COMMUNICATIONES
Monthly Newsletters of the Minister General and Council to all the friars of the Third
Order Regular.
Fr. Ilija Zivkovic
Minister General |
COMMUNICATIONES
|
N. 156 January – 2003
ACTIVITIES OF THE MINISTER GENERAL
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In the second week of January 2003 Fr. Ilija Zivkovic, the Minister
General, was involved with his teaching at the University of Zagreb.
At the end of the month he will leave for Asia where he hopes to visit the friars of
India, Sri Lanka and Philippines. He will be accompanied by the President of the TOR
Contemplative Nuns of Italy and her two Sisters the superiors of Zogno and Montello in
order to study the possibility of opening a new foundation in Asia. They will be back in
Rome by 15 February.
THE GENERAL COUNCIL
From 27 January till 17 February 2003 Fr. Corpus Izquierdo,
Definitor and Secretary General, will be in Paraguay where he will conduct formation
courses: from Feb. 3 - 8 for all the friars of the Vice Province and from 9 -16 for the
novices and students. On 8th there will be the first profession of the novices and the
acceptance of Postulants into novitiate.
On 16 February 2003 the Definitors Fr. Matthew Puthenparambil and Fr.
Fernando Scocca will leave for Bangladesh. They will conduct regular classes for the
brothers in formation on franciscanism and other subjects. Fr. Fernando will return to
Rome on 16 March while Fr. Matthew will stay on in the Delegation till Easter to help with
the formation and administration.
PROVINCE OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, ITALY.
On 19 January the ballots for the election of the Minister Provincial
was tabulated in Assisi. No candidate received an absolute majority. The second round of
votation is in progress between Fr. Lino Temperini and Fr. Alessio Maglione. The Visitator
General, Fr. Philip Todoro,TOR, continues with the Canonical Visitation of the
Province.
The ballots of the second votation will be scrutinized at the Fraternity of Ss.
Quirico and Giulitta in Rome on 15 February 2003.
THE CANONICAL VISITATION OF
PROVINCES BY THE PROVINCIALS
The following Provincial Visitations are in progress by their
respective Minister Provincials:
- Ss. Joachim and Ann, Sicily, Italy.
- St. Jerome, Croatia.
- Immaculate Conception, Spain.
- Most Sacred heart of Jesus, USA.
PROVINCE OF THE
SACRED HEART OF JESUS (USA)
The Provincial Council has approved the construction of an
extension for Mount Assisi Friary, Loretto, PA. It will consist of an Infirmary, a chapel
having about two hundred seats, a library, refectory and a conference hall.
On 11 October 2002, at the Franciscan University of Stubenville, His
Eminence Cardinal Francis Arinze, who was the President of the Pontifical Council for
Interreligious Dialogue, presently Prefect of the Congregation of Divine Cult and
Sacraments, held a conference on the relationship between the Christians and the Muslims.
VICE PROVINCE OF
OUR LADY OF SRI LANKA
On 4 January 2003 Bro. Leonard Malaka Fernando,TOR and Bro. Chrisantha
Fernando,TOR, were ordained deacons by Rt.Rev. Kingsley Swampillai, Bishop of
Trinvo/ Batticola, at a ceremony held at the National Seminary, Kandy.
On the same day in the evening at St. Mary's Church, Bolawalana, Bro.
Sumedha Disanayake,TOR and Bro. Emercy Priyasantha Perera,TOR, made their Solemn
Profession in the Third Order Regular. Fr. Neville Ranjit Fernando, the Minister
Provincial, presided over the ceremony and received the vows. Many friars and faithful
were present to grace the occasion.
VICE PROVINCE OF
ST. JOSEPH, SOUTH AFRICA
On 18 January 2003, at a beautiful ceremony held at Kwa St. Joseph
Friary, presided over by Fr. Anthony Kudupadam, the Minister Provincial, friars Johannes
Mngwengwe, TOR, and Andreas Madondo, TOR, made their Solemn Profession in the Order. At
the same ceremony Bro. Stanley Siyagonga Hlongwa and Bro. Emmanuel Mnelisi Khathi made
their first Profession while the two Postulants Sicelo Vilakazi and Paulus Ndlovu
were received into the novitiate.
