Congregation of the Sacred Hearts United States Province February 2019 Newsletter Dear Brothers and Sisters, Chilly greetings from Fairhaven where the temperatures have felt slightly different from those of Hawaii. However, it has been great visiting with the Brothers on the East Coast and especially heartwarming to take part in the celebrations of Brother Esitio (Tio). Our February council meeting was held via video conference on February 5, 2019 with all members in attendance. Of special note in our discussions, Rich Mc Nally reported on a recent conference of the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) which he attended in San Antonio, Texas along with Province Treasurer, Martin O Loghlen and Province Accountant, Cindy Epperson. The annual appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious is taken up each December in most U.S. Catholic parishes and helps hundreds of religious communities provide for the current and future needs of senior members. Sponsored by the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM), the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR), the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the NRRO coordinates the nationwide collection and distributes the proceeds to eligible religious communities. Tens of thousands of elderly Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests benefit. Rich noted that the conference was extremely interesting and offered sessions which dealt with different ways to spend money; grants; specific things that communities apply for; and planning implementation. As a result, the council has made the decision to apply for an on-site consultation. Looking at where we are now, they will make suggestions on lowering our costs and raising our revenue in order to address the underfunded portion of our retirement, providing input on what we can/should do. All of this will be at no cost to the Province. Part of the criteria for moving forward with this application is for the Province to provide a planning team to work with the NRRO team. Along with my participation as Provincial, Martin O'Loghlen and Martin Gomes have both agreed to represent the Province in this endeavor. We will certainly keep you informed of it s progress and encourage you to check out https://retiredreligious.org to learn more about the wonderful work of the NRRO. Much of the balance of our meeting was spent discussing my upcoming trip to the Region of India. As you all are probably aware, I finally received my Visa and will be leaving this evening, February 11, returning on March 4. As this is my first trip to the Region as Provincial, I am looking forward to meeting with each of the brothers there and learning first hand about all the things that are taking place. During my time away, I will have my computer and be available by email. However, I will not have my cell phone, so if you need to contact someone immediately, Rich Mc Nally, Vicar Provincial, will be available. I ask for your prayers for a successful trip to the Region of India. And lastly, how wonderful it was to be here in Massachusetts (even in the cold!) to receive the final vows of Brother Esitio Niuliki, ss.cc. and to take part in his Diaconate Ordination. The balance of this newsletter will highlight those two very special days in the life of our US Province and of our Brother Tio. Our prayers and congratulations to him. With every best wish in the Holy Hearts, 1 Very Rev. Herman Gomes, ss.cc.
PROFESSION OF FINAL VOWS By Br. Bill Gural, ss.cc. Brother Esitio Niuliki, SSCC, professed his perpetual vows to the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary into the hands of Very Reverend Herman Gomes, SSCC, provincial superior of the U.S. Province. The ceremony took place on February 2, 2019 at St. Mary s Parish in Fairhaven, MA. Almost 20 of Brother Tio s family members and friends travelled from Futuna in the South Pacific and from France to be present. The people from St. Anthony s Food Pantry, Sacred Heart Home and other charities reflected the many ministries to which Tio has given so graciously. Fr. Herman warmly offered thanks to Br. Tio s family, so radiant with joy and resplendently attired, for their admirable formation of Tio, and to St. Mary s parish for likewise supporting and nurturing him. The Rite of Perpetual Profession of Brother Esitio Niuliki, SS.CC. Through A 35mm Camera Lens By Sharon McGraw My first experience of a Brother professing final vows was that of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word virtually through television on EWTN. That ceremony was lovely but nothing in comparison to bearing witness of someone I adore, cherish and love. Brother Esitio Niuliki has been with St. Mary s Parish Family for over a year now and truly is a beloved member of my Parish Family. Being welcomed to witness, in person, the vows of Brother Tio was an honor, a privilege, a gift and a blessing. Witnessing such an important moment in Brother Tio s life and religious journey has brought me such a greater appreciation for the