"Revitalization and New Evangelization", a new priority for the Province of San Nicolas de Tolentino for the triennium 2012-2105
16-05-2012 España
At the start of the day in the chapter hall, the Executive Council of the Chapter presented the lists of proposed members of the different commissions, after each member had listed his choices. Final instructions were given on how to vote, and the Ordo Capituli and the “priority objective†were voted on and approved.
The approved priority objective corresponds to the first proposal of the outgoing provincial council: "Revitalization and New Evangelization". It will be the axis along which the different determinations will be drawn up and submitted for approval in the latter part of the Chapter.VOCATION MINISTRY
Vocations was the next topic taken up by the Chapter. Information and debate followed. Francisco Javier Jimenez, prior Provincial, expressed the importance of drafting the IVAR, the Augustinian Recollect Vocation Itinerary and expressed concern about the lack of formation in those involved with vocations and the lack of young people in the animation teams. This makes it difficult to reach youth and young adult. In summary, a lot of work few results, which does not mean we stop working.
The Provincial Vicars, presidents of the secretariat and chapter members then thrashed out the great challenges in this field: linking youth ministry and vocations; firmness in witness and personal and community commitment; rethinking the current figure of the "vocation promoter" as a "coordinator" with different skills; or the importance of continued support of candidates in the communities they may come from.
Other voices were calling for an interprovincial approach to the problem and solutions. It was also considered necessary to strengthen the connection between the different parts of the Province and across Provinces, not only in joint activities, but also in the process of supporting and forming young people.
In conclusion, in the Chapter Hall it was thought that investment of effort in the Province is uneven and should be revised. The situation in China, Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico or the U.S. fills us with hope while in Europe the vocational drought persists.
There have been many proposals of the religious on this issue and have been brought up again in the Chapter Hall. Emphasis was placed on the "culture of vocation", in our presence in a youth environment, the strengthening of vocation promotion in Brazil, Costa Rica and the United States...
INITIAL TRAINING, FIRST STAGE (ASPIRANT, POSTULANT AND NOVICE)
The Prior Provincial summarized his report and gave an update on the number of houses of formation, formators and number of aspirants, postulants and novices. In some places, things are normal, in others there is growth, in others excessive changes and in others, concerns.
Abundant proposals were made by the religious in this area, dealing with the implementation of the Augustinian Recollect Formative Itinerary, (IFAR), a document given out at the Chapter; experience or integration of those in formation in particular religious communities; making their profession in their countries of origin.
Other opinions were expressed on the need to separate the stages of aspirants and postulants in the Las Rozas, Madrid, or keeping the aspirant where he first came into contact with the Order.
INITIAL TRAINING, LAST STAGE (THEOLOGICAL)
The Prior Provincial spent more time explaining this stage. Together with what he already indicated in his report he gave more details and put into context the present situation with further data from the President of the Secretariat of Formation and the Formation Team from Las Rozas.
Lots of interventions; joint solutions were suggested involving other Provinces while acknowledging the present stable situation. The importance of the criteria for formation and those taken from the IFAR document were reaffirmed. It was felt that just as the General Council determined the Novitiate stage so they might offer a similar solution to the final stage of the initial formation. In any event, the chapter President and Prior General of the Order reminded that "it is crucial to start interprovincial cooperation."
There was a lot of discussion on the issue of the simple professed experiencing integration in small communities before the final commitment is made. This came from the Determinations of the last General Chapter, no. 12.2. The experiences have so far been very positive and have helped to know the pros and cons.
The importance of learning languages suddenly burst onto the floor of the Chapter meeting. This offers wider opportunities of service within the Province and Order.
MISSIONARY APOSTOLATE
There is a need to awaken the missionary spirit in all our religious. The visits of missionaries to the formation houses and the summer experiences are greatly valued. The missions of Lábrea, Sierra Leone (which belongs to the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno) and China have a special space on the Hall.
Thirteen proposals have reached the chapter on missions that request: promoting the involvement of the Province in the missions, encouraging short term missionary experiences, and opening up new missions.
The President of the Mission and Social Development Commission, who is a member at the chapter, Jose Manuel Berruete, thanked the Publications Committee for the publicity given to the missionary activities and social development of the Province and the creation of a permanent section for operations on the provincial website. He also made a self-criticism regarding coordination with youth ministry and education, in order to promote volunteer programmes and other activities. He also points out the need to better coordinate the volunteer programme in its operation and follow-up.
Miguel Miró spoke of the status of the mission in Sierra Leone after his recent visit to the country and his presence at the last chapter of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno, which is responsible for the mission.
Of the various social projects of the province, the one that took up most discussion was Lar Santa Mônica in Fortaleza (Ceará, Brazil). There were questions about the different types of volunteer who take part in these social projects.
EUCHARIST AND MESSAGES FOR MEMBERSHIP
The Mass in honour of San Isidro, was presided by Francisco Javier Jiménez García-Villoslada, Prior Provincial, who focused his homily on the primary objective of the Chapter. He recalled that in the general situation of all "bad news" that we receive, it is important to focus on the "good news" of Jesus and that religious are "good news" for the people.
This requires trust, taking risks, perseverance and confidence, just like farmers (whose patron is San Isidro). "It is time for planting, especially in the field of vocations. And it is trust that gives the growth. Let’s not forget that this is our time, not that of those who have gone before us, a time we might look back on with nostalgia…and the answer has to be ours".
Among the messages of support received, the Vicariate of Venezuela in the Province of San Jose; Angel San Casimiro, Augustinian Recollect and bishop of Alajuela; Province of Our Lady of Candelaria; Monastery of the Incarnation of the Augustinian Recollect Nuns in Madrid; Community of Alajuela, Jose Ramon Perez, Vicar General of the Order; and Lauro Larlar, Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno.
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