The Liturgy of the Profession coincided with the 20th
anniversary of the begining of the Order in south Africa. The presence of His Grace
Archbishop Pius Ncube di Bulawayo (Zimbabwe), Rt.Rev. Pius Dlungwane, Bishop of
Marianhill, Rt.Rev. Robert Ndlovu, Bishop of Hwange (Zimbabwe), Fr. Cosmas
Mdlandla,TOR, the former Minister Provincial of the Vice Province, a number of
priests of the dioceses, religious and friends made the celebration very solemn.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
FERNANDO JUDE THADDESUS, TOR, Stories of the Saints for Children, Marianhill
Mission Press, Hibberdene (South Africa) 2001.
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Prot 157
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Communicationes TOR
Tertius Ordo Regularis S. Francisci
February 2003
The Minister General
The Minister General, Fr. Ilija Zivkovic, from 24
January until 14 February 2003, visited our Friars in India, Sri Lanka and the
Philippines, accompanied by the President of the Federation of TOR Sisters of Italy and by
the Superiors of the TOR Monasteries of Zogno and Montello.
On 26 January he met with the members of the Provincial Curia of the
Province of St. Thomas in Bhagalpur, India.
On 28 January in the afternoon, he presided at the Blessing of the
cornerstone of the new school of our Friars of the Vice Province of St. Francis of Assisi
in Banhora, India.
On 29 January he with met the Provincial Curia of the Vice Province of
St. Francis of Assisi in Harmu, Ranchi, India.
On the evening of 1 February he presided at the celebration of Vespers
in the parish of Bolawalana, Sri Lanka.
On 4 February he participated, together with His Excellency the
Archbishop of Colombo, at the opening of the new school entrusted to our Friars in
Weliwerija.
Again on 4 February he met with the Provincial Curia of the Vice
Province of Our Lady of Sri Lanka.
On 6 February he began the Canonical Visitation with the Friars who
reside in the Philippines. The Visitation ended on 9 February. On 14 February the Minister
General and the Sisters returned to Rome.
On 15 February 2003, at 10:30 in the meeting hall of the Fraternity of
Ss. Quirico and Giulitta in Rome, the Minister General presided at the opening of the
ballots of the second scrutiny for the election of the Minister Provincial of the Province
of St. Francis of Assisi.
On 18 February he presided at the Solemn Mass in the Pontifical
Roman-German College for the commemoration of the death of the Croatian Blessed Cardinal
Stepinac.
From 28 February to 3 March he visited the TOR Sisters of the
cloistered Monasteries of Zogno and Montello in Italy
The General Curia
Fr. Michael J. Higgins.
During the first week in February the Vicar
General, Fr. Michael, attended an educational symposium in Orlando, Florida. Before the
meeting he was able to spend some time with our friars at San Pedro Center in Winter Park.
Upon his return to Rome he met with the other General Spiritual Assistants of the SFO. The
assistants are in the process of reviewing the proposals and recommendations from the
General Chapter which was held in November of last year. They are also involved with the
preparation for the first meeting of the new Presidency of the SFO which will be held at
the end of March here in Rome.
Fr. Corpus Izquierdo.
Chronicle of the Vice Province of St. Anthony of
Padua in Paraguay
From 27 January to 17 February 2003, Fr. Corpus Izquierdo, Definitor
and Secretary General, was with us in Paraguay, giving various courses of formation to all
the professed Friars of both Solemn and Temporary Vows. Everyone together did the updated
reading of the Constitutions, General Statutes and Provincial Statutes as in The Manual
of Life of the TOR Friars of the Vice Province of St. Anthony of Padua in Paraguay,
so that in the future there will be better organization of the Vice Province concerning
the economic administration as in the formation and fraternal and spiritual life of the
Friars.
In 2003 we will have 41 young men in formation: 12 Postulants, 7
Novices and 22 Professed of Temporary Vows who study philosophy and th eology at the
university. The construction of the Collegio di Coronel Oviedo is to be completed. The
help given by the Provinces of St. Francis of Assisi in Italy and the Immaculate
Conception in the USA finishes in 2003.
From now on, the future of the Vice Province, even the economic future,
depends solely on them the indigenous Friars of Paraguay. We professed: "All that a
religious acquires, remains acquired for the goods of the Province . . . any money or
title must be placed in the common fund (cf. Canon 668, �3)" (TOR Constitutions
97; cf. TOR Rule 21 and TOR Constitutions 92-99, 100-106). It is
necessary in all financial accounts to add the names of the Vice Province and the Local
Community; the Vice Province, too, will add its name to all deeds for land and houses.
