We all are the Priestly People of God. Together, we are leaders in responding to the emotional and spiritual needs of Priests and Brothers. January 2011 - Vol. 26 No. 7 Dear Priestly People, What will 2011 bring us? Some things are already written in our agendas, in our memories for the future, and in our hearts: marriages, births, graduations, relocations, changes in job or assignment, retirement, trips, conferences, meetings, reunions... Undoubtedly there will also be surprises and unexpected happenings; some of which will turn out better than expected, and some will not. One thing we can all be certain of, however, is that whatever will happen is known already to God, and can work toward our salvation... toward our growing in love and union with Him and each other. In this issue one of our members in formation, Jacob, shares with us his vocation story. It is a story that involves unexpected turns, endings and new beginnings, but shows how God s plans can be fulfilled, no matter what obstacles and difficulties we may encounter. In fact apparent obstacles and setbacks are often key turning points in our coming closer to God. It is a story that I find repeated over and over again in many different ways every time I listen to a new candidate share his personal story. The story of our Founder Fr. Gerald is a story of the unexpected. Sometime in the 1920 s as a young priest he encountered a poor old man who came to his door begging for bread. Fr. Gerald was quite surprised, even shaken and stunned, when he found out that this person was a priest who had fallen on hard times after giving up his priesthood. He felt strongly that something had to be done to help such individuals. Twenty years later as a WWII Army Chaplain, after encountering many priests who were spiritually wounded, he felt an irresistible impulse to start a small congregation to help such shepherds through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the practice of charity. He began in the usual way of starting a new congregation in the Church seeking a Bishop to tentatively approve the first beginnings of a small pioneering group. Cardinal Spellman of New York offered to help and even provide funds for a suitable site. But, after several months of searching throughout the North East, Fr. Gerald could not find a site which corresponded to what he had in mind. Then help came from an unexpected source: the Archbishop of Santa Fe (Holy Faith), Edwin Byrne, invited Fr. Gerald to come to New Mexico to start his Congregation. Now there is a part to this story that may Father Gerald Fitzgerald s.p. seem like a tangent but I think it is central to Archbishop Byrne and Fr. Gerald s foundation of two separate Congregations to pray for / work for holiness in priests: the Handmaids of the Precious Blood (cf. www.nunsforpriests.org) and the Servants of the Paraclete. Archbishop Byrne before becoming the Ordinary of Santa Fe had been secretary to Archbishop McCloskey of Jaro in the Philippines. Both had a deep love and concern for the life and ministry of priests. Out of this was born the project of bringing the first monastery of Carmelite Nuns to the Philippines to pray for priests. That foundation, in the Archdiocese of Jaro on the island of Panay, was eventually made from the Vietnamese Carmel in Hue which was the daughter house of the continued on next page
Carmelites of Lisieux. St. Therese of the Child Jesus had longed to be assigned to the Carmel in Hue, but this was not to be. Her spirit and love for priests, however, has inspired her sisters in the Vietnamese Carmel and its 25 daughter houses in the Philippines. The pastoral love and effort of Archbishop McCloskey and his secretary Edwin Byrne was instrumental in bringing the Carmelite Sisters and their prayers and sacrifices for the sanctification of priests to the Philippines. The same spirit seemed to guide the future Archbishop of Santa Fe, when he invited Fr. Gerald to start the Servants of the Paraclete and the Handmaids of the Precious Blood in Santa Fe Archdiocese. But to continue the narrative of Fr. Gerald s foundation of a new Congregation for helping priests and religious... once he received the