Congregation of Holy Cross. July 4 24, 2010 Rome

Transcription

1 Congregation of Holy Cross July 4 24, 2010 Rome

2 Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010 Congregation of Holy Cross July 4 24, 2010 Rome

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4 Contents Introductory Letter from Rev. Richard V. Warner, C.S.C., Superior General... iv List of Delegates...vii Governance... 1 Religious Life, Vocations and Formation Mission Finance Index... 63

5 Via Framura, 85 Phone (39) Rome Italy Fax (39) Congregation of Holy Cross General Administration Richard V. Warner, C.S.C. Superior General Rome, November 15, 2010 My Brothers in Holy Cross, I am pleased to send you the Proceedings of the 2010 General Chapter, which took place in Rome from July 4 to July 24, The delay in getting this important document to you was due, at least in part, to a happy fault, since we have all been so fully engaged in the blessed and joyful events surrounding the canonization of our first Holy Cross religious, Saint André Bessette. The Chapter was a very important one for all of us, because the capitulants, after reviewing the current demographics of our Congregation, decided to decree the development of processes which would lead to proposals for a new structure of Congregational authority and organization as well as the development of a Congregational financial plan which will provide adequate resources for the needs of all our jurisdictions. In order to carry out these significant responsibilities, two task forces will be appointed, and a structure for consultation will be developed to insure that the voices of all our religious are heard as we carry out this mandate. The Chapter authorized the use of consultants to carry out this work in the most effective way possible. The final decisions on these matters will be determined by the 2016 General Chapter. Because of the importance of these issues, you will notice that the decrees and recommendations of the Governance Committee are first in the Proceedings. This was done at the instruction of the capitulants. This does not mean that the work of the other committees is less important. iv

6 Introductory Letter v As soon as possible, each of you will receive a Circular Letter on these issues as well as a study guide, which I hope you will use to understand what the General Chapter has decreed and which will lead to productive and important discussions in our local communities. These meetings will be the first moments of consultation and discernment with regard to the future direction our Congregation will take. I want to thank you in advance for your full cooperation in this process, and for your prayers for the success of the work that lies ahead of us. May Saint André Bessette, who accomplished goals so often deemed impossible during his lifetime, pray with and for us. And may we learn from him how to be men of prayer above all, so that we might encourage one another as we carry out our public profession of the vows, and as we emulate his virtues of charity, zeal and love for all God s people, especially those most in need. Fraternally and devotedly in Holy Cross, Rev. Richard V. Warner, C.S.C. Superior General

7 Front Row, L R: Fr. André Charron, Fr. Hugh Cleary, Br. Thomas Dziekan, Fr. Richard Warner, Fr. Roy Thalackan, Sr. Mary Louise Gude, Fr. Éric Jasmin, Fr. James Lackenmier. Row 2: Br. John Joseph, Fr. Thaddeus Hembrom, Sr. Sylvia Landry, Br. John Paige, Fr. Theophilus Sohtun, Fr. Boniface Tolentino, Br. John Affum Badu, Fr. P. A. Devadoss. Row 3: Fr. Gordon Didier Serre, Br. Anthony Biakthanpara, Br. David Andrews, Fr. David Tyson, Fr. Michel Eugène, Br. Jesús Alonso, Br. Daniel Dardoe. Row 4: Br. Chester Freel, Fr. Frederick Jenga, Br. Joseph Kaganda, Fr. Gérard Dionne, Br. Joseph Tsiquaye, Fr. Claude Grou. Row 5: Fr. Gregory Haake, Br. Richard Gilman, Fr. Arokiasamy Arul, Br. Nilto Oliveira, Br. Sesuraj, Br. Charles-Edouard Smith, Fr. Thomas O Hara. Row 6: Fr. James Burasa, Br. Stephen Binoy Gomes, Br. Lawrence Subal Rozario, Fr. Jean-Pierre Aumont, Br. Donald Blauvelt, Br. Bijoy Rodrigues, Br. Robert Lavelle. Row 7: Fr. James Gallagher, Fr. John Vickers, Fr. Firto Régis, Fr. Carl Ebey, Fr. Michael DeLaney. Row 8: Fr. William Beauchamp, Fr. Frank Quinlivan, Fr. Pascal Garçon, Fr. Robert Epping, Br. Raymond Papenfuss, Fr. Thomas Looney, Br. Donald Stabrowski. Row 9: Br. Patrick Sopher, Br. Kenneth Haders, Fr. Peter Rocca, Fr. Thampi Kayala, Fr. Wilfred Murchland, Br. Leo Pereira, Fr. Ulysse LeBlanc, Br. Stephen Walsh, Fr. Stephen Lacroix, Br. George Schmitz, Br. John Gleason, Fr. Mario Lachapelle, Fr. Paul LeBlanc.

