSSMrepresenting the Servite Secular Order; local friends ofServites and from Dublin, Belfast and elsewhere. ThePrior Provincial, fr Bernard M. Thorne OSM handedover the presidency of the Chapter to Acting Provincial frColm. M. McGlynn, who served on the PresidentialBoard along with General Councillor fr Rhett M. Sara-bia OSM, and elected members frs Chris O’Brien,Gabriel Bannon and Tim Flynn.It was a “Chapter of Renewal” , not elections, and aimedat being a time of fraternal renewal in prayer, reflection,sharing and community. The hospitality of thecommunity and staff of Benburb Priory made thispossible. So did the participation at prayer of the locallayfolk who use the priory chapel every morning.

Fr Bernard Thorne presented his Prior Provincial’s Report for theearly part of the past year until his hospitalization for heart surgery.He added his decision to step down from the task of PriorProvincial for health reasons. Fr Colm McGlynn, as ActingProvincial, presented his Report for the remainder of the past year,after which there was considerable debate, especially onRestructing of our Presence in Dublin , Safeguarding Matters, andFollow-up to the 2013 General Chapter .

Orientation and Spirituality Day: The Chapter opened with aparaliturgy of Welcome, Reflection and Invitation guided by frDermot M. MacNiece. Mention was made of the many guests andgroups who have been using the priory and park in recent days. Theparticipants received a booklet The Pilgrim Walk at BenburbPriory, and made a Procession and Walk of Faith in the park.Artwork in the Chapter Room included (1) wood carving ofIncarnation by Sarah Sheridan Churchill; painting of The Virginand Child with the Baptist, School of Titian; Crucifix in metalworkby Con Cluskey 1966; painting of Deposition and Resurrection byBrian Vallely; painting of Michael the Archangel by Brian Vallely.It also spent a most beneficial Spirituality Day in the company ofBenedictine Dom Simon Sleeman OSB from Glenstal Abbey.

PROVINCIAL CHAPTER OF RENEWAL 2014 - Benburb

Fr Pat O’Connell95 on 4 August

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DAY OF PRAYER AND RENEWAL ATPROVINCIAL CHAPTER, Benburb 2014

Dom Simon Sleeman OSB, Glenstal Abbey

1 Introduction: Dom Simon was introduced by fr ChrisO’Brien, and the first session began with prayer.

2 Self-Presentation: Dom Simon spoke of his roots – hisfather was captured at Dunkirk and a prisoner of war forseveral years; his mother is convert from Scots-Presbyterian background, remaining ‘low church’ in herstyle; she is originally from South Africa. After BoardingSchool Dom Simon went to Belize ‘to see the world withall its glitter’. He was going to join the Army but visitedGlenstal Abbey near Limerick and everything changed.He joined the monastery, eventually spending time in StJohn’s Monastery, Collegeville Minnesota, and 6 monthslonged-for stay in Jerusalem. His main interest revolvesaround the psychological. And he stated, “I come to youas a pilgrim, with the Spirit guiding the compass.” Hedeclared his most influential reading was MichelTournier’s “Friday Or The Other Island”.3 Bearing Fruit: Even into senior years, the goal is to beever fruitful: cf. Parable of the fig tree and the gardenerpleading, ‘give it another year’. Also psalm quotation:“…still bearing fruit when they are old, still full of sap,still green”.- “God’s greatest gifts fall into the hearts of those who areempty of self.”- “Let the Rule [monastic, religious] create a space for theSpirit to land.”4 Stillness, Non-activity: The example was given of theBrazilian fire-ants, always industrious and busy, but in thecrisis of flooding they unite and form a raft, and are savedby inactivity. Video shown.- “Too often the urgent in our lives tends to displace theimportant.”- “Over familiarity has a deadening effect.” – The spirituallife demands continual innovation.5 Hospitality: It is essential that we “create space for TheOther, for other people”.- “In Ecology, together with creation, we are acommunion of subjects, not a collection of objects.”- “Sin is the self-perpetuation of isolation, but re-birth ispossible because we are ‘natal’ not ‘mortal’.”6 Surrender: The movement of “letting go” isdiametrically opposite to “control”.7 Resurrection Plant: A Video was shown – a wind-swept plant called Resurrection Plant can survivehundreds of years until moisture and the rains arrived. Thespiritual life can always be re-animated. The challenge isthat “the hearts should be continually enlarging, notshrivelling”.8 Stillness, Non-activity again: “Eastern laziness ishanging around all day gossiping and drinking tea;Western laziness is cramming so much frenetic activityinto our life that there is no space for the important.”

9 Listening: “If I achieve attentiveness then my actions are a signof perfect repentance.” Obedience is listening, and meanslistening.10 Vows in Monastic Life: three vows, namely Obedience,Stability and Conversion of Life.- Obedience is listening and means listening;- Stability means patient waiting: in this context, high-speedcommunication is not conducive nor an ideal for the spiritual life.- Conversion of Life: this means to continually ‘keep the sapflowing’, ‘not dying before your death’, ‘not congealing’, and‘dealing with uphelpful habits’.- In the Rule of St Benedict only one feature is severelyprohibited: “above all, let not the evil of murmuring appearamong you”; it is the worst sin, the destructive force incommunity, characterised by negativity, undermining hope andpositivity. Members must speak only words that give life andbuild up life.11 Grimm Brothers’ Fairy Tale: the reflection visited the FairyTale where ‘uniformity leads to growing stupidity and stagnation’.Seven very noticeably different soldiers, by their diversity,succeed in gaining the King’s Daughter and all the King’streasures.