invitation from Archbishop Byrne to come to New Mexico, Fr. Gerald left almost immediately on the 6th of December to meet the Archbishop in Santa Fe. On the 7th of December the Chancellor of the Archdiocese showed Fr. Gerald an old inn in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico. The name of the inn was La Esperanza (the Hope). On the 8th of December, Fr. Gerald signed the papers and purchased La Esperanza. He then returned to Boston, where 20 years previously he had encountered the poor old priest who had fallen on very difficult times. Within two weeks of his return from New Mexico, he left Boston in a car owned and driven by a friend and his wife, accompanied by an ex-seminarian. En route they picked up a Padre in difficulty and headed West on historic old route 66. On the evening of January 4th the pioneering group arrived in Jemez Springs. The next morning, Sunday, January 5th the Feast of the Holy Name (at that time) Fr. Gerald and the small group that accompanied him celebrated the first Mass in what was to become the Foundation House of his future Congregation. His own words about what was to take place after that first Mass provide an indication of what he was about... and now the campaign was about to begin. Gradually priests and some brothers began to find their way to La Esperanza, whose name was changed to Via Coeli (Way to Heaven). By August 9th, seven months later, 26 priests and 3 brothers were with Fr. Gerald in Via Coeli. Fr. Gerald wrote gratefully and we have not lost any of them. Before his sudden and unexpected death on June 28th, 1969 during the vigil of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, that number would grow to 1,800 priests and brothers. The evening that Fr. Gerald died was also the close of the Year of Faith, declared by Pope Paul VI. Ever since the first days in Jemez Springs the Servants of the Paraclete have experienced a life and ministry that has been sustained by Faith, Hope and Charity. We have also experienced unexpected events, almost daily, that can be viewed as interruptions and distractions, but for the eyes of Faith they are unexpected graces as the Lord knocks at our door. Unpredictability seems to have been part of the character, personal history and charism of Fr. Gerald; and continues to be a factor in the life and ministry of the Congregation he founded. In his instructions to his followers Fr. Gerald left his spirit embodied in prescriptions like the following: the Servant of the Paraclete will not take solace in a fixed order of the day, the only order is that of Charity. Notwithstanding the wisdom of being prepared for the unexpected, there are certain fixed points in our day, a daily holy hour, prayer and meals, and if a program is running,
We would be most grateful if you would join with us in an occasional, if not daily prayer, for our General Chapter. In turn we will keep your year, your successes and your trials, in our daily prayer trusting that through everything God will manifest Himself, in his love and the marvelous plans he has for us -- with the hope that we will be enlightened to see this evermore clearly. Thank you for all the support you have given us in the past year. May the Lord bless you in this new year. Sincerely in Christ, times of individual and group sessions, etc. But in the midst of all this, we still experience and find it necessary to adapt to the unexpected. Fr. Peter Lechner, s.p. The Liturgical Calendar also has fixed points which may change from year to year, but provide us each year with a structure for encountering Christ. This year, for example, we have the following fixed points in our year of grace: March 9: Ash Wednesday April 24: Easter Sunday June 12: Pentecost Sunday Nov. 27: 1st Sunday of Advent (and date of implementation of the new Roman Missal). Also, for the Servants of the Paraclete the following fixed date and event will be very important: April 10: opening of our General Chapter of Elections For some months now we have been praying each day for our Chapter. We have included in this issue of Priestly People the prayers we are saying -- one for each day of the week for each day of the Chapter.