Responsible for the organization of the course was the Minister
Provincial, Fr. Miguel �ngel C�ceres. The themes of reflection were distributed in this
way: Fr. Corpus Izquierdo--The Theological and Franciscan Fundamentals of the Themes;
Fr. Juan Carlos C�ceres--Parishes; Fr. Rub�n Ram�rez--Schools; Fr.
Rodolfo Ram�rez--Teachers; Fr. Federico Gayoso--Economics. There was a
theme for every day. There were four study groups whose members changed each day in order
to facilitate communication among all the Friars. At the end of the day there was a
general assembly in order to discuss communally the reflections of the groups. There was
no voting on the proposals, the Minister Provincial said, since we have them in the Rule,
the Constitutions, the General Statues and the Provincial Statues. There is need for
assimilation and application into practice that which we professed years ago.
Evaluation of the Course: the place, the Novice House of San
Gregory in Santan�, was very favorable. All the Friars of Perpetual and Temporary Vows of
the Vice Province and the 7 Novices that would be professed on 8 February were present.
The environment was also very good. All spoke with sincerity and clarity. We analyzed the
real problems of the Vice Province and their causes. There was perceived a total
willingness to assume their own responsibilities and to begin seriously a profound
personal and communal reform.
The doctrine that Father Corpus imparted in his lessons clarified all
for us: we are consecrated religious and belong to the Third Order Regular of the Penance
of St. Francis of Assisi. We saw the incongruence that there is in our consecrated life as
TOR Friars, as much as in our being as in our doing. We must change our mentality and our
attitudes. It was necessary to clarify the criteria, recuperate the lost values and place
clear principles in the life of our communities.
The conclusion: "Let us start over." We renew our
consecration to God together with the 7 Novices. Beginning next Monday, 10 February 2003,
we must retake the text of the Rule, the Constitutions, the General Statues and the
Provincial Statutes as the norm of life in order to re-found the Vice Province, as The
Manual of Life of the TOR Friars of the Vice Province of St. Anthony of Padua in
Paraguay. Now this involves us. We cannot depend on others, hoping that they resolve
our problems for us.
Father Corpus did other courses with the 7 new Novices on the Theology
of Consecrated Life, the History of the TOR, and the Spirituality of
the TOR; he left them the material so that they may study and deepen it during the
Novitiate year with the Master of Novices.
Father Corpus, furthermore, met with the Formators and they organized
the program of formation for the Postulants, Novices and the Temporary Professed. He also
met with 12 young men who this year began as Postulants.
Fr. Matthew Puthenparambil
and Fr. Fernando Scocca
On 16 February 2003, the Definitors General Fr. Matthew
Puthenparambil and Fr. Fernando Scocca left for Bangladesh. They will give a course of
Franciscan formation to the Friars of the Delegation of St. Bonaventure. Fr. Fernando will
return to Rome at the end of March. Fr. Matthew will remain longer in order to help the
Friars of the Delegation.
Fr. Mark Fernando
and the Missiones TOR Magazine
The Ministers Provincial suggested that each
issue of the MISSIONES TOR magazine dedicate itself to one of our Order's missions. 2
issues of the magazine will be published each year. Therefore, during these six years, 12
issues will be published.
2002 December South Africa Vol. XXVIII No.
123
2003 June India, St. Thomas Vol. XXIX No. 124
December Brazil
2004 June Sri Lanka
December Paraguay
2005 June India, St. Francis of Assisi
December Mexico/Texas
2006 June Bangladesh/Philippines
December Peru
2007 June Eastern Europe
Province of St. Francis of
Assisi--Italy
On 15 February 2003, the opening of the ballots of the
second scrutiny for the election of the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Francis
of Assisi occurred. The result of the voting was the following:
- Father Lino Temperini: 19 votes
- Father Alessio Maglione: 18 votes
- Blank ballot: 1
Father Lino Temperini was chosen as Minister Provincial for a second
term. The Friars now must vote for the election of the Vicar Provincial and the Definitors
Provincial. The scrutiny of this vote will be on 22 March 2003 in the Convent of Ss.
Quirico e Giulitta in Rome, in the presence of the Minister General, the Visitator
General, the chosen Minister Provincial and two Scrutators.
Province of the Sacred
Heart of Jesus - USA
Portiuncula Fund
The Province of the Sacred Heart annually dedicates a fund of $100,000
to help the poor. The Friars that work in the service of the poor can ask $10,000 to this
end. The petitions must be sent to the Justice and Peace Commission of the Province before
15 April 2003. Then, the Justice and Peace Commission will present them to the
Definitorium Provincial.