AFTERNOON MEDITATION

11 Robinson Paradigm: The book “Friday Or The OtherIsland”, by Michel Tournier was re-visited, with analysis ofRobinson Crusoe’s journey of self-discovery.12 The overall paradigm reads:1. Collapse;è2. “Between Stories”;è3. Exposed;è4. New Story;è5.Mysticism;è6. Liturgy;è7. Praise/Thanksgiving.13 Story: Robinson Crusoe applies ‘order’ to his island newworld, with clocks, laws, a fortress, etc. But he becomes boredand enters a cave, going down and down into great hidden depths.Then his water-clock stopped and so did time itself. In ecstasy heexperiences innocence and a new freedom from daily occupations,and a ‘new island’. Then Friday arrives on the scene, and proves to beunteachable. Friday is in tune with the isaland and knows how todance. At one point Friday steals Crusoes smoking pipe, and onbeing discovered throws the lit pipe to the back of the cave wherethe gunpowder was stored. Explosion! All seemed lost. But no,Friday instead becomes Crusoe’s ‘teacher’.14 Lesson: The speaker urged us to compare the Crusoe story toour own upbringing on discipline and pre-arranged programmesof growth. When all is pre-programmed, our ability to love and todie get quashed along with the ability to surrender.15 Nature: If an over-regulated upbringing has collapsed, whatnew life is opening up? Re-integration of the body is needed, andthe re-emergence of Mysticism, and a re-connection with primitiveroots and instinctive resources (creation and nature).16 Mysticism and Liturgy: The credibility of the Church isbrought to ruin by failure in mysticism including the removal ofmysticism from Liturgy and scant respect for people’s need formystical ritual using all 5 senses more than just the mind.17 Praise and Thanksgiving: these are natural activities forhuman beings and need much more expression and scope.18 Hydro-thermal vent: A Video was shown as with a hydro-thermal vent which bubbles up from the depths of the earth, justas praise and thanksgiving need space to emerge from the depthsof our being.19 Application: 1. Surrender to the work of the Spirit; 2. Stopmental rushing and the search for achievement; 3. Be true to yourdeepest self. 4. Go on learning how to die and to love.

Notes by Paul Addison OSM

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DISCERNING & DECIDING TOGETHER…

Extract from fr Colm McGlynn’s Report to 2014 Prov. Chapter

Health and concern for Friars growing olderWe as a council would like to commend each of ourcommunities and local carers in Kersal and London, Benburband Dublin - Marley and Kiltipper - for the way in which Friarshave generously cared for Friars who have not been well, Friarsin continuous need of medical care, for appointments of allkinds, Friars who have been in hospital and in nursing homes -in Chestnut Lodge in Benburb and Wellburn in Dundee. Thispast year has seen a clear change in the reality of our group lifeand the way we live our daily community experiencecharacterised by this need for care. The question is how can wesupport each other in this time of health change and ageing andwhat steps do we need to take to prepare for further healthchallenges in our group life, perhaps in dialogue with COREW -Conference of Religious of England and Wales and CORI -Conference of Religious in Ireland, as after attending theirrecent AGM’s in May - these are issues we all share as well asthe hopeful challenge that age is no barrier to living the missionof Jesus which we all can play our part in.

Dublin DiscernmentFrom Chapters of several years past, we are all aware that formany years we have been working towards living as one ServiteCommunity in Dublin. We have been in dialogue with bothMarley and Kiltipper Communities in meetings and in visits toseveral properties in Walkinstown, Tallaght and Rathfarnhamand dialogue with Chris O’Brien Treasurer and FinanceCommittee. We are proceeding with the sale of Kiltipper andpresently gathering the necessary paper work for this sale withGreg Ryan in regular contact with Fr Tim Flynn, Prior. Interms of accommodating Servite Friars from Kiltipper, we areexploring a Grange Wood property of Carmel and MichaelTogher and other possibilities that emerge and we are listeningto the wishes of the Kiltipper Friars and how we can bestaccommodate them. Please keep praying to the Spirit that webe open to Providence on this.At this Chapter, I would like to acknowledge our 20 years ofpresence in Kiltipper and all the Friars who set up thisCommunity and who have lived and ministered in St. PeregrineOratory, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 to this very day and to thosewho were involved in the Oratory in Cornells Court ShoppingCentre and in the Servite Shop with Servite volunteers until itsclosure. We thank God too for all the Servite communalhospitality we have all experienced and others in Servite Familyin Kiltipper and thank its present members Joe Whelan whowill soon be moving to Benburb, Jimmy Kelly and Tim Flynn,Prior.

Servite Priory Kiltipper Dublin

BENBURB NEWSOn Sunday 29th June we launched our new “Pilgrim Walk”in the grounds of Benburb organised by Dermot MacNeiceOSM and his team of volunteers on a Lovely Sunnyafternoon and with very positive feedback. Tea and Sconeswere offered to all. On Friday Night, the 4th July our Friendsof Benburb Committee organised a very enjoyable BBQNight and local band the “Do Rightly’s” adding to the senseof occasion in our courtyard.On Sunday 6th July Fr. Bernard Thorne OSM celebratedMass for our “Servite Graveyard Sunday” downunderneath the beautiful trees in our Servite Graveyardattended by families and friends of deceased Servite Friars,Vincent McGlue OSM, Frank Mallon OSM, PatrickCarroll OSM, Malachy Skelton OSM, Conleth DohertyOSM, Seamus Heffernan OSM, Paul Cullen OSM, withrefreshments afterwards in the Great Hall with peoplerecalling their memories of their contribution to Servite Life.The hospitality programme of Benburb Priory is vast, withendless work by fr Ray O’Connell and the team, not tomention the ongoing project for the Stables to become amajor library and archive resource in Northern Ireland. Carefor fr Eoín O’Malley and fr Damian Kilbride continueswith brotherly love. Frs Sean Lennon (Peregrine Ministry),prior & now Provincial Colm McGlynn, retired ProvincialBernard Thorne, and senior friars Colum McDonnell andEugene Traynor play their full part in the life of thecommunity and priory.LONDON NEWSOn 6th July, Fr. Chris O’Brien OSM celebrated his 40th

