E-NEWSLETTER OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE BROTHERSOF CHARITY
ROMA ON-LINE
Edition N° 133/2011; May 15, 2011
(Please, always try to reduce the length of your reports for ‘Roma on-Line’ to maximum 1 page.)
(Copies of the texts to be published have to be sent before the 10th of the month.)
(We kindly ask the local superiors to print a copy for the Brothers who don’t have an e-mail address.)
(Messages with less or not importance according to me, may be important for others!)
Administratio Generalis – Roma
MEDITATION
Blessed are the gentle because they shall possess the land!
“BLESSED ARE THE GENTLE because they shall possess the land! Gentleness must express
itself totally in our own selves, in our face, in our words, and above all, must prevail in our heart.
It is wrong to suppose that we are hasty and quick-tempered of nature, and that because of our
disposition, it is difficult for us to be able to be gentle. The Lord Jesus esteemed this virtue so
highly, in order to encourage us again to overcome our bad habits, to abandon all our bitterness,
and to put up with everyone like we ourselves wish to be put up with by others. Then, we shall
possess the land, the true peace in our heart and yet many other fruits which we could receive
only through gentleness” (Servant of God, Canon Peter Joseph Triest).
Gentleness is one of the emphasized values which Lord Jesus treated very specially in his
beatitudes. It is today worth the trouble in order to emphasize the value of gentleness against the
intolerance, the racism and the impatience which marked the world. Father Triest also found it
worth the trouble to remind it again in his homily. He was creative, resourceful by nature, and
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knew how to deal with a situation, but remained quiet and patient. His waiting was nothing but
to postpone till the appropriate moment comes in order to be able to carry out his plans. It is
conspicuous how a great patience is present in gentleness: patience with oneself and one’s own
imperfection, patience with the painful conditions which fall to their share, also patience with the
people with whom they are confronted, and who are as they really are, about which it is useless to
be annoyed.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, makes our heart similar to yours. Give us
always your power and grace to give up ourselves to others. Let the peace well up out of our
heart and give us a soft mind. And when other impulses threaten to dominate us, show then your
presence and repeat again for us: “I am gentle of heart.” Amen.
News from the Superior General
The 16th of April, we arrived in Rome. We were able to follow the Holy Week services in the
Vatican. As always much office-work was waiting after a period of absence. The week of Easter,
some regional superiors arrived and also the general councilors. We had the possibility to meet
them individually. On the 29th we had the first part of the general council in preparation of the
annual meeting with the provincial and regional superiors.
On the 1st of May, many brothers could be present in the beatification of Pope John Paul II.
These are moments they will never forget. The evening before, we were invited in the Belgian
Embassy to meet the King and the Queen of Belgium for a dinner together with the President of
the European Community, Mr. Van Rompuy and the Minister of Defense, Mr. De Crem, who is a
former student of the Brothers of Charity.
From the 2nd to the 10th of May, we were busy with our meeting. The first day, every superior
gave a short overview of the activities in the Province or Region. On the second day we
celebrated 100 years presence of the Brothers of Charity in Congo with a conference about
evangelization today in the morning by Prof. Valère Neckebrouck and how to be a missionary
today in the afternoon by Mgr. Jan Dumon, secretary of Propaganda Fidei. We ended the day
with a Eucharistic celebration and the opening of the exposition in our corridor.
On Wednesday the whole group reflected on the theme of the next general chapter. All the
Provinces formulated the important topics they liked to have on the agenda. We came to a clear
program and it was announced that the general chapter will start on the 14th of May 2012. The
official convocation will be done on the 1st of December 2011.
On Thursday, we made a study of the financial situation of the congregation and we evaluated the
study made by the Financial Committee that was installed after the last general chapter. We also
discussed the new international foundation “Global Action against Poverty” as instrument for
fundraising worldwide and as the organization who will represent the congregation on the
international level.
On Friday we had the meeting of the four provincial councils with the general council and at the
mean time the provincial councils had their first meeting.
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After a full week of meetings everyone felt tired of course and so we had an outing to Sermoneta,
the gardens of Ninfa and Cori and in the evening we had a nice meal in the well-known restaurant
“Arthuro”.