8 List of Delegates Congregation of Holy Cross General Chapter 2010 vii

9 viii Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010

10 List of Delegates ix

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12 Governance Envisioning Structures That Enhance the Mission of Holy Cross Blessed Basile Moreau believed that Holy Cross is not a human work, but God s very own. He was convinced that his patently imprudent vision of religious brothers and priests sharing a common life and mission in one indivisible brotherhood was principally the unfolding of God s Providence for the revitalization of the Church and society. We claim his belief that Holy Cross is an instrument of God s redeeming presence in the world as our own. Gathered together in Chapter, we are compelled by Father Moreau s faith to a profound openness to the stirrings of the Spirit among us. We believe that God is inviting us to envision new structures of authority and responsibility so that the mission of Holy Cross might be engaged in a more effective and life-giving manner for the people among whom and with whom we are called to form communities of the coming kingdom. In our first days together, a fundamental intuition emerged among us: in the light of demographic changes, we need a new vision of congregational authority and responsibility. We have come to believe that our mission of revitalizing the Church and society through the ministries of teaching and preaching will be more 1

13 2 Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010 efficacious for the People of God if we place the perspective of the Congregation as a whole at the heart of our discernment process. We believe that we need to restructure authority and responsibility within the Congregation so as to insure that we discern with integrity the best manner in which to place our Congregation at the service of the gospel. Guided and Formed by Our Spiritual Heritage as Sons of Blessed Basile Moreau As we consider the possibilities for restructuring authority and responsibility in Holy Cross, we wish to engage and to make our choices in light of the spiritual heritage bequeathed to us by Father Moreau. The competence to see and the courage to act in acknowledging our need for new structures to serve our common mission with greater effectiveness will, in fact, be an engagement of that same spiritual heritage: a. Trust in Divine Providence: we believe that the Spirit is inviting us to trust that the Lord is leading us to a new way of structuring the gifts of authority and responsibility in the Congregation for the deepening of our common life and mission. We are called to follow the Spirit s lead, trusting that God s providential plan will be made known to us if we yield to him. b. Conformity to Christ: we believe that the Spirit is inviting us to conform ourselves individually and communally to the likeness of Christ who was anointed by the Spirit to inaugurate a kingdom of justice, love and peace. We are called to create structures of authority and responsibility that will model and assist in our efforts to form communities of the coming kingdom. c. Confidence in the Cross, Our Only Hope: we believe that the Spirit is inviting us to empty ourselves in imitation of Jesus, who came not to be served but

14 Governance 3 to serve. We are called to empty ourselves of our attachments to familiar structures and to embrace new structures that will enable us to serve God s people as men with hope to bring. d. A Spirit of Union and Collaboration: we believe that the Spirit is inviting us to a deeper acceptance and appreciation of the uniqueness of our charism in the Church as an international congregation of religious brothers and priests bound together in one indivisible brotherhood. We are called to develop structures of authority and responsibility that model equality and mutuality in the sharing of our varied cultural heritages and vocations within the life of the Church. e. Zeal for the Mission: we believe that the Spirit is inviting us to stir into flame the desire to make God known, loved, and served by envisioning creative and dynamic structures of congregational leadership to coordinate the planning and discernment of that mission. We, who by our vows have pledged to join with our brothers in community and with the whole Church in the search for God s will, are called to engage with zeal the process that will lead to a new way of thinking and acting among us. Called by the Spirit to actively plan for the future of our Congregation and its mission, we pledge ourselves and invite each member of the Congregation to live the spiritual heritage of Father Moreau. Fundamental Guiding Perspectives and Principles As we engage the process of planning and discerning those structures that will enable us to better serve God s people as educators in the faith, we believe that key perspectives and principles must shape our process. Therefore, as we engage this process of envisioning new

15 4 Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010 structures of congregational authority and responsibility, we will seek to: a. engage the discernment process by which we choose the Congregation s fundamental ministerial commitments from the perspective of the Congregation as a whole; b. entrust congregation-level leadership with the appropriate authority to oversee and coordinate planning for the international mission of Holy Cross; c. ensure that our unique charism of priests and brothers living and working together in an indivisible brotherhood is reflected in each level of authority and responsibility in the Congregation, and is present in every sector of the Congregation; d. foster an awareness among all Holy Cross religious that our identity as Holy Cross, while lived locally, is principally congregational; e. ensure that the apostolic and common-life needs of every sector of the Congregation for mission, formation of new religious, and care of elderly and infirm religious will be given appropriate consideration in decisions concerning the allocation of congregational funds. Intended Blessings and Benefits of Restructuring The benefits that we hope and trust will come to us through an intentional process of restructuring authority and responsibility in the Congregation include the following: a. a truly international vision of the life and mission of Holy Cross; b. a renewal of our founding missionary spirit;