Anniversary of Priesthood in St. Mary’s, Fulham Road.Congratulations to Chris and other friars who celebratedjubilees at our recent Chapter. He also celebrated the actualday of his Anniversary in Lourdes, with the PilgrimageGroup from Leeds that he has supported for many years.With friends and family attending, he was surprised whenthey produced a “This Is Your Life” for him while inLourdes.As soon as the so-called holiday season began (is there anysuch thing in London, with so many visitors to themetropolis?), the community set to work on preparing themajor event in September, when all the Provincials of theOrder will join the Prior General and Council for anassembly at Twickenham (St Mary’s). They will come to thepriory church for Our Lady of Sorrows with special Massesto be led by Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Prior General frGottfried Wolff. There is much to be done, but it is anexciting project, especially since the excellent renovation ofthe priory church of Our Lady of Dolours that has beentaking place. In a more negative vein, fr Pat O’Connell hasbeen in hospital for quite a long time, returning home quiteweakened. And fr Philip Allen has been in and out ofhospital with problems resulting from inner repair-surgerywhich has not been functioning well. Frs Pat Ryall, VincentCoyne and Allan Satur, with Sister Clementina and myriadhelpers, keep the busy parish and local convents and hospitalwell served.DUBLIN NEWSThe changes touching our presence in Dublin (Kiltipper andMarley) have been quite difficult. But service in the MarleyParish (fr Jim Mulherin), the prison (fr Jimmy Kelly), theRathfarnham Oratory (fr Tim Flynn, prior in Kiltipper), theAcademic world of Maynooth (fr Liam Tracey) is upheldwith energy and hard work. Fr Camillus McGrane has had

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health challenges but never loses his sharp humour. BroJoe Whelan is working on his transfer to Benburbcommunity. The Marley and Kiltipper communities upholdthe annual Servite Pilgrimage to Knock even thoughenergies and numbers are reduced. The road betweenDublin and Benburb is well used, keeping the communitiesin touch with each other.KERSAL NEWSThe Parish consists of many young families, with well over300 children in the Parish Primary School called “StPhilip’s”. The top juniors’ celebrated a Leavers’ Massaround fr Peter Conniffe which brought many familymembers into church. The same happened with the 16year-olds leaving the Catholic Secondary School of “StMonica’s”. Every Saturday the Community celebrates OurLady’s Mass at 11 o’clock, fairly well attended, especiallywhen it’s the monthly St Peregrine Mass. People areencouraged to see Brother Gabriel Hooper, 91, always atMass, along with fr Steve Naughton (90 this year), and theyounger friars fr Tom Robinson (only mid-80s) and frPaul Addison (only mid 70s) and the indefatigable Priorand Parish Priest fr Peter Conniffe. It is both shamefuland good to note how much the Parish is involved indiscrete provision of food clothing and support for the poorin Salford. While it should not be necessary in the 8th

richest economy in the world, it is truly necessary and thereare many family people in serious financial difficulty.Practical help is channelled through the parishes and otheragencies, to help-centres like Loaves and Fishes andCornerstone and Emmaus (for housing matters). Eachweek families buy extra provisions and bring them to thealtar of St Antony Pucci quietly and generously.Fr Paul Addison has been awaiting a follow-up secondoperation since last November. A date has been set at last,12 August (known as The Glorious 12th for GrouseShooting!). Paul takes great care to never grouse! Hecounts on the prayers of fellow Servites…DUNDEE NEWS It is good to report that frsAndrew M. Walls and Ignatius M. McCafferty are goinquite well at their convent-home of St Joseph’s Convent,Wellburn House, 118 Liff Road DUNDEE DD2 2QT.Various friars have been able to visit them from “downsouth”, especially frs Peter Conniffe from Kersal andVincent Coyne from London. World-traveller fr ColmMcGlynn is also no stranger to Bonnie Dundee! Best of allis the constant care and visiting by friends of the ServitePriory Dundee, and fr Andrew’s nephew fr Jim Walls,who is accompanying fr Andrew for a river and sea-sideholiday on the west coast of Scotland. The Friends allgather for Servite Feastdays, with recent celebrations likeSt Peregrine’s Day and St Juliana’s Day. A Mass togetherat St Joseph’s is always a special occasion.Readers can see the postal address above, and are alwaysurged to keep good contact with these brothers and theirenduring presence of the Order in Scotland.

Seven Holy Founders Mass-Wellburn House, Dundee

Sister Felicity McKeon OSM + 29 June 2014A celebration of a truly amazing life

Moreen Elizabeth Mary McKeon who we all now know asSister MaryFelicity was born on 10th May 1934 an eagerlyand anticipated first child to Ethel and Jimmy McKeon. Shewas followed in very quick succession by Michael, MaryJane, Jimmy, Kevin and a little later Eth. But as the eldestshe was very special and surrounded by many aunts anduncles on both sides of the family. She was bridesmaid toat least two aunts and looked absolutely beautiful.

Of course Felicity grew up in the war years in London. These werechallenging times. Although the family were evacuated to Coventry andHemel they always returned to London to be with the family. She verysoon accepted responsibility as the eldest sister looking after her siblingsas in those was expected in those days. It was she who had to getMichael Mary and Jimmy into the air raid shelter often in the early hourswhilst her mother took the baby Kevin.