After a quiet Sunday, we started again our meetings on Monday the 9th with the discussion about
the abuse issues in the congregation. A special commission prepared a good document with
some clear procedures that we like to develop in the congregation.
We finished our meetings on Tuesday the 10th with a study about the assurances in the
congregation. Looking back to the meetings we may say that they were very fruitful and the
atmosphere was marvelous. The 11th of May the general council had its second part of the
meeting to make some clear decisions about what was discussed the past week.
On the 12th of May, we had our meeting with the group of general superiors involved in the
interreligious dialogue and on the 13th we could celebrate our birthday in the community. On this
nice day dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima, we found it very significant to go to St Peter’s basilica
to pray on the tomb of the Blessed Pope John Paul II, thanking the Lord and his heavenly Mother
for all the blessings we received during the past 57 years of our life. We also thank the brothers
and friends who send us their best wishes.
Bro. R. Stockman, Superior general - rene.stockman.fc@fracarita.org
The General Superior’ Visit Schedule
19.05.2011
24.05.2011
31.05.2011
02.06.2011
07.06.2011
11.06.2011
26.06.2011
02.07.2011
14.08.2011
21.08.2011
26.08.2011
27.08.2011
27.08.2011
04.09.2011
04.09.2011
Manila
Rome
Brussels
Washington
Brussels
Kigali
Brussels
Rome
Brussels
Manila
Hong Kong
Brussels
Kigali
Nairobi
Kinshasa
News from the Casa – Rome - 2011.05.15
This scribe continues to spend his days, a bit like the Prodigal Father, scanning the horizon for
any sign of the return of our regular correspondent. There seems to be a figure approaching a
long way off – perhaps he will arrive in a few days’ time. Time to be killing the fatted calf! Yes
indeed, we expect that Bro. Eugene will be returning to us around May 18 and we look forward
to having him among us once again.
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Indeed if Bro. Eugene were here now, I’m sure you would be getting a very detailed account of
the beatification of Blessed John Paul II on May 1. However, my capacity to endure the burning
sun in St. Peter’s Square is limited so I can’t bring you that detailed account.
The first ten or eleven days of May have been busy ones at the Casa. We had our annual meeting
of Provincial and Regional Superiors with the General and his Council. Our house was filled to
capacity and a fruitful time was spent in meetings. Your Provincial and Regional will be
returning to you full of renewed zeal and vigour, so stand aside when you see them coming. Lest
you think that they spent the whole time in serious discussion, it should also be noted that they
spent a very enjoyable day exploring some of the attractions of Italy, such as the medieval city of
Sermoneta and the exotic gardens of Ninfa – delightful places on a delightful Roman summer’s
day.
The meeting is over, the visitors are returning to their own places and the Casa is returning to
normal. We are conscious that the next time we will have such an influx of brothers will be for
the Chapter of 2012. How the years go by!
Finally, we say a word of welcome to Sisters Nandanie and Therese – two Sisters of Charity of
Jesus and Mary who join us at the Casa and help out with the household duties.
Bro. John O’Shea
ST. AUGUSTINE PROVINCE – AFRICA
Provincial Administration – Saint Cyprian Community - Abidjan (Ivory Coast)
Community Saint Cyprian – Abidjan
Community Sainte Bakhita – Yamoussoukro
On the 10th April, Bro. Clément Ishimwe celebrated his birthday anniversary. We also had a
Eucharist celebration as thanksgiving for 60 years of priesthood of Father Chardin, one of the
former priests in the Saint Monica parish in Sopim. After the mass we were offered a cocktail in
the house of the Sisters of Providence.
On the 17th April, Palm Sunday and the Passion of the Lord, the brothers attended the great
gathering for the benediction of the palm and the mass at 8.00 am. In the afternoon there was an
animation program, named ‘Alloco-Party’, organized by the catholic students (JEC). Bro.
Clément participated in it.
We lost one of our female patients, Abla Pokou Sonia, died on the 25 April in the Psychiatric
Centre and she was buried on the 26th. May her soul rest in peace.