Books for Asia
Fr. Marianus Leib is gathering books for India and Bangladesh. The
Friars who have some useful books may send them to Virginia. Fr. Marianus Leib will send
them to Asia.
Province of S. Thomas in
India, Bhagalpu
Visit of the Minister General
On 25 January the Minister General, Fr. Ilija Zivkovic, and three TOR
Sisters of the Monasteries of Italy visited the Friars of the Province.
Plenary Council of the Province
On 4 February the Plenary Council of the Province was celebrated.
It examined the spiritual life, the communal life, the pastoral ministry, the promotion of
vocations, the formation and the economic situation. The Plenary Council approved the Statues
of Formation of the Province with some amendments
Meeting of the Formators of the Province of India
On 1 and 2 February, all the formators of the Provinces of India
gathered together: S. Thomas (Bhagalpur) and St. Francis of Assisi (Ranchi). Every stage
of formation was examined in detail and the opportune decisions to better the formation
programs and to make them more effective were taken
Vice Province of St.
Joseph - South Africa
The Vice Province of St. Joseph during 2003
celebrates its 20th anniversary of union with the TOR.
On 18 January 2003, Fr. Anthony Kudupadam TOR, Minister Provincial, in
the Convent of Kwa St. Joseph (South Africa), received the Solemn Professions of Fr.
Johannes Mngwengwe TOR and Fr. Andreas Madondo TOR; and the Simple Professions of Fr.
Stanley Siyagonga Hlongwa TOR and Fr. Emmanuel Mnelisi Khathi TOR. Admitted to the
Novitiate were Fr. Sicelo Vilakazi TOR and Fr. Paulus Ndlovu TOR.
Vice Province of Our
Lady of Sri Lanka
Two New Schools
Our TOR Friars will direct two new schools in the Archdiocese of
Colombo. On 15 January 2003 one was inaugurated in Bopitiya; Fr. Thilakasiri Fernando TOR
is the director of the school. On 4 February the other opened in Weliweriya and Fr. Donald
Narangoda TOR is the director. The Minister General, Fr. Ilija Zivkovic TOR and the
Minister Provincial, Fr. Neville Fernando TOR, were present at the opening ceremony.
Retreat for the Students of Sri Lanka in Rome
Father Mark Fernando TOR, Definitor General, on 23 February 2003
preached a Spiritual Retreat in preparation for Lent to the Community of Students of Sri
Lanka who reside in Rome. The theme of the Retreat was: More blessings are obtained
when one gives than when one receives.
Province of the
Immaculate Conception - Spain
New House of Formation in Peru
We have just acquired a new house for the formation of Peruvian
religious. This new house is found in the district of Huachipo, in Lima. Let us give
thanks to God!!!
Canonical Visitation to the Province
Fr. Bernat Nebot, Minister Provincial, is making the Canonical
Visitation in: Newark/Elizabeth, USA; Fraternity of Spain; TOR Contemplative Sisters of
the Monasteries of Spain. From 19-28 of May he will visit the Fraternities of the Peru
Commissary. On 31 May he will undertake a fraternal visit to Fr. Joaqu�n T�bar TOR, in
Pocon�, Matto Grosso, Brazil.
Father Francisco Coll Bucher, TOR
So that he may fully dedicate himself to the service to which the
Province has given him as director of the Collegio Quintanar de la Orden (Toledo), Father
Francisco Coll was relieved by the Minister General of all the assignments he had as: Administrator
of the Curia and of the Convent of Ss. Cosma and Damiano, Member of the
Commission for the Legal Question of the TOR General House and of the Convent of
Ss. Cosma and Damiano and Member of the General Council for Economic Affairs.
Father Paco, thanks for your collaboration!
20th TOR European Interprovincial Meeting
The 20th Meeting of the TOR Provincials of Europe will be
5-9 May 2003 in our Convent of San Juan de Mata, Barcellona, Spain.
9th Plenary Council of the Province
The 9th Plenary Council of the Province will be 2-4 July
2003 in the Convent La Porci�ncula, Mallorca.
Spiritual Exercises for all Friars
The Provincial Commission for Permanent Formation organized for
this year 2003 two sessions of Spiritual Exercises for all the Friars of the Province.