She was extremely gifted and clever as a child and when at the age of 11she went to Our Lady’s Convent Grammar excelled academically andbecame one of just six who stayed on into the Sixth Form. She andSister John became lifelong friends.

When she entered the Servite Community her parents were bereft. Theywere worried about her health and never wanted her to leave home. Shewas only 18 but quite determined in her vocation. Thank God she was.For her capacity and her loving caring giving nature were the perfectingredients for her life with the sisters

She was at various times a Provincial and General Councillor, Provincial,General Archivist and much else besides. She was for twelve years from1992 -2004 the Prioress General of the Congregation and took seriouslyNorm 172 of our Constitutions that she should be first ‘the guardian of theunity and authenticity of the life of the Congregation’ During her twelveyear term as Prioress General she arranged many International meetingswith a focus on History and Internationality. Many sisters have cause tobe grateful to her, it was because of her inspiration and energy they havebeen able to visit Cuves, in France, the cradle of our Congregation, andnot just visit but grasp something of the spirit of compassion thatmotivated our first sisters.

To try and portray something though of Felicity, that unique, exceptionaland gifted individual, whose passion for the Congregation was a by wordand whose enthusiasm never waned. She was a bright, warm, kind,compassionate and vibrant woman fun loving with a passion for life. Shewas deeply spiritual and possessed an energy and determination thatwas remarkable. Her knowledge of the Scriptures was quite profoundand she generously shared her gift with Sisters and Associates,especially those from Begbroke, with whom she had journeyed in aspecial way.

She was one of this world’s great communicators and a prolific letterwriter who liked nothing more than being in touch with her many friendsacross the Congregation. For us, she was the personification ofInternationality.Let me finish with a story: To commemorate our 150th Anniversary ofAggregation to the Servite Order a quilt is being made, and each sisterhas been invited to design a square, to be sewn into the whole. Felicitycut out a simple book shape into which she inexpertly chain stitched thewords Holy Bible. When I turned it over she had written. Thank you, thisBook has defined my life. I cannot think of a better Epitaph. May she restin peace

extracts from Tribute bySister Rachel O’Riordan Prioress Provincial July 2014.

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MEETING OF GENERAL COUNCIL WITH PRIORS, VICAR AND DELEGATES PROVINCIAL8-16 September 2014 St. Mary’s University College, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham,

London TW l 4SX, England; tel.: 020 8240 4000

1. PARTICIPANTS

General Council01. fra Gottfried M. Wolff (1958) TIR Prior general02. fra Rhett M. Sarabia (1964) PHI Vicar & Gen. councillor03. fra Paolo M. Orlandini (1965) ANN General councillor04. fra Jorge Luis M. Jimenez Delgadillo(1967) MEXGencounc05. fra Souriraj M. Arulananda Samy (1977)IND Gen. Counc.06. fra Camille M. Jacques (1958) CAN Secretary of the Order

General Treasurer07. fra Piergiorgio M. Mazzoleni (1947) VEN General treasurer

08. fra Sergio M. Ziliani (1966)ANN Prior provincial ANN09. fra Paulo Sergio M. Angeloni (1964) BRAPrior provincial10. fra Yvon M. Chalifoux (1958).Prior provincial CAN11. fra Susaimani M. Arokiasamy (1961) INDPrior prov. IND12. fra Colm M. McGlynn (1957) ISL Prior provincial ISL13. fra Gerardo M. Torres Ornelas(1958)MEX Prior provMEX14. fra Cesare M. Antonelli (1938) PRF Prior provincial PRF15. fra Ricardo M. Silva Aranda (1964)SMA Prior prov. SMA16. fra Martin M. Lintner (1972) TIR Prior provincial TIR17. fra John M. Fontana (1951) USA Prior provincial USA18. fra Lino M. Pacchin (1943) VEN Prior provincial VEN

Vicariate19. fra Benito M. Isip II (1966) PHI Vicar prov. PHI

Delegations20. fra Javier M. Badillo Martin (1966)ESPDelegateprovincial ESP21. fra Stephen M. Barker (1958) AUS Delegateprovincial AUS22. fra Francis M. Kawuki (1978) EAF Delegateprovincial EAF23. fra Mel M. Loftus (1938) ZUL Delegate provincialZUL

Guests24. Charlie M. Leitao de Souza (1971) BRARepresentative for Mozambique25. David M. Mejia Cisneros (1961) MEXRepresentative for Indonesia26. Mr. Régis Bergonier President of the ISSN (Schools)

Monday, 8 September 2014PM Arrivals 17.30 Evening Prayer (prepared by theGeneral Council) 18.00 Dinner

Tuesday, 9 September 201407.00 Eucharist + M. Prayer (prep. by the EUR Conf.)08.00 Breakfast 09.00 Work 12.30 Lunch15.00 Prayer Work 17.30 Evening Prayer (preparedby the EUR .Conf) 18.00 Dinner

Wednesday, 10 September 201407.00 Eucharist with Morning Prayer (prepared by theCONO SUR Conf.) 08.00 Breakfast - 09.00 Work12.30 Lunch 15.00 Prayer Work 17.30 EveningPrayer prep. CONO SUR Conf. 18.00 Dinner

Thursday, 11 September 201408.00 Breakfast09.00 Visit to London (prepared by the ISL Prov.)Eucharist (prepared by the NAC Conf.)