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On the 3rd May, the Brothers Stanislas and Laurent participated in the encounter of priests, male
and female religious of the Pastoral Sector Father Yves Blot in the plot of the Sisters of
Providence. The order of the day was proposed and accepted. We pout much stress on the
question of the Parish Action Plan / Sector Action Plan. The encounter found its prolongation in
the Saint Monica church for the Eucharistic celebration. After mass a very convivial meal was
offered by the Sisters.
Bro. Laurent Koffi, Yamoussoukro – laurentkof@yahoo.fr
Région Saint-François-Xavier, Rwanda – Burundi
Our Lady of Africa Region – Democratic Republic of Congo
Bro. Emmanuel Kongie arrived from Belgium on the 13th April 2011. He returned definitely to
his family on his own demand. Also a novice, Augustin Kwenge asked to return to his family for
adaptation reasons.
Bro. Clétus arrived from Lubumbashi on the 23rd April and he left Kinshasa on the 29th for
Belgium on the request of Brother Superior General.
Bro. Jean Mbeshi arrived from Goma on the 17th April accompanied by Bro. Jean Batiste who
stayed in the Saint Francis Xavier Region (Rwanda and Burundi). On the 24th April the Brothers
Jean Mbeshi and Floribert Kabindu took the plane for Rome. They assisted the beatification of
Pope John Paul II and also participated on the reunion with the General Council and the
Provincial and Regional Superiors.
Three brothers lost their mother: Bro. Bernard Ntambwe in Mbuyi-Mayi, Bro. Luc Luzolo in
Kabinda and Bro. Theodore Nkondo in Kinshasa.
Bro. Donatien Matala returned to Lusange on the 3rd May 2011 after a short stay in Kinshasa for
medical reasons.
Bro. Floribert Kabindu, Regional Superior
News from the Saint Bernard Community - Lubumbashi
After a short two weeks relaxation period the Brothers students went back to the university. They
had a good relaxation period by giving some help to the workers in their daily tasks.
Every Sunday we have our mass in the Neuropsychatric Centre together with our clients and
people living around our compound. Already quite a period the number of participants is
growing in such a way that our chapel is becoming too small on Sundays. They sometimes have
to be 45 minutes before the beginning of the mass in order to find a place to sit.
We passed our pascal ‘triduum’ with our residents and the people of the surrounding. All the
masses were said in the neuropsychiatric centre. On Sunday Easter our Christian community
welcomed for the first time eight newly baptized.
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On the 21st April we welcomed doctor Dirk from Belgium. He came to visit our neuropsychiatric
centre. He encouraged the brothers in their initiatives and he very much appreciated their
dedication day and night in the presence of our residents.
On the 22nd April our community could say far-well to Reverend Bro. Cletus Payal who received
a new nomination. We are very grateful to Bro. Cletus for the service given in the community
and in the CNPJG.
On the 30th April we had our community meeting and the superior invited all of us to live the
religious life on the example of Jesus, the Risen. The same day we celebrated the holy patroness
of our region in Congo, Our Lady of Africa.
On the 1st May we had the visit of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary. We spent a nice day
with them in dialogue and sharing about different items.
On the 8th May we had our monthly recollection in the monastery of Our Lady of the Source.
The preacher, Father Médard, gave us as theme for reflection “Jesus and the Father – Jesus and
the People”. The preacher asked everybody to take all persons serious as all people are gifts of
God.
Benoitmufaume81@hotmail.com
Saint Dominic Region, Tanzania
St. Paul’s Region – South Africa
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE - AMERICA
Provincial Administration – Washington DC – Brazil
Canada
Saint-Sulpice Rest House: Bro. Gérard Mc Namara die don the 2nd May and the funerals took
place in het parish church of Saint Sulpice. Bro. Rodrigue takes experience with homeless
working three days a week at ‘Accueil Bonneau’, Montreal exploring all the services offered by
the institution.
St. Bernard College - April 6, 2010: For the third consecutive year, the Pantheon of St. Bernard
College celebrates the excellence and merit of 10 alumni who, through their achievements, have
made a great difference in their community. The Commitment Award was attributed to Brother
Gilles Rivard. Congratulations. The winners received a work created by an artist of stained glass.