16 Governance 5 c. an opportunity for an authentic renewal of our religious life as apostolic religious; d. a greater fidelity to Moreau s vision concerning our indivisible brotherhood as religious brothers and priests living and working together; e. a greater awareness and appreciation of the various cultures that shape the lives of our brothers in Holy Cross; f. a deeper sharing of the communion of life that is ours as religious of Holy Cross so that our communion of life will be a sign in an alienated world of the possibility of authentic relationships rooted in a vision of God s preferential love for the poor and afflicted. In keeping with the aforementioned vision, perspectives, principles, and desired benefits of future structures of the Congregation, this Chapter makes the following decree and recommendations. Decree 1: Congregational Planning Task Force Concerning the general governance structures, authority, and organization of the Congregation, the Chapter decrees that: a. The Superior General and his Council will direct the development of a proposal for a new vision and a new structure of congregational authority and organization to be presented at the 2016 General Chapter. b. The Superior General will establish a Congregational Planning Task Force. The Superior General will serve as chair and, with the consent of his Council, appoint an adequate number of religious to complete its charge. The Task Force will undertake an intensive study of congregational structures and present initial findings and recommendations to the 2012 provincial, vicariate, and district chapters or assemblies. Taking into account the feedback from the chapters,

17 6 Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010 the Task Force will engage further extensive study in order for the Superior General to present to the 2014 district chapters and 2015 provincial and vicariate chapters a plan for a new vision and structure of congregational authority and organization. c. The Superior General will establish a Finance Planning Task Force. The Task Force, in consultation with the Congregational Finance Commission, is charged with developing a congregational financial plan by 2012 and revising it if necessary by It will conduct a study of potential options that will provide adequate resources for the needs of all jurisdictions in light of the work of the Congregational Planning Task Force. Recommendation 1: Work of the Congregational Planning Task Forces The Superior General and his Council may engage Plante and Moran and/or other professional consultants as needed to assist the Congregational Planning Task Force and the Financial Planning Task Force with their charge. In collegial union with the Superior General and his Council, the provincial, vicariate, and district superiors should speak and act from a congregational perspective in all their deliberations and decisions. A significant portion of the annual meetings of the Council of the Congregation should be devoted to the task of reviewing the work of the Congregational Planning Task Force and the Financial Planning Task Force. With their help the superiors should develop a pedagogy applicable throughout the Congregation for disseminating the proposed visions and plans.

18 Governance 7 The Superior General should communicate to the membership at large on a regular basis the developments pertaining to restructuring initiatives. Recommendation 2: District of West Africa and the Holy Cross Mission Center Concerning governance structures, authority, and organization of the Congregation s essential patrimony, the Chapter recommends that: The Superior General continue and bring to conclusion conversations regarding the inclusion of the District of West Africa among the entities which the Holy Cross Mission Center of the Indiana Province supports and serves. The assets currently held for the District of West Africa by the Midwest Province would be transferred to the Holy Cross Mission Center as funds restricted for West Africa. West Africa would share in all future fundraising efforts of the Holy Cross Mission Center upon successful resolution of the conversations. Recommendation 3: Congregational Staffing of Saint Joseph Oratory and the Conventual Church of Notre-Dame-de-Sainte-Croix In light of (1) the 2006 Extraordinary Chapter s designation of Saint Joseph Oratory and the conventual church of Notre-Damede-Sainte-Croix as essential elements of the historical patrimony of the Congregation, (2) their unique status as the repositories of the earthly remains of Blessed André Bessette and Blessed Basile Moreau, (3) the present movement toward establishing a new vision of congregational authority and organization, and (4) the congregational demographics, the Chapter recommends that these ministries be administered by the Canadian Province and the Vicariate of France from a congregational perspective. The

19 8 Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010 Superior General and his Council will assist these responsible jurisdictions in maintaining an adequate presence of religious and in assuring the Congregation s historical interest in the governance and vitality of these ministries. Recommendation 4: Holy Cross Family Ministries In light of (1) the international scope of the mission of Holy Cross Family Ministries, (2) its foundation by the Servant of God, Father Patrick Payton, C.S.C., and (3) its essential ministry of education in the faith through promoting family prayer, especially the rosary, the Chapter recommends that the Superior General, in consultation with the United States Province of Priests and Brothers and with the governing boards of Holy Cross Family Ministries, explore the potential designation of the Holy Cross Family Ministries as an element of the essential historical patrimony of the Congregation at the 2016 General Chapter. Provisions for the General Chapter of 2016 Decree 2: Provisions for the General Chapter of 2016 The Chapter decrees the following provisions for the General Chapter of 2016: Suspension of a portion of Statute 93 (a), (b), and (c) as well as a portion of Statute 94 For the purpose of constituting the General Chapter of 2016, Statute 93, (a), (b), and (c) and a portion of Statute 94 are suspended so that: The General Chapter of 2016 will be composed of between fiftyfour and sixty-two members exclusive of the Superior General.