Friday, 12 September 201407.00 Eucharist + Morning Prayer (prepared by theCASA Conf.) 08.00 Breakfast - 09.00 Work12.30 Lunch 15.00 Prayer - Work 17.30 EveningPrayer (prep. by the CASA Conf.) 18.00 Dinner

Saturday, 13 September 201407.00 Eucharist with Morning Prayer (prepared by theAFR Conf.) 08.00 Breakfast 09.00 Work12.30 Lunch 15.00 Prayer - Work 17.30 Evening

Prayer (prepared by the AFR Conf.) 18.00 Dinner

Sunday, 14 September 201407.30 Morning Prayer (prepared by the General Council)08.00 Breakfast followed by Free Time10.30 Departure for Fulham Road12.15 Eucharist: celebration of the 150thAnniversary at Fulham Road (Presiding:Cardinal Archbishop Vincent Nichols,prepared by the ISL Prov.); after thecelebration, there will be a buffet,followed by free time; for those who wantto return to the meeting venue for dinner:dinner 18:00.Monday, 15 September 201407.30 Morning Prayer (prepared by the NAC Conf.)08.00 Breakfast 09.00 Work. 12.30 Lunch + Free Time17.00 Departure for Fulham Road18.30 Eucharist: celebration of the150th Anniversary at Ful-ham Road (Presider: Prior General Prep: ISL Prov.) Dinner

Tuesday, 16 September 201407.00 Eucharist with Morning Prayer (by the Gen. Council)08.00 Breakfast - Departures.

2. PROGRAM

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St Mary’s University College Twickenham, London

1. Lectio divina2. Monte Senario (cf. CG 2013, nn. 7 ,24/a)3. The Marianum (cf. CG 2013, nn. 8 ,24/a)

- Proposal by the President of the USG, Fr. AdolfoNicolas, S J .,/o r greater collaboration betweenthe pontifical roman Institutes: first proposal ofFr. Fran§ois-Xavier Dumortier, S J., Rectorof the Pontifical Gregorian University;first response of the P.F.T. “Marianum’s ”President’s Council;

- Enter dialogue on the future of our Faculty BRA;- Scholarships.

4. The Holy Land (cf. CG 2013, nn. 9 ,24/a)5. General Directory osm / Constitutions osm (cf.CG2013,nn. 24/a,41-43)

- Duration of terms for the Priors/VicarsProvincial and related offices;-Letter of the CIVCSVA;- First response of the General Council.

6. Permission for absence and indult of exclaustration

- Permission for absence from the priory for reasonsof health, study or apostolate carried out in the nameof the institute (cf. can. 665; Cost. 223/a);

- Permission for absence for one year for another justreason (cf. can. 665; Cost. 223/a);- Indult of exclaustration for three years (cf. can. 686;Cost. 268/d);- Friars of the Order in situations that need to beclarified.

7. Centre for Communications (cf. CG 2013, n. 33)- Program for the six years;- Cosmo Bullettin (cf. CG 2013, n. 33/b).

8. Administration of goods (cf. CG 2013, nn. 24,35,36,37,38)- Orientation to have all requests for financial helppass through the Prior General (cf. CG

2013, n. 35/b);- The CIVCSVA does not permit laity to be votingmembers in the respective Financial

3. AGENDA

RENEWAL IN RELIGIOUS LIFE & SERVICE - TWO GREAT QUOTATIONS

IT helps now and then to step backAnd take the long view.The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts,It is even beyond our vision.WE accomplish in a lifetime only a tiny fractionOf the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work.Nothing we do is complete,which is another way of sayingthat the kingdom always lies beyond us.No statement says all that could be said.No prayer fully expresses our faith.No confession brings perfection,No pastoral visit brings wholeness.No program accomplishes the Church’s mission.No set of goals and objectives includes everything.THAT is what we are about.We plant the seeds that one day will grow.We water seeds already planted,knowing that they hold future promise.We lay foundations that will need further development.We provide yeast that produces effectsfar beyond our capabilities.WE cannot do everything,and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.This enables us to do something,and to do it very well.It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning,

a step along the way,an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enterand do the rest.We may never see the end results,But that is the difference betweenthe master builder and the worker.WE are workers, not master builders,ministers not messiahs.We are prophets of a future not our own. Amen.

Archbishop Oscar Romero

"WE’VE learned muchfrom all that's transpired (in the changeswhich have happened in religious life).One, religious life was never intendedto be an ecclesiastical workforce.Two, our way of life belongswithin the charismatic churchand not the hierarchical church.Three, religious life is meant to bethe Church's conscience,reminding that large body continuallyabout its true nature,about what it longs to be, can be, must be.”

Sean Sammonquoted at Conference of Religious AGM 2014

We rejoice for the canonizationon 27 April 2014

of the holy Popes Saint John XXIIIand Saint John Paul II

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A LARGE gathering of Servants ofMary from all branches of theServite Family is taking place atCollevalenza near Todi in centralItaly. It’s the 7th InternationalCongress of the Servite Family(UNIFAS) on 4th-11th August

2014. Its chosen theme isA SOWER WENT OUT TO SOW -

THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND NEW EVANGELIZATION.The Programme is far-reaching. Here is a synthesis:

PROGRAMME

JESUS WENT OUT OF THE HOUSE AND SAT DOWN (Mt 13:1)

Monday, August 4, afternoon: Arrivals, registrationTuesday, August 5, morning: Group dynamics - IntegrationWelcome by the Prior General, fra Gottfried M. WolffGroup dynamics - Integration, guided by fra Paolo M.Orlandini, OSM

Follow-up to 6th International Congress (Rio de Janeiro,July 7-14, 2010) (by Theresa Orozco, OSSM)

Tues. August 5, afternoon: Lectio Divina on Mt 13:1-23 (bySr. M. Elizabeth Torres Martinez NAP)