The first will occur in Cercedilla, Madrid from 21-26 April 2003
(Easter Week). Father Pablo Largo CMF, will direct the week.
The second will occur in Mallorca, in the House of Spirituality of Sta.
Lucia, Mancor del Valle, from 7-12 July 2003 and will be directed by Father Jos� Antonio
Ruiz SJ.
Father Antonio Martorell Miralles
Is 90 years old
Ad multos annos vivas!!!
Father Antonio Martorell Miralles, was Formator of the young Friars of the Spanish Province of the Immaculate
Conception in Rome for more than 30 years. He, with his sole work as maestro and
composer of religious, liturgical, popular and polyphonic music, during those years paid
for the lodging, clothes, travels, university tuition, books and studies of all the
students in order to attend the best universities in Rome.
Father Antonio Martorell is a tireless worker; he is the authority of
speech, and for his countless musical works for organ, piano and polyphonic choir he
received as many honors in Italy as in Spain. At 90 years of age, which he will reach on 9
March, he keeps going, full of life: Ad multos annos vivas!!!
Father Antonio says of himself: "the composer starts from his
interior world and then expresses it", "music for us is language."
We, your students, the young Friars here whom you had in Rome during
all those years, are very grateful to you for all that you did for us. We remember when
you were in your room playing the piano, preparing your classes and composing some of your
many musical works, and we cut off your musical inspiration because we came to ask you for
money to pay for our books or for the university course or to go to the dentist or to buy
bread . . . do you remember?
Those youth, "los coristas," we remember him always
... for all that he did for us. And above all we recall him as a Franciscan Friar--simple,
humble, indefatigable worker, creative, generous, dedicated and a lover of the Order.
Grateful for and aware of all your merits, we asked the Holy Father
Pope John Paul II for a special Apostolic Blessing for you on your 90th
Birthday.
From Rome, from the General Curia, with sincerity let us say to you
that we are proud that "God has given us Father Antonio Martorell Miralles as a
brother."
Ad multos annos vivas !!!
Rome, 9 March 2003
Fr. Corpus Izquierdo, TOR
General Secretary
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Communicationes TOR
Tertius Ordo Regularis S. Francisci
N. 158 March-April
– 2003
Italiano, spagnolo, inglese,
portoghese e croato
Il N. 158 corresponds to March – April - 2003
HAPPY EASTER FROM THE GENERAL CURIA
To all the Fraternities TOR and to each brother best
wishes for a Holy Easter 2003. The celebration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of
our Lord Jesus Christ brings new life and new hope. Even though the international
situation indulges us to pessimism, we are called to hope against every hope, conscious of
the fact that the Cross has conquered the evil in the world. Like Francis of Assisi, we
are not tired of being instruments of Peace and Goodness.
ACTIVITIES OF THE GENERAL MINISTER
The General Minister visited the Monasteries of the Nuns
TOR of Zogno and Montello from the 1st-3rd of March 2003. Lessons in
the University of Zagreb took place regularly from 17th – 21st
of March.
On the 22nd of March 2003, the General Minister was present
at the secret balloting for the elections of the Custodian and the Definitors of the
Province of St. Francis of Assisi (Italy) in the Convent of the Most Holy Quirico and
Giulitta. He will then proceed to the International Office for the United States in Geneva
to participate in the 59th session of the Commission for Human Rights.
From the 31st – 5th of April 2003, he will
preside over the Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Francis of Assisi (Italy).
PROVINCE OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI (ITALY)
The electorial phase of the Provincial Chapter of the
Province of St. Francis of Assisi (Italy) concluded with the Secret Balloting, the
following are members of the New Provincial Definitory (Council):
Fr. Lino Temperini, Provincial Minister
Fr. Alessio Maglione, Provincial Vicar
Fr. Alceo Grazioli, Definitor
Fr. Vallerico Leone, Definitor
Fr. Alfredo Federici, Definitor
Fr. Stefano Migliucci, Definitor
The progammed discussion on the follow-up of the Chapter will begin on
the 31st of March 2003, in the Oasis of St. Francis in Milan and will last for
another week. Best wishes and a succesful work to those who have been chosen in confidence
by the brothers to serve the Province.
PROVINCE OF THE IMMACOLATE (USA)
On the 21st of October 2002 in the Church of
St. Bridget in Minneapolis (Minnesota), Br. Patrick Foley, TOR made Temporal Profession in
the hands of the Provincial Minister Fr. Anthony Criscitelli.