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These creations bear the name of "Triest". In addition, the walls of the library of the CSB, will
testify for the future of the passage of recipients in the Pantheon. Invited to speak, several
winners paid tribute to the Brothers of Charity for their work, praising the influence of the
College St. Bernard and his staff in their life.
Peru:
The formation of the first group of associate members has ended. The Cepetri holds monthly
activities of fund raising. Two candidates are presently following the come and see program in
Lima. Life goes normally in Granada, Nicaragua while a center with similar vocation as Jesus
Amigo has opened in Managua. Ayacucho is in process of reorganization and there is exchange
of teachers with Cepetri. You may now talk with br. Alfred Kiza in Spanish. Ronald is planning
to do his second year of novitiate in Sri Lanka.
The School of Life prepared Easter with various activities during the Holy Week, namely singing
sessions in preparation for the Easter Mass with the former bishop of Arequipa. The members of
the program of rehabilitation reenacted the washing of the feet, the last Supper and the Passion of
Christ. They are 31 for the moment in the second phase of the program. Their families joined for
the Eucharist and the meal that followed. We had made special ‘turrones’ for the occasion.
Bro. Bernard Boulay
ST. THOMAS PROVINCE – ASIA
Saint Thomas – Asian Province - Provincial Administration – Lahore – Pakistan
Father Lievens Region – India
News from Tamil Nadu, Sivagangai, South India
On 3rd April 2011, we had the welcome program for Mr. Philippe. He was indeed happy to be
here. On 17th April 2011, he left again for Belgium with many experiences and new ideas. On
11th April 2011, Bro. Subodh Ekka arrived and he felt at home here. He is at the stage of
adaptation. On 19th Bro. Yashwant left for Ranchi, Jharkhand. He will prepare himself to go to
Belgium to study spirituality.
On 17th April 2011, we had the Midnight Mass in our Parish. The next day, Rev. Fr. Amir who
came as a guest to our house, shared the meal with us together with Mr. John. They entertained us
showing a movie. It was indeed very enjoyable and relaxing. This month (May) many people
offered food for our Residents and a lot of visits took place. For the moment we have 11
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Residents and they are in good condition to work. The visit of the doctor takes place every month
as well as the family meeting that took place on 29th April 2011.
St. Alphonsa Community, Param Mitra Sadan ,182, Kanke Road Hatma Ranchi
As community we had a special preparation for the celebration of Easter, we did recollection and
confession and we had a good and meaningful celebration in the community. Our brothers are
doing their best to live and practice witnessing God’s Love in different responsibilities as
religious. May the good Lord bless us with some new candidates.
On the 2nd April Bro. Anil returned from his home visit. On the 3rd April Bro. Pratap also
returned from his home visit. They left Ranchi for Sri Lanka on the 5th April.
On the 10th April, Bro. Isidore and Bro. Praful went to Ranchi Airport to say welcome to two
Belgian guests. On the 15th April, Bro. Pradeep, Mrs. Anne and Mrs. Mike went to Kolkotta as
tourists. They returned on the 18th in the afternoon they visited the Triest House. On the 19th Bro.
Isidore dropped them in Simlia. On the 23th April the Belgian guests left Simlia for Belgium. On
the 26th April 2011 Bro. Isidore left Ranchi for Roma for a meeting.
Pradeep_lomga86@yahoo.com
Blessed-Joseph Vaz Region – Sri Lanka
Regio Rama Sandjaja – Indonesia
On April 16, Bro. Lukas Subiyatno’s mother, Mrs. Theresia Dharmo Hardjono, passed away
peacefully at her family home in Sleman, Yogyakarta. Let us pray for the eternal repose of her
soul, and for the consolation of Bro. Lukas’ bereaved family.
On April 17, Bro. Jos Mathijssen, the Regional Superior of St Mary’s Region, the Netherlands,
accompanied by his two colleagues from Holland, left Yogyakarta in his return journey to
Holland after spending some days visiting our region. We thank him for his visit and we look
forward to seeing him again next time.