20 Governance 9 There will be an equal number of members of each society exclusive of the Superior General. The ex officio members of the Chapter will be the Superior General, the general assistants, the provincials, and the vicariate superiors. The remaining capitulants shall be elected by the provincial/vicariate Chapters without regard to society. The number of capitulants and alternates to be elected by each Chapter will be determined by the Superior General with the consent of his Council. To determine the number of capitulants to be elected, provinces and vicariates will be divided into two groups: a. Group One shall represent the membership of the Vicariate of France, the Vicariate of English Canada, the Provinces of South India, North-East India, Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the United States Province of Priests and Brothers, and members of the Society of Priests from the Canadian and Moreau Provinces. b. Group Two shall consist of the Vicariate of India, the Provinces of Saint Joseph and Midwest, and members of the Society of Brothers from the Canadian and Moreau Provinces. Each voting group will be equally represented. First, ex officio capitulants assigned to the group are taken into account. The provincials and vicariate superiors as ex officio capitulants should be counted as the first of the delegates allotted to a province/vicariate. Then, as far as possible, the number of capitulants to be elected by a province/vicariate Chapter should equal the number of members to be elected by the voting group multiplied by the ratio of the total number of professed province/vicariate members to the total of the professed members in the group.

21 10 Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010 The Provincial Chapters shall provide for the following from among their elected General Chapter delegates: a. District of East Africa: The United States Province of Priests and Brothers will elect at least one delegate from the District of East Africa and the Moreau Province will elect at least one delegate from the District of East Africa. b. District of West Africa: The Midwest Province will elect at least two delegates from the District of West Africa. c. District of Brazil: The Moreau Province will elect at least one delegate from the District of Brazil. d. Districts of Chile and Peru: The United States Province of Priests and Brothers will elect at least one delegate from the District of Chile and/or the District of Peru. e. Districts without elected representation to the Chapter will be invited to send a representative to be a participant observer. Each province and vicariate will also elect two members to a pool. Maintaining parity, the Superior General with the consent of his Council will draw up to eight members from this pool, up to a maximum of sixty-two delegates: a. to establish parity in the event that the elections do not do so; b. to provide for representation for both societies in mixed provinces; c. to include representation of the growing sectors of the Congregation. The election of the members of the pool will be done according to the method of election of capitulants. A Provincial/Vicariate Chapter may decide that members elected to the pool will be the alternate delegates. A Provincial Chapter may direct a district to

22 Governance 11 propose names of district members suitable for election as delegates or as members of the pool. Decree 3: The Composition of the Council of the Congregation The Chapter decrees that the membership of the Council of the Congregation is comprised of the Superior General and his Council, the provincial, vicariate and district superiors. The Council of the Congregation ordinarily meets annually. Decree 4: Amending Constitution 7:99 The Chapter decrees the amendment to Constitution 7:99 and requests the approval of the Holy See to read as follows: Constitution 7:99: The highest authority in the Congregation is vested in the General Chapter, which must discern and decide the largest issues of the common good and regulate relations between the societies and among the provinces. It includes as capitulants ex officio: the Superior General who presides, the general assistants, and the provincials. The number of elected capitulants exceeds that of the capitulants ex officio. Capitulants are elected according to parity such that the societies are represented by equal numbers of capitulants exclusive of the Superior General. The Superior General meets and votes with both societies when they act separately.

23 12 Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010 Decree 5: Amending Constitution 7:95 The Chapter decrees the amendment to Constitution 7:95 and requests the approval of the Holy See to read as follows: The highest authority in a province is vested in the Provincial Chapter, which must discern and decide the largest issues of the common good. Unless in particular circumstances the Superior General has permitted an alternate method of constituting the Chapter membership, it is composed of capitulants ex officio: the provincial who presides, the assistant provincial, district superiors, elected provincial Councilors and, unless the preceding provincial Chapter decided otherwise, appointed provincial Councilors; and of capitulants elected by members of the province. Elected capitulants must be more numerous than those ex officio. In a mixed province the delegates are elected in proportion to the number of province members with active voice in the respective societies. Decree 6: A Decree Authorizing the Superior General to Change the Status of Provinces In extraordinary circumstances, if a province requests a change of status before the General Chapter of 2016, the Chapter decrees that the Superior General with consent of his Council, in accordance with Statute 60, is authorized to suppress the province and erect a new vicariate or to merge the suppressed entity into another province. The General Council In 2004, Constitution 7:103 was amended to read: The Superior General is assisted by a general Council of four or six members. The first two assistants are elected by the General Chapter, the others being appointed by the Superior