Sacrament of Holy Orders. I am also eternally grateful for having been asked to photograph such a special and treasured moment in Brother Tio s life and that in the history of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. I felt honored and humbled at the same time. Prior to the start of the ceremony, I knelt down and prayed for Divine help and inspiration in taking the photos. I prayed for each photo to communicate the importance of this ceremony as it pertains to the lives of Brother Tio, the Congregation and the witnesses in attendance. I believe my prayer was answered. Brother Tio s dedication and love to the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary give me hope for the future of the Congregation and the Catholic Faith. The love and devotion in Brother Tio s vows ceremony reminded me of ceremonies in my life on my journey of Faith through the Sacrament of Baptism to the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation and Matrimony. Each ceremony brought me another step further along in my relationship with Jesus and with my Catholic Faith. I know how much I love loving Jesus and witnessing Brother Tio s vows showed me how much Brother Tio loves loving Jesus, too. Brother Tio s face glows with the love of Jesus in each interaction he has with family, friends and even strangers. His smiling eyes are windows to that kind of Agape love. I look forward to witnessing the next step in Brother Tio s journey towards priesthood and will be honored to witness his transformation to Deacon Esitio Niuliki. I experienced Brother Tio s Rite of Perpetual Profession through my camera lens. What I witnessed and felt was 2
Solemnity Reverence Happiness... Reflection Gratitude... Devotion Humility Servitude Dedication... Grace... Love Joy... Faith Celebration... 3
DIACONATE ORDINATION OF BROTHER ESITIO NIULIKI, SS.CC. On Saturday, February 9, 2019, over 200 guests and family members witnessed the Bishop of Fall River, Massachusetts, Most Reverend Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V. ordain our Brother Esitio Niuliki, ss.cc. to the Order of Deacon at St. Mary s Church in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. The good Bishop began by contrasting the 28 degree weather outside to the warmth and welcoming spirit inside the church. The music by the combined choirs of St. Mary and Our Lady of the Assumption was upbeat. The participation of the congregation, full-hearted. The Bishop s homily was directed to Tio, but had a message for all in attendance. He spoke about the need of being close to the Lord Jesus in prayer. Tio will be a leader of prayer only if he is a man of prayer. Bishop also spoke at length of the theme of the Gospel as Jesus came into the world to serve and not to be served. Prayer and service: two defining characteristics of a Deacon and all Catholic Christians. As the Bishop imposed his hands on the head of Bro. Tio, one could only be awe-inspired that this sacred tradition goes back to the Acts of the Apostles and has endured generation after generation! Toward the end of the Mass the Bishop as well as the con-celebrating SSCC priests, including the Provincial, received leis of various kinds as a sign of respect from the members of the family of Bro. Tio who traveled from the small Islands of Wallis & Futuna to Fairhaven for these celebrations. There was also a priest friend of Tio s who came from France. The place of the reception, Century House, was decorated beautifully. On some of the tables, there were freshly cut blue and white flowers- real flowers! The food was plentiful and delicious. There was just enough spice to make for an interesting taste. Entertainment was provided by Bro. Tio s family with expressive song and dance of the South Pacific. At one point, one of the brothers asked for a simple translation of the words. Tio, with his signature smile, mostly from his eyes (even though he is not Irish), said that they were commemorating the slaying of St. Peter Chanel in the 19 th century. There were few questions after that explanation! We come to the Lord with much gratitude. This was a good day for the Province, for the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts. May God bless Bro. Tio with good health, length of days, and many happy years in the service of the people of God! 4