Like in many other parts of the world, our confreres in Nandan, Yogyakarta, also enjoyed a nice
celebrations of Holy Week and Easter. Mingled together with all the parishioners of St.
Alphonse Church, we relished a festive Easter banquet and performances held at the Parish Hall
on Sunday, April 24.
On Friday, April 29, our regional superior, Bro. Lukas Subiyatno left for Rome in order to
partake in the annual meeting of the General Council with the provincial and regional superiors
from all over the world. He is scheduled to return to Indonesia again on May 12. We wish him a
safe journey and a successful meeting!
On Saturday, April 30, Br. Raphael Sujatmiko was admitted to the Blue Cross Hospital because
of an apparent respiratory problem. We wish him a speedy recovery from his sickness.
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Please click the following link to read various and most recent news on the apostolate activities
of our brothers in Indonesia:
http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/17046974/36608238/name/RSR+Boulevard+2011.04.pdf
Correspondents: Bro. Yoanes Suhakto, Bro. Martin Mardimpos, and Bro. Jodianus Obesi.
Sacred Heart Region – Philippines/Japan and Vietnam
Our Lady of Miraculous Medal – Formation House – Baguio City
The community felt sorry when Aris (postulant) and Abel (aspirant) left the congregation one
week after having their psycho-spiritual integration course on February 15-19, 2011.
The community held two consecutive recognition days with the special children and the adults.
On March 25 the first ceremony started with a Eucharistic celebration by Fr. Andy Cosalan,
followed by a short program with songs and dances. With joyful hearts the children received their
certificates prepared by the brothers and distributed by bro. Tony Benito, school director. The
Brothers of Charity were praised by the parents for their good services to those special children
and adults.
The SLRI Institute of Deaf and Dumb department held their recognition day on the feast of the
annunciation, March 26, also beginning with a Eucharistic sacrifice by Fr. Evarist Verlinden,
CICM. The mass was also followed by a short program of a fantastic dance performance by the
selected deaf students, highly appreciated by the people.
The international postulancy started in April 2011 when two Indonesian candidates, namely
Nelson Sembiring and Hironimus Funan arrived on the 27th of March followed by the two
Chinese candidates, Agustine Xu Jun Xi and Thomas Zhao Wen Lion on the 31st of March and
the two Vietnamese candidates, Peter Tran Bao Trung and Paul Kim De Nguyen on the 4th of
April 2011. They were warmly welcomed by the community on the 5th of April. They are to
continue their formation and to follow an English course required by the congregation in
preparation for their novitiate in Bicol. They started their English course on the 9th of April in the
good hands of Mrs. Francisca Villaruz, English teacher.
On the 6th of April Bro. Tony Benito left for Bicol to be responsible for the rehabilitation center
for mentally ill people. On April 9, the staff members had their annual outing to Bicol guided by
bro. Gary, superior of the region and by the Baguio community. They went to many different
places in Bicol. They got back on the 16th of April.
On the 14th of April, Zhao Wen Li, Chinese postulant, left for China with the consent of Bro.
Adrian. At first he was terribly complaining of stomach ache and was brought to the hospital.
Due to persistent aching, he insisted to go back home, and bro. Iden brought him to Manila. He
was hospitalized in the St. Thomas University Medical Center. The following day Bro. Edcel
arrived from Bicol and arranged his return ticket to China.
On the 21st of April, the community warmly welcomes Sr. Denise Li and Sr. Mary for their weeklong vacation in Baguio. They went to different places in Baguio city under the guidance of Bro.
Nestor Iden. They were incorporated in the community activities during their stay in Baguio.
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On Holy Thursday the community had its services in the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of
Siena convent. The 6 postulants were among the disciples who were washed the feet. At night the
brothers had a visit to the Blessed Sacrament from 8:30 to 10:30 at the chapel. Some of our
neighbors joined us. The following day, the 22nd of April, the community under the guidance of
Bro. Gary went to the Mount Calvary at Mount St. Thomas.
Bro. Gary, our superior of both the region and the Baguio community left for Rome for a meeting
on the 25th of April. Meanwhile, Bro. Manuel was our acting superior. The community expressed
its deepest condolence to Bro. Manuel and his family by the decease of his beloved father on the
24th of April. Please, join us with your prayers for the repose of his soul.