The Story of my Vocation Brother Jacob Chinoso Uzoanya s.p. As I reflect on the story of my vocation the words of St. Paul come to mind: Caritas Christi urget nos. The love of Christ urges us on. I feel a sense of joy at being able to share my story because I believe it is a story of the gift of God s love. In telling it I am simply testifying to Christ s love for me and all humanity. I am humbled by God s love as I write to you this testimony of my life. I was born to a young couple as the first fruit of their marriage, barely one year after they made their marital vows to each other in the sacrament of matrimony. I was welcomed into my family with happiness I do not, of course, have any memory of that event, but I do feel the aura of that moment, which was explicitly expressed in the name which my parents gave me Chinonyelu ; a name which means God is with us... because He has given us a child. However, the constant usage of the short form of the name (as often happens in our language) lead to a change in its meaning. Like the biblical Jacob, I acquired a different name, due to the shortened way people began to pronounce my name. Unlike the story of Jacob in the Bible, however, I did not have to wrestle with an angel to get a new name. This new name, by which I came to be known, Chinonso means God is close. Ironically, this name has become very significant to me in my life s journey. In my cultural milieu, as in most African cultures, belief in God and religious practices occupy a significant place in the lives of the people. The same is the case for my parents and, as a consequence, for me. As a boy, I enjoyed going to the church: for Mass, catechism class, prayer meetings, etc. I liked going to catechism classes even when I was not preparing for any sacrament. At nine years of age, I made my First Holy Communion. At this time also, I had gained admission into the minor seminary for my secondary education. This came quite early for me. My sojourn in the minor seminary was the effect of the desire of my parents to provide me the best available academic and moral education possible. The seed of my desire for the priesthood (at that time I did not know what religious life was) was sown quite early in life, and it began to come to life in the minor seminary. Even so, the life there was quite difficult, especially for a boy of my age. And so, after three years of perseverance, at the end of junior secondary school, I wanted to be transferred to another school. I talked with my Dad about this but he counselled me to the contrary. Despite not feeling very convinced about remaining in the minor seminary, I decided to give it a try, at the request of my Dad. In the long run, it did work out fine. When the conclusion of my secondary education was approaching, I needed to make an important decision. Should I study to become a priest, or should I choose to study Chemical Engineering? The choice was entirely mine. My Dad was careful not to influence my decision because he believed that at 15, I was old enough to choose my life s course. I asked God for a particular sign of whether or not I should enter the seminary: I would take the Senior School Certificate Examination (roughly equivalent to a High School Diploma), and if I was able to meet the academic requirements for entering the seminary, I would go in that direction.
At that time it was not unusual for students to take two Senior School Certificate Examinations -- which I did. What was unusual was that I could not combine the results of both exams at that time since one of them was administered by a newly inaugurated Examination Board, which was not yet widely accepted by seminaries and universities. Although I did meet the academic requirements in the newer examination, my results in the older examination the one that was widely accepted in the country - were below the required level. Now I was caught in the middle, not knowing which way to go. Strangely enough this was a new beginning in my vocational journey. Although I was caught in the middle between the two national qualifying exams, I resolved to stay with the process of seeking higher education, wherever this might lead me. I was convinced that God had answered my request for a reasonable sign from the results of the examinations, but the answer did not come in a way that I had expected or was entirely clear to me. What was I to do? I chose to try to be open to whatever way He chose to lead me. It was about that time that I began to understand the distinction between being a priest and being a religious... and I strongly felt that God wanted me to be a religious. So, while my classmates proceeded to the major seminary the following year, I had to discern what religious institute God was leading me toward. Surprisingly, my applications to various religious congregations and orders were either turned down (on the basis of academic requirements) or the discernment process itself for one reason or another came to a standstill. Two years had passed since I graduated from secondary school. Finally I decided to pursue a degree program in a university, having been admitted to study architecture. Then I received an invitation from a local religious community to attend a live-in experience with them. In keeping with my spirit of openness to my vocation, I obliged and jettisoned the university degree program. The time I spent in that community was one of the most cherished in my life. Although it was a new religious family and had a lot of issues to sort out, it had a profound Eucharistic spirituality. It was at this time that I attained a deep appreciation for the Eucharist and came to understand the relevance of Eucharistic adoration to our life in general. However, after one year as an aspirant I felt no real progress was being made toward eventual incorporation into the congregation. This was because it was a newly forming group and it had difficulties obtaining approval of the local ordinary. I was willing to persevere, even in the face of very strict ancient monastic-like ascetical practices, but the problems of that institute s canonical incorporation continued. Eventually, I opted to leave and return to the pursuit of a university degree. But to keep myself open to God s call, I did not take up architecture or chemical engineering -- which were my favourite subjects -- but rather, I studied Philosophy at a Dominican school. This next period in my life was the most important one in shaping my vocation. Studying philosophy did not go without challenges; in fact, it was one of the most trying times in my life so far because it questioned the foundations of my deeply rooted belief system. But once I found answers, even though they were not entirely satisfactory, they did confirm to my earlier beliefs, and were able to strengthen me. In the midst of this, through the process of critical scrutiny, I grew in faith as a Christian and a Catholic.