REFLECTIONS FROM PARISHIONERS Reflection by Alice Lester On February 2, 2019, I had the honor and privilege of attending Bro. Esitio (Tio) Niuliki s Rite of Religious Profession. The Very Reverend Herman Gomes, sscc, the Provincial of US Province, presided at this Rite of Religious Profession of Vows and asked Brother Tio to step forward in order to answer various profound questions What did he ask of God? Would he live by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience? Would he lay down his life for God s people? Tio s strong positive replies truly touched my heart. It was extremely moving when he lay prostrate on the floor as the congregation of his SSCC brothers and sisters, family and friends recited the Litany of the Saints. After he recited his profession of vows and received the solemn blessing from the provincial, he went to the altar and signed the act of profession what a great feeling of love filled the Church. The song The Summons contributed to the joyous feeling we all experienced at that moment such powerful words. The Sending Song: Cry the Gospel completed this truly awesome presentation. Brother Esitio comes to do your will, Lord, not only in his words, but in his living. Brother Esitio received the Rite of the Ordination of Deacon on February 9, 2019, officiated by Most Reverend Bishop Edgar da Cunha, SDV. The readings of the liturgy of the word were so thought provoking I place my words in your mouth (Jeremiah 1:4-9); we shall devote ourselves to prayers and to the ministry of the word (Acts 6:1-7) and the Son of man did not come to be served but to serve (Mt. 20:25-28). I noticed that Bro. Esitio, listened intently and I knew that those words must have taken root in his heart. Once again brother Esitio was called before the Bishop and declared his intention to take the Order of the Diaconate. It was another powerful moment when the book of the Gospel was placed in the hands of now Deacon Esitio receive the gospel, believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach. The readings throughout this rite are truly an amazing gift of love to all who truly listen. The placing of the leis on the celebrants was an indication of the love and tradition of Deacon Esitio s culture My heart is filled with gratitude for being able to attend these two absolutely joy-filled testimonies of God s love. I will always cherish these memories. God bless Deacon Esitio Niuliki, sscc. 5
My Experience on Brother (now Deacon) Tio s Diaconate Ordination by Marylou Rossi It was my first time witnessing an ordination. I expected that it would be a solemn occasion, and it was. I also expected it would be prayerful, and it was. I was not expecting to personally feel such intense joy that did happen. It came from all around. St. Mary s was crowded; Brother Tio comes from the sacristy to walk down and join the procession. He was stopped at almost every pew and was given hugs his hugs of course were bigger. The procession of altar servers, many SSCC fathers, followed by Bishop Edgar da Cunha began. In no small way did the music add to the joy. It was grand! And I wished Church could always be this way. I thought of the old saying, When we sing, we pray twice. You could clearly hear Bro. Tio s response as the Bishop questioned him on his intentions before the people. I liked that part. I was stretching to take the ceremony all in. Bro. Tio s family of course had first row seats. Their native dress/style added color and a festive tone. A touching moment was when Bro. Tio s brother approached him at the altar to vest him with dalmatic, you could feel the sense the family s love and pride. So many times, we hear that God is with us always. I truly felt His presence. (I think He must have been happy too). He chose Tio. I think God made a very good choice. Aren t we lucky? At the closing of the Mass, the song sung was God Has Chosen Me. It was a perfectly happy morning for me. The celebration of family and friends was about to being as the family draped leis on several priests, Bro. Tio, and an especially large one on the beaming Bishop. 6
A Reflection by Carol Oliviera To follow Christ is a choice which must be made day in and day out. Pope Francis said recently explaining that to know the Lord means meeting Him in one s daily life. February 2, 2019, The Feast of the Presentation, was when Brother Esitio (Tio) Niuliki, ss.cc. professed his final vows in the Sacred Hearts Community. This feast day was Bro. Tio s day as he was called to publicly promise his commitment to the vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience. Provincial Superior, Rev. Herman Gomes, ss.cc. explained the vows to Bro. Tio in a very meaningful way. Chastity Brother Tio s acceptance to God s invitation to live the consecrated life in being loving and life giving to others and to be selfless. Poverty Brother Tio s commitment to place his trust fully in God and to live simply and to live sharing with each other and those in need. Obedience Brother Tio s saying yes to God and putting his life totally in God s hands so that His grace and love can fill Tio s life and to always accept the mission he is to follow. This was a very blessed and meaningful celebration for me as Bro. Tio demonstrated how his love for God is so strong, his loving commitment to dedicate his whole life to God, and his solemn promise to embrace his vows. February 9, 2019 a joyful day of celebration as Most Reverend Edgar da Cunha SDV, Bishop of Fall River, ordained Bro. Esitio as a Deacon. This day was a powerful sign to all present at St. Mary s Church, Fairhaven, MA of how Bro. Tio is ready to follow God joyfully. There was a richness to today s celebration, starting with the meaningful moment when Bro. Tio placed his joined hands between those of the