By: brother.nestor@yahoo.com
International Novitiate – Tabaco City - Albay
April 9th, 2011, Saturday morning, we attended the “SINAKULO” by the theme: “Ang martyr sa
kalgota”. It is a program or stage plays about the passion and resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus
Christ. Unfortunately, it was not in English version, they used our mother tongue, Tagalog.
Notwithstanding, they were still happy and enjoy by watching it.
On April 16th, 2011, Saturday morning we have had our monthly recollection under the theme of:
“Doing the will of the Father in imitation of our Lord Jesus Christ”. It was given by Rev. Fr.
Conrad Goulet, SSS. It end-up by confession followed by the Eucharistic celebration.
On April 22nd, 2011, “Good Friday”, we had our “BISITA IGLESIA”, means church visit. It is a
practiced here in the Philippines that every Good Friday people would visit the church as many as
they can, and offer their prayers there. We began our pilgrimage to the fourteen churches at 7:45
AM. We started prayerfully in the San Lorenzo shrine and ended in the St. Gregory church, the
Cathedral of Legaspi City. Every church we prayed “the way of the cross”. It was a nice
experienced and a visible manifestation of our faithful devotion to Christ, to His passion and
resurrection. All of them were amazed and startled upon witnessing the enthusiastic devotion of
the Filipino people.
On April 24th, 2011, Sunday afternoon, we had our interaction with the children here in the
village of Tabiguian, it was a fragment of our Lenten action, feeding program and to have them
fun. The children who came were more than hundred and all went home merrily and joyful. We
were extremely grateful upon witnessing the fruit of our sacrifice during Lenten Season.
Authentically, handling children is really difficult but it is easy for them to be happy. In life to
have sacrifices is so tough but the result of these is happiness.
On April 30th, 2011, Saturday morning, we had our community outing held in the vicinity of San
Miguel Island. It was a very pleasant place, natural nature; refreshing breeze and magnificent
seashore. We wandered the place and watched the wonderful milieu. For our transportation we
rode, for around 30 minutes from Tabaco port, a boat going to the island. And went back home,
at quarter to five, safe and sound.
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And at the evening of the same day, we had a short program for those who celebrate their
birthday in this month of April namely; Dominic Maria Tam, Jonson, Clement and Albertus
Magnus. They were happy and filled with gratitude for the support of the entire family of the
Brothers of Charity especially the international formation staff and the novices.
Novice Albertus Magnus
Fatima Community News - Tabaco City - Albay
Bro. Gary, our Regional Superior together with the staff members in Baguio traveled hundreds of
miles to see Bicol and experienced its people and the Bicolano food. They were welcomed by the
Brothers and for five days they went around to visit several Bicol landmarks. They were
welcomed in the Fatima Community and all (eight persons) participated in the community meals.
They told long stories and shared experiences.
Last Easter season, the Brothers of the Fatima community were invited for an Easter lunch with
the International Community. It was a day of happiness and joy. The refectory was
sophisticatedly designed by the novices. They always make things beautiful and presentable. Bro.
Vic and Bro. Nathan thanked the International Community for their hospitality and warmheartedness. During this time Bro. Andy was on his home vacation.
Bro. Victor Manuel
Holy Face News - Tabaco Albay
Our residents have started a renewed workshop activity with the presence of Zaldy, our new
workshop mentor who finished his Bachelor in Education. The residents and also the staff were
taught how to make quality bracelets, bags, jewelry boxes and other things which can be sold to
the visitors. It could be proudly said that they were the handiwork of patients. With the necessary
skills, our residents can gain simple livelihood activities in their own homes once they are
discharged.
On April 7, 2011, the Brothers and staff started wearing their uniform in light gray color,
matched with dark slacks. This uniform is only worn on Thursdays during consultation. Because
of the crowd of patients and families coming for consultation, the wearing of identity clothing
facilities make nurses and staff easy recognized.