I believe that at this time in life, my earlier years of upbringing, my continuous practice of periodic Eucharistic adoration, and my daily recitation of the rosary were God s instruments for deepening my faith. Even in the midst of many uncertainties, I tried during my initial year in Philosophy to find my vocation. I continued to explore various religious congregations, both at home and abroad. At some point I was pressured by my parish priest to apply for the diocese, which I did, but my initial inquiry never received an answer. While all these things were happening, I was becoming quite discouraged and I almost gave up my search for a vocation. I thought, in the analytic manner characteristic of a student of philosophy, I may not have a call after all... it may just be a selfish desire which will never play out, or it may just be running away. At this juncture, I decided to shelve any thought about becoming a religious or a priest and face life as a young man whose primary concern at that moment was academics. It was 2008 and I was nearing the end of my degree program in philosophy. The thought of what would come next occupied my mind. Religious life at this point was at the lowest rung of the scale of possibilities for me. But then along came a freshman schoolmate of mine, who talked to me about the Servants of the Paraclete. He had known the Servants for quite a while. From our conversation, I was not particularly convinced I should submit an application, but somehow, I did... just for this one last time... after this, I said to myself, no more. The Servants of the Paraclete planned to come for an interview with me that year but it did not work out as planned. I had graduated with a BA in philosophy, and was awaiting the national youth service program. At this period, getting established and earning a living was paramount. So a friend of mine and I established an Information Technology consultancy firm. This would serve to keep my thoughts off religious life, I thought. However after six months this venture was not able to sustain itself. We were not exactly rookies in the business but we knew a little less than what was needed to keep it running. Feeling that my sense of independence had been seriously tested, I reluctantly accepted to work in an internet training and consultancy firm, where I functioned as the Head of the Computer Engineering Department and the Director of Research. This period of my life was the busiest I have ever had. Life went by so quickly that I seemed to be getting over my idea of religious life, even though many of my acquaintances still thought I was a seminarian and were not ready to believe otherwise. About six months into my busy life, the interview with the Servants of the Paraclete was rescheduled and held. I had to travel to a neighbouring country to attend the interview. This also had its own trials and difficulties, but God knew what was going on, and had His own plans. The interview was successful and as a result, I was asked to come to the Philippines to start my formation program. Now it was time to make the most significant decision of my life. Life at this time seemed to be going well for me and there seemed to be no rationale for another way of life, particularly one in which I did not even know what to expect. Forgoing my present life was, in human terms, a wrong choice to make... but for God -- trusting him with my life it would be the best choice I could ever make. Against the persuasion of my boss and some friends, I chose what was in human terms a seemingly foolish path: I was going to the Philippines to become a religious. I arrived at Mount Carmel in September 2009. My life in preparation for taking vows as a religious has advanced from one stage to another. Thus, I am presently in the novitiate. When I look back at the most decisive choice of my life, I do feel I made the right one. In just a little more than one year at Mount Carmel I believe I have grown much: spiritually, emotionally, morally and in behaviour. Living in the midst of much diversity here in Carmel, I find the learning process is a daily one. Each day there are avenues to grow in grace and attain a closer union with God. All this is due to the graciousness of God who has called us to journey together as one family, with our Formators who are ever generous with their experience and counsel, with my Brothers in the community whose care and love are an essential catalyst for my growth, as well as all of you, Priestly People, whose spiritual and material support we cannot do without. To God be the glory both now and for ever. If there are a few words with which to summarize my journey thus far, I would say that they are: for those who love him, all things work together for good (Rom 8:28). If there is one goal that I think is uppermost for me and all of us, it would be: In all things, let the love of Christ be our motivation and in so-doing, God will be waiting to say to us well done, good and faithful servant (Matt. 25:23).