Bishop and the Bishop said the words: May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment. Bro. Tio was radiating the love of Christ throughout these very special parts of the ordination: the laying of hands the prayer of ordination bring vested by family members receiving the book of the Gospels and to hear the words: Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach and lastly, giving the newly ordained deacon Tio the fraternal kiss. This was so moving for me that I knew deacon Tio was filled with the Holy Spirit abundantly and was praising the Lord with all his heart. I feel so blessed and honored to be part of this celebration. Deacon Tio s final step toward the ordination to the priesthood. Deacon Tio is God s blessing to the Sacred Hearts (SSCC) Community and to everyone he encounters 7
My thoughts and feelings on Bro. Esitio s journey to the priesthood by Patricia C. Perry On February 2, 2019 I was invited to witness Bro. Esitio Niuliki s Rite of Perpetual Profession. Here I am Lord, you have called me. These words describe his sincere dedication to prayer, charity, celibacy and responsibility to God and himself. The moment was filled with the presence of the Lord toward Bro. Esitio. It could be felt throughout the ceremony. To be present at this rite of profession, a feeling of peace and reverence came over me. It is something I will never forget. My Reflection on Brother Esitio s Final Profession and Ordination by Joyce Mello My name is Joyce Mello, and I belong to St. Mary s Parish in Fairhaven. I was blessed to have been present at both the Rite of Perpetual Profession and the Rite of Diaconate Ordination of Bro. Esitio (Tio) Niuliki. I met Deacon Tio, when he first arrived at our parish and have really grown to know him during his stay with us. He is a very caring and giving human being. Both celebrations I witnessed were beautiful and moving, where I could certainly feel the presence of our Lord. It was also wonderful to see Deacon Tio s family sharing and witnessing these special moments with him. I continue to pray for Deacon Tio that Our Lord embraces him as he continues his journey as a Disciple of Christ. 8
It has been over a year now, since Esitio Niuliki, whom we call "Tio", became part of St. Mary's Parish community. He has seen all four seasons, and recently enjoyed Christmas here. These past weekends in the parish, he has made lifelong commitments. First, his perpetual vows to the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and secondly, to life as a Deacon, in transition to his ordination to the Priesthood. His family and relatives--nearly 20 of them!--traveled from the far sides of the world to witness these life commitments. We thank our Good God and ask Him to bless the work of Tio, and his life with the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts. Fr. David Lupo, ss.cc. Pastor, St. Mary s Church Fairhaven, MA A Reflection for my Profession of Final Vows and my Ordination for Diaconate By Rev. Brother Esitio (Tio) Niuliki, ss.cc. To understand the heart of my journey into my perpetual vows and for my diaconate, commitment is the key to love my call to religious life. The experience in the parish gives me the strength to grow more in my relationship with God and His people. It is a beautiful experience where I discovered my willingness to serve in the vineyard of the Lord. Lots of people have asked the question: Bro. Tio, do you get nervous? I answer, Of course, being nervous is part of my preparation,but your presence gives me the courage to strengthen my desire to be the instrument of the church. Reflecting on these two events there are lot of blessing and challenges where I find the joy of my call to the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. It was a great experience to face the joy of the gospel in reaching out to certain issues in my journey where I find the loving mercy of God in this particular world. (Scripture; Mat 6:21 ) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Of course, life outside in the field gives me the opportunity to explore more and feel the love of God is truly an unconditional gift to each individual members of His vineyard. Thanks to God that people are so kind and generous with such good loving hearts to my presence in the parish. I believe that it was really a great day to celebrate together with St Mary Parish, the Sacred Hearts Brothers and Sisters, and friends and my family, from the Island of Wallis and Futuna, New Caledonia and France, all who showed their continuing support throughout the next step of my vocation. How beautiful to feel the spirit of family is alive and active in our world. It is a great day to feel the presence of family in my journey. There are lots of experiences where I find my heart is yearning and longing to feel the joy of God s love in my ministry as well as my community. I hope that all I have experienced in the parish is the opportunity to see clearly the beauty of God s love to my vocation. 9
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