24 Governance 13 General according to Statute 103 (a) as amended. All serve for terms co-extensive with that of the Superior General. The assistants hold rank alternately by society, the first assistant always belonging to the society other than that of the Superior General. The first assistant is the vicar of the Superior General. The general secretary and the general steward are appointed by the Superior General and are under his authority. (No action needed by the General Chapter of 2010) Decree 7: The General Council The Chapter amends Statute 103 to read: a. The first and second general assistants are elected by the General Chapter from lists prepared at the General Chapter by and from the two societies in concert with the Superior General. The religious on the list of each society must be acceptable to the Superior General and the Chapter delegates from the society. Additionally, the Superior General must appoint two general assistants and may appoint two additional general assistants, alternating societies to maintain parity. Ordinarily, the appointments should be made within one month of the end of the Chapter and after consultation with the elected assistants. The elected general assistants are full-time Councilors to the Superior General and usually reside at the Generalate. The appointed assistants are also Councilors, but need not be full time nor reside at the Generalate. b. The Superior General appoints the general secretary, the general steward, and the procurator general with the consent of the general assistants unless he appoints one of them. The general secretary is responsible for the correspondence, documents, and minutes of the general administration. The general steward is responsible for financial planning and ordinary administration of funds and properties at the general

25 14 Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010 level under the direction of the Superior General. The procurator general serves as liaison between the Congregation and the Holy See. Decree 8: The Election and Appointment of the General Assistants The Chapter decrees that the following process be used for the election of two members of the General Council: a. A list of candidates for the first general assistant and a list of candidates for the second general assistant are prepared by the appropriate society in a societal meeting involving significant participation by the Superior General. The Superior General may remove any names from the proposed list. With the approval of the society the Superior General may add additional names. The religious on the final list of potential candidates from each society must be acceptable to the Superior General and to the society. b. Prior to presentation of the lists to the Chapter for election, the Superior General will consult with each religious on the list to determine his willingness to stand for election as a general assistant and councilor. He may, at the same time, consult with them to determine if they would accept appointment as a general councilor. c. If, following the consultation, the Superior General determines that the number of religious standing for election is inadequate, he will meet with the society in question to discern additional potential religious for election. d. The final lists are presented to the Chapter for the election of one brother and one priest as the first and second general assistants and councilors respectively. e. Ordinarily the Superior General will appoint an additional two or four general assistants and councilors within one month of the end of the Chapter after consulting with the elected assistants.

26 Governance 15 Restructuring Recommendation 5: The Place of Districts in Restructuring The Chapter recommends that when a process of merger is to take place between or among Provinces, an assessment of the Districts within those Provinces should be conducted. Further, the status of the Districts in the new entity should be determined as part of the process of due diligence. Decree 9: Amending Constitution 7:93 Constitution 7:93 currently states: A province is a sector of the Congregation which has a high degree of autonomy. It is erected by the General Chapter and is under a provincial superior. It comprises a number of local houses and members and sources of finance sufficient to support and develop its ministries, vocation promotion, formation and common Life. In exercising autonomy over its own common life and its participation in the mission of the Congregation, a province nevertheless acts in dependence upon the Superior General and in collaboration with the other provinces. The Chapter decrees that Constitution 7:93 read: A province is a sector of the Congregation which has a high degree of autonomy. It is erected by the General Chapter and is under a provincial superior. It acts in a relationship of subsidiarity with the Superior General who coordinates collaboration among the provinces. It exercises autonomy over its own common life and mission in accord with the values and principles of our life as articulated in the Constitutions. It comprises a number of local houses and members and sources of finance sufficient to support and develop its ministries, vocation promotion, formation and common life.

27 16 Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010 Decree 10: Enabling Legislation for Province Status for the District of East Africa The Chapter, acting upon the recommendation of the 2009 Provincial Chapter of the Indiana Province (Decree 5), decrees that the Superior General with the consent of his Council, and after consultation with the District Superior and the Provincial of the United States Province of Priests and Brothers, and the Provincial of the Moreau Province, is authorized to erect the District of East Africa as a Province (C 100; S 60) prior to the General Chapter of 2016, contingent upon the following: a. The District Superior of East Africa, with the consent of his Council, will present to the Superior General and his Council (through the Provincial of the United States Province of Priests and Brothers) a five-year plan for the development of the ministries and finances of the District and future Province. This plan will be reviewed and updated annually and will be shared with the Moreau Province (cf. Decree 13, General Chapter of 2004). b. The District of East Africa will finalize written agreements with the United States Province of Priests and Brothers, the Moreau Province, and the Holy Cross Mission Center of the United States Province, in which is outlined the annual sum of financial assistance which will be placed at the disposal of the newly erected Province for a period of ten years from the date of the establishment of the new Province. This assistance, along with other sources of revenue, will provide for the operating expenses of the new Province. These agreements shall be executed by the Provincials and the District Superior with the consent of the appropriate Councils (cf. Decree 13, General Chapter of 2004).