The Province has three candidates: Nick Foran, Ryan Stahl and Matthew
Young.
At St. Peter’s (Florida), David Kaczmarek, TOR is finishing the
Novitiate year.
There are three Temporary Professed: Peter, Robert Juroszek and Tello.
VICEPROVINCE N.S. APARECIDA (BRASILE)
On the 15th of December 2001, the following
made Temporal Profession in the hands of the Provincial Minister Fr. Alain H�vin: Br.
Carlos, Br. Jos� Carlos, Br. Jos� De Palma, Br. Rafael.
On the 13th of December the following started the Novitiate
year: Br. Antonio, Br. Marcos, Br. Regilson.
On the same day Fr. Marcio Ribeiro Machado, TOR made Solemn Profession
in the hands of the same Provincial Minister.
PROVINCE OF ST. THOMAS (INDIA)
The situation of the Province in reguards to Priestly
Ordinations, Solemn and Temporal Professions, entrance into the Novitiate and
Pre-novitiate are as follows:
Priestly Ordinations: Fr. Wilson Vattaparampil, TOR was ordained Priest
on the 22nd of May 2002 at Fatima Mata Churc, Kayyumni (India) by Mons. Emmanuel
Pothanamuzhy, Bishop of the Diocese of Mananthavady. Fr. Varghese Puthiyaveetil, TOR was
ordained Priest on the 20 of May 2002 in the Church of St. Sebastian at Kalayathunchal
(Kerala, India) by Mons. Lawrence Mukuzhy, Bishop of Belthengady. (cfr. Acta TOR 39).
Solemn Professions: On the 30th of may 2002, seven brothers
made Solemn Profession in the hands of MRP Fr. John Kochuchira, TOR Franciscans Ashram,
Bhagalpur: Jaison Kuruppanatt, Peter Murmu, Joseph Illimootil, Parameshwar Rao, Ebby
Paramparambil, Baby Parekkattil, Shinoj Kizhakemuriyil. For Temporal Professions confer Communicationes
TOR 155.
Novitiate. On the 29th of Decmber 2002, the following entered the
Novitiate in Vinaya Sadan Fatehpur: Mathias Kerketta, Telesphore Dungdung, Thomas
Sebastian, Anup Xaxa, Joji John, Rony Gorge, Noel Kisku, Kakada Rayappa, Jonnet Mathew and
Joseph Princely.
VICEPROVINCE ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI (INDIA)
On the 30th of May 2002, in Bhagalpur, the
following made Solemn Profession in the hands of the Provincial Minister Fr. Hilarius
Bara: Abhay Tigga, TOR, Albert Soreng, TOR, Shai Alapurath, TOR.
On the 30thof December 2002, in Vinaia Sadan (Fatehpur), the
following made Temporal Profession in the hands of the same Provincial Minister: Subhash
Tete, TOR, Kishore Xess, TOR, Aravind Bara, TOR, Siju Mukalelkalayil, TOR
On the 29th of December 2002, the following entered the
Novitiate in Vinaya Sadan Fatehpur: Fulgence Lakra, Joseph Toppo, Amrit Lakra, Anup Toppo,
Pingal Pradeep Ekka.
BIBLIOGRAFY
MULKERN Daniel, TOR, The Eucharistic Prayer: Pattern
for Our private Prayer, Articles from the Catholic review USA The Priest,
Febuary 2003.
CAVANAUGH Brian, TOR, Apple Seeds, Antology of anecdote and
tales for students. Sito web www.appleseeds.org
God raised Him up on the
third day.
Greetings to you . . .
Do not be afraid
Peace be with you!
As the Father sent
Me, so I send you.
WE ARE WITNESSES OF THE
RISEN CHRIST
. . . He went about doing
good and healing all those oppressed by the Devil, for God was with Him. We are witnesses
of all that He did . . . (Acts 10, 38-39)
"The Brothers and Sisters shall love the Lord with
all their heart, and with all their soul and mind and with all their strength, and they
shall love their neighbour as themselves. Let them glorify the Lord in all that they do.