SUCH LARGE CROWDS GATHERED AROUND HIM (Mt 13, 2)

Wed. 6 Aug. morning: Analysis of today's world-Giovanni Dal Piaz, Camaldolese, sociologist.Wed. 6August afternoon:Analysis of the Church within local society (by continent)

A SOWER WENT OUT TO SOW (Mt 13:3)

Thurs. 7 Aug. morning: Pope Francis’s proposal for thenew evangelization(by fra Ermanno M. Toniolo, OSM)Thurs. 7 August afternoon

- Considerations on the Pope’s proposal for the Church within thelocal society (by continent)- 5:30 pm Pilgrimage to Todi: Eucharist, dinner, entertainment

Fri. 8 Aug. morning: Path/Tradition of the Servants of Mary fornew evangelization (fra Franco M. Azzalli, OSM, President ofOSM Historical Institute and Postulator of the Order)Fri. 8 Aug. afternoon: Evaluating the Servite Family at local lev-el (by continent) on how to foster the commitment to the newevangelization

SOME SEED FELL ON THE PATH,SOME FELL ON ROCKY GROUND,

SOME SEED FELL AMONG THORNS,SOME SEED FELL ON RICH SOIL (Mt 13: 4. 5. 7. 8)

Sat. 9Aug. morning-afternoon: Experiences of newevangelization

Round tables1. Experience of the new evangelization in the family context(Lay Diaconia OSM)2. Experience of the new evangelization in education - RégisBergonier, Servite School Villemomble France3. Experience of the new evangelization in the parish - fra BenitoM. Moresco,OSM pastor of our parish in Quilmes, Buenos Aires.4. Experience of the new evangelization in a Marian shrine fraGino Alberto M. Faccioli, OSM, Director of the SuperiorInstitute of Religious Sciences "Santa Maria di Monte Berico",Vicenza5. Experience of the new evangelization in the pastoralinvolvement - SMR Servite Sister -Brazil6. Experience of the new evangelization ad gentes (Nun Servantof Mary - Mozambique)

Sunday, August 10: Pilgrimage to Monte Senario- Eucharist - Lunch - Visit - Dinner in Collevalenza

WHOEVER HAS EARS OUGHT TO HEAR (Mt 13:9)

Mon. 11 Aug. morning: Evaluation and Message - Eucharist -Message - Evaluation afternoon: Departures

UNIFAS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION - Italy - August

NEWS FROM PHILIPPINES - always welcome!

The Province of the Isles enjoys a special relationship with the Vicariate of St Peregrine, Philippines. Here is some of their news:

On May 14, 2014, 6 Novices were accepted namely: Jessiel S. Caberte, Gabriel C. Ebanen, Romeo E. Elumerag,Jayvee S. Garanganao, Dioscoro H. Montaner, and Rey Anthony B. Lumaad. Then two made their FirstTemporary Profession namely: Kineth Ma. Castrojas and Ricky Ma. Sister. Meanwhile, the following professedfriars who renewed their vows were the following: Albert Ma. Tulang, Bryan Ma. Eala, Isaias Ma. Estimo,Rubenson Ma. Cardona. On the other hand, this year Fr. Michael Angelo Ma. Baco, OSM was elected as the new

Pre-Novice Master, and Fr. Jesus Ma. Diaz, OSM as the new Novice Master.

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Presentation of the2013 General Chapter Marian Document

“Be it done unto me according to your Word” (Lk 1, 38).

THIS IS A synthesis of the genesis, evolution and content of theServite Marian Document approved by the General Chapter ofElections celebrated at our priory and sanctuary in Pietralba(Bolzano) September 13 – October 2, 2013. The document willsoon be published in all the languages in which the Servite Orderand Family to assist them in their service of witness andevangelization.

The Prior General and his Council asked the Presidential Council toprepare a Marian document. The Presidential Council established acommittee to perform out this task. The committee was made up ofthe following professors from the Marianum Pontifical TheologicalFaculty: Silvano M. Maggiani, Salvatore M. Perrella (chief editor)Fabrizio M. Bosin, Ricardo M. Pérez Marques and Gian MatteoRoggio (a La Salette religious). Father Roggio is the assistant toProfessor Perrella and the secretary of the Dogma and MariologyDepartment (Cf. Lettera del Preside prot. 32/09). EventuallyProfessors Cettina Militello and Maria Mascheretti joined thisgroup. A working paper [Instrumentum Laboris] was prepared forthe 213th General Chapter of Friar Servants of Mary entitled Beholdthe Handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to yourword (Lk 1, 38). This working aid was intended “to promotediscussion among the friars but especially the Chapter members ofthose matters that are important in our life.” 1

The Instrumentum laboris was an inspiration for our own MarianDocument. From the time we first appeared in the history of theChurch and mankind Mary has been our inspiration and guide asdisciples of the Son of God and the Son of Man. In the fruitfulsilence of her mind and heart she heard, accepted, meditated on theWord of God and the values it implied. She lived these values andgave exemplary witness to them. Being Servites we are “linked toall those who have made this journey in the past; we are linked tothe Order’s present and to its unknown future – the time of theKingdom that will come and life in all its forms will flourish.” 2

Servants of Mary have been inspired by the original image ofMary at the Annunciation and have been guided by the Word ofFaith (Cf. Rom 10,8), and her contemplation of the mystery ofChrist. In their spiritual journey Servites have also turned toMary at the foot of the Cross (Cf. Jn 19, 25-27), the MaterDolorosa who “shares the mission of the suffering Servant ofYahweh and is joined to his glory.” 3