28 Governance 17 Decree 11: The Merger of the Eastern Province of Priests and Brothers into the Indiana Province The 2009 Provincial Chapters of the Indiana Province (cf. Decree 1) and the Eastern Province of Priests and Brothers (cf. Decree 8) issued the following common decree: The Chapter decrees that the provincial administration will present for inclusion on the agenda of the Chapter a request that it authorize the general administration to effect the merger of the Eastern Province into the Indiana Province. It is recommended that this be accomplished in time for the combined membership to prepare for and participate in the first Provincial Chapter of the merged province in The Chapter decrees that the Superior General is authorized to suppress the Eastern Province of Priests and Brothers upon its merger into the Indiana Province. The Chapter decrees that upon the completion of the merger, the Indiana Province be renamed the United States Province of Priests and Brothers. The Chapter authorizes the Superior General, with the consent of his Council, to perform all acts necessary to accomplish this merger. This merger is to be completed no later than September 15, Decree 12: Restructuring of the Province of South India The Chapter recognizes the important presence and ministry of Holy Cross in South India. It was due to a historic decision taken by the then Superior General, the Very Reverend Christopher J. O Toole, that Fr. Alfred McClure from the French Canadian Province came to Yercaud (State of Tamil Nadu) on April 6, 1959, to promote the development of Holy Cross in India. The Chapter further recognizes that twenty-five years later, the two Indian Districts spread over nine states of India, five in South India and four in the Northeast. The Province of India

29 18 Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010 was established in 1984 and with the erection of the North-East Province in 2003, the name of the Province of India was changed to the Province of South India. The states of India are characterized by ethnic, cultural, and linguistic differentiations, among other characteristics. For this reason, most of the congregations in India with sufficient membership have established provinces based on these factors. Currently, the Province of South India consists of eighty-four members, thirty-seven of whom have opted to become members of the Tamil Nadu jurisdiction if and when it is established. At the 2009 Provincial Chapter of South India, a decree stated that the Provincial with his Council take effective measures to constitute a new jurisdiction in Tamil Nadu at the time of the ordinary Provincial Chapter of 2012 or, if needed, through the convocation of an extraordinary Provincial Chapter. Therefore, the Chapter decrees that the Province of South India Restructuring Committee, which was entrusted to develop plans to determine clarity with regard to the following factors, shall assure that: a. the membership of the two jurisdictions be determined; b. the ministries that will be under the responsibility of each jurisdiction be clarified; c. an agreement with regard to a joint formation program be adopted, and d. clarity with regard to the finances of each jurisdiction be determined in a way which will guarantee the financial viability of both jurisdictions. The legislation of the 2012 Provincial Chapter of South India, or an extraordinary Provincial Chapter, which addresses the abovementioned concerns will be submitted to the Superior General requesting that he:

30 Governance 19 a. Establish a vicariate, and after consultation with the membership of the vicariate, determine the particular norms for its functioning. b. Assure that the Province of South India continues to meet the provisions of Statute 60. Statement 1: Regarding the Proposed Union of the District of Brazil (SW) and the District du Brésil (CP) The Chapter received information concerning the proposed union of the District of Brazil under the jurisdiction of the South- West Province and the District du Brésil under the jurisdiction of la Province Canadienne de Sainte-Croix. We encourage the work of the joint committee representing both districts which has been established to continue working to determine the details of the union of the two districts. Decree 13: Amending Statute 60 The Chapter decrees that Statute 60 be amended to read: In order that a group of local communities or religious be erected as a province by the General Chapter, sufficient stability to assure effective service of the mission must be ascertained. This stability must include the following: a. an adequate number of members, including a substantial proportion of local religious; b. realistic probability of the attraction and retention of vocations; c. ability to provide religious formation; d. potential leadership; e. capacity to assume financial responsibility for the life and mission either through local efforts and resources or through a realistic endowment approved by the

31 20 Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010 Superior General with the consent of his Council, after consultation with, and review by the Congregational Finance Commission. Should any existing province believe that it may no longer meet the above criteria, or should the Superior General and his Council believe a province may no longer meet the above criteria, or if a province wishes to change it status, the Superior General will assist the province in a process of assessment. Statement 2: Regarding the Creation of a New Province through the Suppression of the South-West Province and the Eastern Province of Brothers We live and work as priests and brothers together. This brief statement from Constitution 2:11 reflects not only a theme that is central to Blessed Basile Moreau s understanding of Holy Cross, but also one of his most profound hopes for our Congregation. His plan was to bring together brothers and priests who would continue the mission of Jesus by committing themselves to make God known, loved and served, and thus bring salvation to all people. He believed that every dimension of our religious life must be mission-driven: ministry, prayer, community, and vows. Through these realities we will have formed in us by God s enablement the living likeness of Jesus Christ (Constitution 6:58). Our structures, too, must be shaped by mission. The Constitutions mandate that we must evaluate the quality, forms and priorities of our commitments as to how effectively they serve the needs of the Church and the world (Constitution 2:19). Today, we once again take up the challenge of forging a new path through fidelity to our religious life, our love for Holy Cross, and our conviction that a future filled with blessings is before us (2009 Provincial Chapters of the South-West Province and the Eastern Province of Brothers).