He has sent them into the world to bear witness by word and deed to his voice and to
proclaim to everyone that he alone is the Almighty Lord." (R TOR 29)
"As they proclaim peace with their lips, they must
have it to overflowing in their hearts. No one should be provoked to anger or offended
because of them. On the contrary, everyone should be drawn to peace, kindness and
friendship by their gentleness. The Brothers and Sisters have been called to heal the
wounded, mend the broken and bring back those who have gone astray. Wherever they are let
them remember that they have given themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ and pledged their
whole life to him. For love of him they must face every enemy, seen and unseen, because
the Lord says: Blessed are those who suffer persecution in the cause of right, theirs is
the kingdom of heaven ." (R TOR 30)
Peace and Good in the
Risen Christ
Pace and Good,
Brother !
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N. 159 May – June 2003
Communicationes TOR
Tertius Ordo Regularis S. Francisci
750th Anniversary
of the Death of Saint Clare of Assisi
Throughout the Franciscan world there are in
progress initiatives to celebrate the 750th anniversary of the death of Saint
Clare. We have notices of celebrations both from the TOR Provinces and the Secular
Franciscan Order.
We rejoice at these initiatives and desire to solicit others so that we
may be always more educated in the contemplative dimension of our life. This is the most
real invitation from our Sister Clare on the occasion of this anniversary.
The Minister General Visits
Peru and Brazil
From 18-30 May 2003 the Minister General Fr. Ilija
Zivkovic, accompanied by Fr. Bernat Nebot, Minister Provincial of the Immaculate
Conception Province (Spain) and Fr. Peter Grubisic, Minister Provincial of the Saint
Jerome Province (Croatia), visited the Commissary of Peru, which is dependent on the
Province of Spain.
During their stay, in the Cathedral of Huamachuco they took part in the
Sacerdotal Ordination of our Peruvian confrere, Fr. Absal�n Blaz Daza.
The Croatian Minister Provincial had the opportunity to meet with Fr.
Rafael Lukaric, Croatian missionary in Peru for some years.
From 30 May to 4 June 2002 they visited Brazil: the Provincial House in
Sao Paolo and the Fraternity in Matto Grosso. In Pocon� for many years the Friars of the
Province of the Immaculate Conception (Spain) worked; Father Joaqu�n T�bar performs a
great pastoral and social work.
General Definitories
Fr. Matthew Puthenparampil, Definitor and General Delegate for the Saint Bonaventure Delegation in
Bangladesh, after having been in that nation for two months since March 2003, traveled to
India to be with relatives. At the conclusion of that period, he underwent a light
surgical operation. He was to return to Rome on Sunday, 8 June 2003.
Fr. Mark Fernando, Definitor assigned to the Mission Office from the beginning of May 2003, found
himself in a TOR Parish in Florida (USA) that is staffed by the Province of the Sacred
Heart. His priestly service in this place will contribute to the development of the
General Mission Office.
Fr. Michael Higgins, from 12 to 31 May 2003, gave a residential course in Parma (Italy) in
Franciscan Spirituality in connection with "Saint Francis University."
Fr. Corpus Izquierdo, from 8 to 15 June 2003, gave a course on the Spirituality of the TOR Rule
in Zogno (Bergamo), organized by the "Mary Star of Evangelization" Foundation of
TOR Nuns.
Change in the Fraternity
of Saints Cosmas and Damian, Rome
Fr. Nello Di Biagio resigned his assignment
in the TOR Fraternity of Saints Cosmas and Damian. Until a successor arrives, the Vicar of
the House Fr. Corpus Izquierdo will take his place.
Province of the Most
Sacred Heart of Jesus (USA)
Our "Saint Francis University" of
Loretto, was classified among the fifteen best Universities in the United States by the U.S.
News and World Report magazine; this University is the only one from the entire
central region of Pennsylvania to be classified thus.
On 30 May 2003 in Loretto, Pennsylvania, Brother Mathew Russick
was admitted to the Novitiate.
On 31 May 2003, also in Loretto, Pennsylvania, Brother Gregory Plow,
TOR and Brother John Shanahan, TOR, made Simple Profession in the Chapel of the
Immaculate Conception.
Province of the
Immaculate Conception (USA)
In Saint Bridget Parish in Minneapolis, Minnesota
(Saturday, 31 May 2003), Brother David Kaczmarek, TOR made his Simple Profession in
the presence of many Friars and parishioners.
Province of Saint Thomas
Aquinas (India)
Between April and May 2003, three Friars were ordained
to the Holy Priesthood: Fr. Sunny Perumbel, TOR; Fr. Jojo Varghese
Chakkumuttil, TOR; Fr. Nicholas Marandi, TOR. Fr. Sunny and Fr. Jojo were
ordained in Kerala in the Syro-Malabar Rite, while Fr. Nicholas was ordained in Bhagalpur
in the Latin Rite.