On April 15 the three partners in the Mental Health Program in the Bicol region, represented by
their executive directors and mental health team (namely the Department of Health (DOH),
Simon of Cyrene and SIHSFI of Sorsogon), gathered in the conference hall of Simon of Cyrene.
The modules were reviewed, revised and edited. These modules will be presented and lectured to
the CBRV’s, the academy for health workers in Barangay. They were already presented in the
Municipality of Tiwi. Bro. Vic took Module 1, “Mental Health across the Lifespan”.
In Holy Face teamwork is very much valued and given importance. The Brothers and staff
members involved in the mental health work area need to develop adequate working relationships
further on to make them effective as duty bearers to the poor. In this regard, the whole staff of
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Holy Face, the Brothers and the volunteers took some three days off from work to make true staff
development.
On April 25 to April 27, the group went to Donsol, Sorsogon. In the resort area, nobody saw any
whale shark (where this place is known for) whatsoever as it was costly hiring a boat which
would speed off to the deepest waters. But the group was happy to be able to swim in the clear
ocean waters. The last day was spent in a Grotto owned by the Chua family. It was a long descent
but it was worth it.
Holy Face foresees this yearly staff development activity as beneficial for the spirit of the team
and the mental well–being (welfare) of everyone.
Bro. Victor Manuel
Andre Phu Yen and Lavang Communities – Vietnam
ST. BENEDICT PROVINCE – EUROPE
Provincial Administration – Moerzeke – België
Rome, May 10, 2011 - 3 pm:
Just before noon, Bro. General closed the general board meeting with the general council, the
provincial and regional superiors. In general, we may call it a successful meeting! During the
entire period, we could enjoy good weather. The brothers of the house, each in his own way, took
care that we felt at home. For all personal concerns and problems, they always managed to find
an appropriate solution. The meals (Ms Linda and Bro. Carlos) were very tasty. And the presence
of the sisters (Nandanie, Therese and Martina) for supporting tasks were highly appreciated. The
atmosphere between the brothers of the various provinces was enjoyable and encouraging. The
Easter season increased the joy between the brothers.
The days were very busy. The theme: "Evangelism Today" brought by Professor Valeer
Neckebrouck and Mgr. Dumon went straight to the core: "To witness about our relationship with
Jesus, in an authentic way, with boldness and timidity. "To the Congo", the theme of the open
exhibition “100 years of Congo” continued to reverberate throughout the period. The theme of
the 2012 general chapter and the organization of regional and provincial chapters were discussed.
The (sexual) abuse in the past was treated with great expertise to provide adequate care for
victims and perpetrators and also to achieve prevention and healing.
At the excursion on Saturday, May 7 with wonderful weather, we visited among others the
gardens Nimfa. It was highly appreciated by many.
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Even we had enough chances to come together as provincial council:
° Wednesday, May 4 in the presence of Bro. Aimé Peirsman, we met around the theme of the
2012 general chapter and the organization of regional chapters and the provincial chapter;
° also on Wednesday, May 4, we had the meeting with Bro. General concerning the support by
the regions and the province and the St. - Anne (Canada) for the buildings of the community in
Lusambo;
° Friday, May 6, the provincial council met with the general council about the abuse in the past
in the European regions;
° Monday, May 9, in the presence of Bro. Aimé Peirsman, the congregation document "The
protection of children and vulnerable adults from abuse" was discussed.
This period (May 1 to May 11) was rewarding, tiring and enjoyable. May the Spirit of Love
steadfastly continue to drive us despite the gloom!
Bro. Luc Maes, prov. Superior
Bro. Jef De Wit, prov. secretary
Saint Joseph Region – Ireland and United Kingdom
St. Mary’s Region – Netherlands
Saint Vincent’s Region – Belgium/België/Belgique – Rumania – Ukraine
ROMA ON LINE
Casa Generalizia dei Fratelli della Carità
Via Giambattista Pagano 35, I-00167 Roma, Italia
Phone: *39-06-660.49.01; Fax: *39-06-663.14.66
Email: aime.peirsman@tin.it or aime.peirsman.fc@fracarita.org
Web-site: www.brothersofcharity.org
ROL 15.05.2011
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