32 Governance 21 Decree 14: Enabling Legislation for the Suppression of the South-West Province and the Eastern Province of Brothers and the Erection of a New Mixed Province The Chapter decrees the suppression of the South-West Province and the Eastern Province of Brothers in order to effect the merger of these two jurisdictions and erect a new mixed province which will be called the Moreau Province. The Superior General, with the consent of his Council, will erect this new province no later than September 15, The suppression of the two aforementioned provinces will take effect concurrently with the erection of the new province. Decree 15: Appointment of a Provincial Superior and Two Provincial Councilors for the New Province The Chapter decrees that after consultation with the members of the former South-West Province and the Eastern Province of Brothers, the Superior General, with the consent of his Council, appoint a Provincial Superior and two provincial Councilors to hold office until the regularly scheduled Provincial Chapter of The Provincial shall appoint at least two additional Councilors according to the provisions of Constitution 7:98, and Statutes 79 and 110, 8. Decree 16: To Maintain the Structure of Vicariate in the Congregation until 2016 (cf. Decree 4, Extraordinary General Chapter of 2006) The Chapter decrees that, because of demographic changes in the Congregation, and until the General Chapter of 2016, the structure called a vicariate is to be maintained as a sector of the Congregation that is not yet ready or no longer able to function

33 22 Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010 as a province but is unable to become part of another entity for cultural, linguistic, political, historical and/or geographical reasons. The vicariate, established by the Superior General and with the consent of his Council and after consultation with the membership, is similar to a province in terms of its ability to promote vocations and acquire, possess, administer and alienate material goods as a juridic person. The Superior General with the consent of his Council will determine the unique norms for the governance of each vicariate. If there is a necessity for a vicariate to be suppressed before the General Chapter of 2016, the Superior General, with the consent of his Council, may do so. Decree 17: Review of Reversionary Clauses in Documents The Chapter decrees that the reversionary clauses in all current documents of provinces, vicariates, and districts be reviewed with legal counsel to insure that the Congregation of Holy Cross is named as sole beneficiary in every instance. In those documents where the reversionary clause does not state this clearly, and where it is possible to make this change, such changes should be enacted as soon as possible. Decree 18: Review of Documents Governing the Relationship between Jurisdictions and Institutions The Chapter decrees that documents governing the relationship between the provinces, vicariates and districts and institutions owned by the Congregation of Holy Cross or sponsored by it, shall be reviewed with legal counsel to insure that, where possible and needed, the reversionary clauses in such documents benefit the Congregation of Holy Cross.

34 Governance 23 Decree 19: Approval of Minutes of the General Chapter of 2010 The Chapter decrees that minutes that are not approved in the Chapter will be approved by the Superior General and his Council. Recommendation 6: Adherence to Legal Requirements for Legal Entities The Chapter recommends that provincial, vicariate and district superiors and their Councils insure that all legal requirements under their purview be reviewed to insure that all requirements to which the Congregation of Holy Cross is obligated be completed in a timely fashion. This includes careful record-keeping, election of officers, minutes of meetings, and other matters required by law be attended to in a timely and careful fashion. Recommendation 7: Retention of Legal Counsel The Chapter recommends that each province, vicariate, and district retain legal counsel on a contingency basis. Recommendation 8: Canonical Relationship with Sponsored Institutions The Chapter recommends that the general administration, with the assistance of a canon lawyer, work with the provinces, vicariates, and districts to clarify and compile the canonical relationships with sponsored institutions.

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36 Religious Life, Vocations and Formation Religious Life Generations Walking Side by Side was the theme of the General Chapter of The capitulants were conscious that the Congregation is at an important turning point in its history and that we must be open to new possibilities and to new ways of doing things. Our religious life is essentially oriented towards mission. This mission is developing in many countries, among many peoples and cultures. Blessed Basile Moreau encouraged this reality by sending men to different countries, and insisted that, for success, there be union among the religious, even though there was great diversity in where they were, who they were, and what they did. The Congregation continues to develop in different cultures. This reality, plus a new awareness of Father Moreau s vision, invites us to explore new paths and to think congregationally rather than provincially. This new vision insists that we discover new ways of being Holy Cross. Our identity as consecrated religious unites us in Holy Cross and consecrates us for mission. The community places everything in common: fraternity, prayer, work, and spiritual and material 25

37 26 Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010 resources. Among us there is equality of status, rights, and obligations. Our life as consecrated religious is at the heart of who we are and what we offer to the Church and the world. The goal of every religious is to conform his life to that of Jesus in order to live as he did, a life of love in today s world. The Chapter encourages everyone to reread the Declaration on Religious Life from the 2004 General Chapter. The Chapter believes that we are in the process of fulfilling the intent of that declaration. Our Holy Cross mission, common to all of us, is our commitment to the urgent needs of the People of God and the world we live in. There is a need for continuing evangelization drawing people into an ever closer relationship with Christ. Among us, brothers and priests, the roles are diverse but complementary in our exercise of the common mission. Brothers work in a multitude of conferred ministries, hold professional roles or trades that contribute to the Reign of God. Priests exercise more particularly ordained ministry, working to edify and build up the Church and to celebrate the sacraments. Our ministries, services, and roles are varied, but what is absolutely essential is our common religious life from which these works flow. A careful study of the theology of the religious life, what it means to be a religious priest, and what it means to be a religious brother, will help us focus on what unites us. We live in a time in which the credibility of the Church has been severely tried. The lives of joyful religious striving to incarnate Gospel values can help not only to restore credibility but also attract new members to our community. The union of the societies of brothers and priests in Holy Cross is unchangeable; it is integral to the charism of our foundation. Steps should be taken to make this union a more vibrant reality. Regional meetings will bring together various units of the Congregation for planning, communication, and activities. New structures, commissions, offices, and committees will facilitate communication and sharing of resources. Interdependence will foster the development of relations between the two societies among regions, provinces, vicariates, and districts, as well as among individuals.