Servite Marian devotion has embraced the image of Our Lady ofSorrows, the Pietà, with a variety of popular practices: the SevenDolor Rosary, the celebration of the Compassio Virginis, and theVia Matris. This last devotion started outside the Order but theenthusiasm and love with which we have embraced and popularizedit among the faithful certainly makes it a devotion of the ServiteOrder and Family.4 The mystery that links Mary at theAnnunciation to Our Lady of Sorrows provides the original charismof the Servite vocation. It is the destiny to which the Church

repeatedly calls the Order through renewal and aggiornamento. Thelink between these two images of Mary must be a total and constantcharacteristic of our consecrated life and our mission ofevangelization as we spread the Kingdom in today’s world. TheChurch urges Servants of Mary to be men and women in today’sworld who can “help see more clearly the link between Mary ofNazareth and the faith-filled hearing of God’s word. I wouldencourage scholars as well to study the relationship betweenMariology and the theology of the word. This could prove mostbeneficial both for the spiritual life and for theological and biblicalstudies. Indeed, what the understanding of the faith has enabled us toknow about Mary stands at the heart of Christian truth. Theincarnation of the word cannot be conceived apart from the freedomof this young woman who by her assent decisively cooperated withthe entrance of the eternal into time. Mary is the image of the Churchin attentive hearing of the word of God, which took flesh in her.Mary also symbolizes openness to God and others; an active listeningwhich interiorizes and assimilates, one in which the word becomes away of life.” (BENEDICT XVI, Verbum Domini, no. 27).

Without a close link between Mariology and theology of the word theOrder cannot exist. We must make the “Mary of Scripture” betterknown. We can do this by promoting Lectio Divina – a practicealready existing in many of the Order’s communities. We must makeit a familiar form of prayer for all the people of God. Through Lectiowe are like Mary, who meditated on the saving mysteries of God inJesus Christ. During the 2008 Synod the Bishops wrote the Mother ofthe Incarnate Word “is a symbol for us of the faith of the simple andof the teachers of the Church who seek, discuss and define how toproclaim the Gospel” (The Word of God in the Life and Mission ofthe Church. Instrumentum laboris, no. 25).

Like the documents prepared for previous Chapters, Do whatever HeTells You (1983) and Servants of the Magnificat (1995) this newMarian Document is addressed to all our brothers and sisters in theServite Order and Family. It is also addressed to the local churcheswhere the Servite Family carries out its service of special witnesswith bishops, priests, deacons and lay people. The document issimilarly addressed to all those male and female religious whoseconsecration to the God of Christ is inspired by his Mother.It is also intended for all men and women who venerate withaffection and admiration Mary, she who is blessed because shebelieved (Cf. Lk 1,45). The document is entitled Be it done unto meaccording to your word - the motto of the 213th General Chapter.The editor and the committee have added an meaningful subtitle:Servites and Mary who is the image of those who live listening andwitnessing to the Word.

The Order is a living cell of the Church and the prologue is careful toplace the chapter document in the specific theological and historicalmoment in which we find ourselves. It sees the Order and the ServiteFamily as part of a larger whole. Our development depends on thebonds we share with the Church and the human family. We made aneffort to avoid self-absorption. Our bonds can and should be underthe sign of the Word. If the Church is to be faithful to the promise ofthe Second Vatican Council it cannot ignore the spiritual life ofbelievers and religious. It must be based and focused upon prayerfulattention to the “living”, “effective”, and “incisive” Word (Cf. Heb 4,12-13) as experienced in the tension and from the perspective ofwitness and service in the image of the Lord’s handmaid.

Part One (nos. 15-38) is entitled “Hear O Israel.” Word and Identity.It examines the human and theological links between Israel and Maryof Nazareth. Both receive the Word and cannot be understood apartfrom the inexhaustible dynamism of Revelation and Faith. The Orderof Servants of Mary can be seen as an ecclesial form of the link

Servites and Mary, thevery image of those

who live by listening andwitnessing to the Word

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PROVINCIAL NEWSLETTER edited andproduced at Provincial Secretariate, KersalPriory M7 4ND by fr Paul M. Addison OSM

between Israel and Mary – a charismatic form of the event ofrevelation and faith: the original image of Mary at theAnnunciation. To return to the essential, foundational link betweenthe Word and Our Lady means returning to salvation history andIsrael’s faithwitness. Mary is a daughter of the people of Israel, “and from them,according to the flesh, is the Messiah. God who is over all beblessed forever. Amen.” (Rom 9,5). The poet, Davide M. Turoldo(+ 1992) writes this: “The Virgin Mother is a synthesis of crea-tion, a sign of the fullness of grace; a synthesis of the history ofIsrael: the true Daughter of Zion; she is both the image andperfection of the new Israel: the Church. She is beauty thatbecomes the quest for and dispensation of grace through a life orprayer and invocation. Her life is worship, an act of love.” 5

Part Two (nos. 39-75) is entitled “Mary got up and went ...”. Wordand Action. It explores the Gospel account (primarily Luke) ofMary’s pilgrimage of faith (Peregrinatio fidei) initiated and causedby the incarnation of the Word. The Second Vatican CouncilDogmatic Constitution Dei Verbum tells us that Revelationrepresents a substantial not accidental link between event and word.In the light of this Mary’s peregrinatio fidei is seen as the quest for,acceptance and understanding of the events and words caused firstby the presence of her son, Jesus and later by his actions.Consequently the Order and the Servite Family show their vitalityby following the same path: quest for, acceptance andunderstanding of the signa Christi to be found in the life of theChurch and mankind. Accepting the other as a sign of the God whospeaks allowed Mary to sing the Magnificat (Cf. Lk 1, 46-55). Thecanticle is the fruit of communion, the encounter of believers whocan pool the gifts they have received and exchange their personalhistories of faith (Cf. Rom 12, 3-21). The Magnificat of the Motherof the Word shows us that sharing our faith histories is a Gospelresponsibility and educational and formativechallenge for the whole Church.