On 31 May 2003 in the TOR Convent in Bhagalpur, in the hands of the
Minister Provincial Fr. John Kochuchira, TOR, seven Friars made their Solemn
Profession: Fr. Ignatius Hembrom, TOR; Fr. Binoy Illickamuriyil, TOR;
Fr. Raju Hembrom, TOR; Fr. Sushil Tudu, TOR; Fr. Saji
Kizhakekarayil, TOR; Fr. Marianus Hansdak, TOR; Fr. Abraham Koladiyil, TOR.
Vice-Province of Saint
Francis (India)
On 20 May 2003, Fr. Ajit Xalxo, TOR, Fr.
Benjamin Tiru, TOR, Fr. Carolus Bara, TOR and Fr. Isidore Kerketta,
TOR were ordained Priests in the Church of Saint Francis "a Dorma" by His
Excellency the Most Reverend Stephen Tudu, Bishop of Khunti.
In the same Vice-Province, Fr. Anand Barla, TOR made his Solemn
Profession in the TOR Convent of Bhagalpur on 31 May 2003. Fr. Matthew Puthenparampil,
TOR, Definitor General, assisted in the Liturgy. Cordial congratulations to the new
Priests and to those who made Solemn Profession.
Saint Bonaventure
Delegation (Bangladesh)
On 15 July 2003 at Dinajpur in the Assisi Bhavan, on the
Feast of Saint Bonaventure, Brother Simon Murmu and Brother Proloy Rema will
make Simple Profession. Fr. Michael Edamanpadavil, TOR will give courses and
retreats to the formandi for an entire month.
Two youth, Augustine Minoj and Sujon Rosario, who are
currently studying Theology in Dhaka, will go to India for an experience of the sharing of
life. Fr. Kevin Tudu and Fr. Saul Murmu will participate in a Santal
Conference in October in Ragaini (India) and will visit the major part of the houses of
the two TOR Indian Provinces. Fr. Francis Malandi obtained his diploma in
Formation in Bangalore and will arrive in September in Dinajpur. Fr. Emmanuel Gomes,
TOR will participate in a course of renewal in Bangalore in October 2003. The new
group of postulants will begin their first semester of preparation on 14 July 2003.
Our Friars in Bangladesh give a cordial welcome to every Friar of the
Order who desires to give formative assistance to the Novices beginning in January 2004.
Visit to Franciscans
International
The TOR Minister General and the Master of the
Dominican Order are visiting the Franciscans International in Geneva. Fr. Ilija
Zivkovic, TOR, Minister General of the Third Order Regular said: "The service of
the FI at the United Nations is a new contribution to our current Franciscan charism. It
stirs us to understand better the significance of being Franciscan in today's world,
recalling us to the strongest elements of our Spirituality: respect for the dignity of the
human person and attention to the environment."
Fr. Ilija met with the staff of FI and participated in the meeting of
the Commission for Human Rights of the United Nations on the occasion of his 27 March 2003
visit to the FI office in Geneva. Fr. Carlos Azpiroz Costa, O.P., Master of the
Order of Preachers, and his Vicar, Fr. Dominique Renouard, O.P., participated in
part of the works of the Commission of the United Nations. (Cf. GSPC Bulletin, Contact,
6 May 2003)
Guests at the General
Curia
The Bishop of Bhagalpur, His Excellency the Most
Reverend Thomas Kozhimala, reached Rome on 11 June 2003 on the occasion of his visit ad
limina; His Excellency was the guest in the Convent of Saints Cosmas and Damian. He
plans to visit the TOR Friars of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (USA) who
were pioneers in the Mission of Bihar. He is the successor of His Excellency the Most
Reverend Urban McGuerry, TOR, the first Bishop of that Diocese. At various times,
always for the visit ad limina of the Bishops of India, were the following guests
in the General Curia: His Excellency the Most Reverend Stephen Tiru, Bishop
of Khunti; His Excellency the Most Reverend Julius Marandi, Bishop of Dumkha
(the first Santal Bishop); His Excellency the Most Reverend Vincent Bara,
Bishop of Purea. These Prelates are the Bishops of Dioceses where our TOR Friars of the
Indian Provinces work.
Bibliography
VERCHIANI, Vincenzo, I Terziari Regolari di San
Francesco in Sicilia, Siracusa, 2002.
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