38 Religious Life, Vocations and Formation 27 As consecrated religious we belong to an international community. Our mission sends us across borders of every sort. Interdependence and internationality must become a reality in all our mission endeavors. Formation for cross-cultural sensitivity and awareness is essential for all in formation. Cultural diversity is a growing reality everywhere we minister. In-depth theological reflection on mission and the missionary task of the church in today s world should be integrated into all stages of formation. Every effort should be made to help all in formation to identify primarily with Holy Cross and not just with a given province or work. Holy Cross is an organic whole made up of communities throughout the world. Restructuring needs to give focused attention to what will encourage, plan, and implement a collaborative response to future calls to an international and cross-cultural mission. This is our internationality; it is a reality that demands interdependence an interdependence that enables us to approach the world as we find it with a deep sense of love and commitment. We must strive to become more aware of the gifts that Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas contribute to enrich the patrimony of Holy Cross. This will provide a greater awareness of who we are as Holy Cross and what our special gift to the world is. Recommendation 9: Congregational Vision The Chapter recommends that the Superior General use the materials and conversations from this Chapter to write a circular letter encouraging the members of Holy Cross to go beyond borders of provinces and particular areas and to think more in terms of the Congregation. Critical to this reflection is our primary identity as religious, our vocations as religious priests and religious brothers, our mission, our interdependence, and our internationality. Included should be an outline for education and discussion to assist all our members throughout the Congregation to understand and appreciate this vision.

39 28 Proceedings of the General Chapter 2010 Recommendation 10: Our Life and Mission as Religious The Chapter recommends that at all levels of authority in the Congregation, the superiors facilitate meetings within local communities, provinces, vicariates, districts, and regions of the Congregation to reflect on the materials supplied by this Chapter and the Superior General regarding our life and mission as religious. Recommendation 11: Commission on Religious Life The Chapter recommends that a Commission on Religious Life be maintained. New tasks for this commission include: a. An in-depth reflection on the vocation of the brother and the vocation of the priest in Holy Cross, especially with regard to our essential interrelationship; that we may better understand who we are as Holy Cross religious and our gift as a Congregation in the Church. b. A plan for a year celebrating the brothers vocation beginning with the first anniversary of Blessed André Bessette s canonization, October 17, 2011, and lasting until October 17, Each jurisdiction of the Congregation, gathered regionally where feasible, is invited to create materials for parishes, schools, and other ministries of Holy Cross. Decree 20: Change in Constitution 1 The Chapter decrees that the line in Constitution 1, paragraph 6 that reads: We are a religious Congregation composed of two distinct societies of clerics and of laymen bound together in one indivisible brotherhood.

40 Religious Life, Vocations and Formation 29 Be amended to read: We are a religious Congregation composed of two distinct societies of religious, one of priests and one of brothers, bound together in one indivisible brotherhood. Recommendation 12: Official Insignia and Religious Habit in the Congregation By identifying ourselves as consecrated religious through what we wear, we are able to provide an outward sign of the interior consecration of our life. These exterior signs then make known our intention to serve and invite others to answer Christ s call to come and follow. The Chapter reaffirms that the Cross and Anchors is the official insignia of Holy Cross and encourages the use of the Cross and Anchors pendant and pin approved by the Congregation. The Chapter recommends that at appropriate times and places, or as it corresponds to local custom, a religious may wear the traditional Holy Cross habit as a way to stand forth in service and witness. For priests, the habit consists of a black cassock with rounded cuffs and an open collar; the Roman collar; a cord of black wool that descends to the bottom of the cassock and ends in a tassel; a cape that comes down to the elbow; and a crucifix worn on a thin black cord around the neck and tucked into the buttons on the cassock. Seminarians in temporary vows may wear the habit but not wear a crucifix until after it is given at their final profession. For brothers, the habit consists of a black cassock with rounded cuffs, an open collar, and the buttons concealed below the waist; the Roman collar; a cord of black wool that descends to the bottom of the cassock and ends in a tassel; and a medal of St. Joseph worn on a thin black cord around the neck and tucked into the buttons on the cassock. Scholastics in temporary vows may wear