Part Three (nos. 76-100) is entitled “They stood near Jesus’ Cross...”. Word and Silence. This section focuses on the culmination ofthe peregrinatio fidei of the woman from Nazareth: her presence atthe foot of the Cross as describe by John. This made her the MaterDolorosa (Cf. Jn 19,25-27). Her presence, however, in the newlyborn post-Easter community in Jerusalem made her the MaterEcclesiae (Cf. Acts 1,14). The Order and the Servite Family mustfind in this paradoxical and scandalous Gospel Silence the sourceof its fruitfulness in the Spirit. Through this fruitfulness the Onewho was both humiliated and exalted joins us to the work of theChurch. This is the sacrament of the Kingdom in history andbeyond history. Its ultimate and longed for destination is the Triunebosom of God. For natural men (Cf. 1 Cor 2, 11-14) word andsilence are opposites and mutually exclusive. The former is asynonym for life and action, the later for death and inaction. Forthose who are led by the Spirit of God the word flows intosilence and silence becomes a form of word. Silence is no longerthe synonym of death and inactivity it is rather the source of life,action, redemption and salvation. The Trinity itself is living andworking silence. It is a silence that saves and reveals itself in para-ble to those who pay attention and listen (Cf. Lk 8, 18). Amongthose present is the Mother of Jesus (Cf. Lk 8, 19-21; 11, 27-28).The Church too is present as are the disciples and her Servants inher, with her and through her. Servants of Mary are called “tomanifest the gift of compassion to the world. They do this not justas an aspect of their ministerial and sacramental service but as aresult of their Marian inspiration [...] Compassion and mercy arerecognized characteristics of Servites who continue in their ownlives the example and presence of the Mother of God (Cf. Consti-tutions OSM 52). The various stages of Mary’s vocation celebrated

in the liturgy and in popular devotion inspire us to accept theWord of God in the very different circumstances of our ownpilgrimage especially in times of suffering – the days of theCross.” 6

The Epilogue (nos. 101-115) is a résumé of the three precedingsections. It focuses on two Marian images that represent theChurch: the Mother of the Living (Mater viventium) in Genesis(Cf. Gen 3, 15) and the Woman clothed with the sun in theApocalypse (Cf. Apoc 12, 1). Servite liturgical traditioncelebrates the solemnity of Our Lady of Sorrows; it considers andaddresses her as principal Patron of the Order. This traditionenvisions the “great sign in heaven” (Cf. Apoc 12,1) as amanifestation that recapitulates the fruitful mystery of Christ’shour and that of his Kingdom (Cf. Jn 2, 1-12; 19, 25-27).In that hour Mary of Nazareth, the Mother of the one destined notto become dust (Cf. Gen 3,19) nor be eaten by the dragon (Cf.Apoc 12, 4) but to ascend to God and his throne (Cf. Apoc 12, 5)became our mother until “until all families of people, whetherthey are honoured with the title of Christian or whether they stilldo not know the Saviour, may be happily gathered together inpeace and harmony into one people of God, for the glory of theMost Holy and Undivided Trinity.” (Second Vatican Council,Lumen Gentium, no. 69).

This “great sign” calls on the Order and the Servite Family tobecome a community of hope that lives humanly andtheologically by listening, deciding and acting. The Epilogueconcludes with a trust and hope fostered by the Word of God. OurLady of the Fiat was always an example of this trust.

We are convinced that this new Marian Document, “Let it bedone unto me according to your Word” (Lk 1, 38). Servites andMary, the image of those who live listening and giving witness tothe Word” will contribute to a theological, religious and spiritualre-birth for the whole Servite Family. In our efforts to follow theOne Necessary we have as our guide Our Lady of the Fiat and asour style Mary’s example as a believer in the God of Jesus Christ.This is the fervent wish Pope Francis expressed in his ApostolicExhortation, Evangelii Gaudium.

Salvatore M. Perrella, osm President of Marianum

FOOTNOTES1 ORDINE DEI FRATI SERVI DI MARIA, ”Ecco, la serva del Signore:avvenga per me secondo la Tua parola: (Lc 1, 38) Instrumentum laboris,March 19, 2013, no. 2 in Acta Ordinis Servorum B. Mariae Virginis 14 (2013),p. 355; for the whole document Cf. ibidem, pp. 355-363.2 GIOVANNI M VANNUCCI, Esercizi spirituali Mondadori Milan 2000 p183 Constitutions OSM, art. 27.4 Cf. SILVANO MAGGIANI, Addolorata, in STEFANO DE FIORES –SALVATORE MEO (edit.) Nuovo Dizionario di Mariologia, San Paolo, CiniselloBalsamo 1985, pp. 3-16; MARIA MAURA MURARO-MARIA MARCELLINAPEDICO, Addolorata, in STEFANO DE FIORES – VALERIA FERRARISCHIEFER – SALVATORE MARIA PERRELLA (edit.) Mariologia. I Dizionari,San Paolo, Cinisello Balsamo 2009, pp. 6-16.5 DAVIDE MARIA TUROLDO, Laudario alla Vergine: “Via pulchritudiis”, EDB,Bologna 1980, p. 15.6 ORDINE DEI FRATI SERVI DI MARIA, “Ecco la serva del Signore: avvengaper me secondo la tua parola (Lc 1, 38). Instrumentum laboris, no. 16,in Acta Ordinis Servorum B. MariaeVirginis Nova Series 14 (2013), no. 19, p. 360.

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