The Servants of the Paraclete are preparing for their General Chapter of Elections scheduled for April 2011. We ask our friends and supporters to join us each day as we pray for this important milestone in our Congregation. We know that God will guide and lead us as we move forward in ministry to priests and religious brothers who have been challenged in many ways. Sunday Father, you have called us to praise you on this day when we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, your Son. We pray to you for our General Chapter: may it be a time of profound conversion through listening to your Word: in Jesus, in the Church and in each other. Fill us with renewed zeal for the mission of the Holy Paraclete among priests and religious in the world today. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Monday Oh God, our Father and Lord of the harvest, in order to reveal to the world your immense love, compassion and care for all priests and religious you have raised up our Founder, Father Gerald, as a special prophet for the priesthood in our times. Through the celebration of our General Chapter help us discover more profoundly the charism you have given us through him that we may more faithfully follow his example as an apostle to shepherds in special need. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Tuesday Father of Life, in Christ, your Son, you have redeemed fallen humanity and by means of the Spirit you prepare it for the advent of your Reign. Through the intercession of St. John Marie Vianney, our Patron, grant to the Servants of the Paraclete a re-discovery of our vocation to work for the sanctification and renewal of priests and religious. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wednesday Eternal Father, you have made Christ the dwelling place of your wisdom. Illumine us with the light of your Word of Life so that in preparing for our General Chapter we may grow in our knowledge of your love for priests and religious, and in our desire and capacity to assist them in their spiritual and psychological needs. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen Thursday Father Most Holy, in the sacrament of the Eucharist your Son continues to live in our midst. Through His Eucharistic Prayer and our offering of Him each day look with compassion upon our religious family as it prepares to celebrate its General Chapter. Enriched with new vocations, born of the Eucharist, may we dedicate ourselves more generously to the service of wounded, weakened and abandoned priests and religious today, and recognize you present in every face marked by suffering. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Friday Oh God, in the pierced Heart of your only Son you have revealed your immense love for us Grant the gift of the Spirit to the participants of our next General Chapter and to all of us so that we may understand and share your compassion for priests and consecrated persons today. Following your Divine Son s earnest request we pray for the gift of good laborers, committed to spreading Your Kingdom throughout the world. We ask this through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Saturday Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother of Good Shepherd, re-united in the cenacle with the apostles, we entrust our next General Chapter to the Holy Trinity through your immaculate and maternal heart. We ask you to intercede for us with your Divine Son so that through the gift of the Spirit the wisdom and the zeal necessary for our mission may be reawakened in us. We ask this in Christ our Lord. Amen
# Servants of the Paraclete PO Box 9 Cedar Hill, MO 63016 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED January Newsletter Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID St. Louis, MO Permit No. 3252 Mass Stipends We appreciate the many mass stipends that we receive. We thank you for supporting that part of our ministry. While many priests may designate how they want to utilize the mass stipend funds, the Servants of the Paraclete share in the mass stipend pool, as directed by their vows and constitution. Mass Stipend Form Name of Person to be remembered in a mass celebrated by a Servant of the Paraclete: DEVELOPMENT OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION Marian Wolaver Director of Development 314-875-0817 mwolaver@theservants.org Barb Behlmann Development Associate 314-875-0816 bbehlmann@theservants.org Name of person donating the stipend: FAX: 314-875-0818 Website: www.theservants.org Do you want an acknowledgement card sent to someone? If so, please put the name, address, city, state and zip so that an acknowledgement of the mass in memory or honor of someone can be sent. Name: Address: City, State, Zip: If you would like to request a specific date, please list below. Please allow 2-3 months for specific dates as they must be distributed to our priests from the Development Office. Requested Date for Mass: Thank you for your generosity! It is greatly appreciated. Please remember the Servants of the Paraclete in your estate and will.