What We Need to Do...As the June issue (#2) of the General Chapter newsletter is being finalized for publication, it is the original scheduled end date of the chapter (25 June). This issue is focused on “what we need to do” based on the realities that we experience and expect (“where we are” as described in the State of Order).

The articles seek to provide impulse to the chapter members in their responsibility for setting the direction of the Order to be taken up by all Crosiers in the coming years, under the leadership of the next adminis t rat ion and leaders across the Order. As the master general noted in his convocation letter, “all delegates, in the spirit of Unity in Charity, will work together in the general chapter as a collegial body, to discuss, reflect, deliberate and make decisions that will guide the Order for the next six years.”

The Instrumentum Laboris is the primary working document for the chapter members. Each of the six parts includes a background section describing the issues to be considered, one or more direction-setting proposals, and a rationale for what is being proposed. The topics have been distilled from the Lineamenta and the input received from the membership in the consultation

process with the Lineamenta last year, keeping in mind what are “the most significant and weightiest issues for the work of the chapter, its discussions and deliberations for decision making” (Preface, Instrumentum Laboris).

The master general called on the active participation of members in preparations for the general chapter: “All members of the Order are invited to participate actively in preparing for and contributing to the 2021 General Chapter through study, discussion and deliberation in

local community chapters.”

Consider writing a brief reflection or short article for the newsletter. What do you think we should do in light of the realities we e x p e r i e n c e ?

What do the capitulars need to consider for action and direction? Articles can be written in your own language. The master general with the planning committee will determine which submissions will be published.

The next issue is scheduled for late August, with a focus on the proposed proper law revisions. Submissions for the newsletter can be sent to news@unityincharity.info. The deadline for submissions is Friday, August 13.

IN THIS ISSUE

Instrumentum Laboris

· 2,6,9 ·

Meet the Delegates

· 3 ·

General Chapter Factoids and Trivia

· 7 ·

Bring • Break • ShareNewsletter Crosier General Chapter 28 June 2021 • No. 2

--Editor

Send newsletter comments, ideas, articles to news@unityincharity.info

2Bring • Break • Share | June 2021 | Issue 2

In thankful appreciation to the committee for developing the Instrumentum Laboris 2022, we would like to articulate some sense of the

vision captured in the text and our comments from an Indonesian perspective.

First, there is an indication of continuing the 2015 General Chapter vision on mysticism by exploring further alternatives to deepen Crosier mysticism. We appreciate the proposal to schedule workshop, study days, ways for sharing mystical experiences, and a curriculum for Crosier mysticism in formation. However, our efforts in deepening our Crosier mysticism cannot be separated from the pastoral and categorical realities. In a way, the document seems not yet correlating the interiority of Crosier spirituality to its ‘exteriority’, so to speak. The idea of living together in community as a witness to the world should be emphasized as a more fundamental vision derived from the Acts of the Apostles. Our community is a witness to the world, and not merely a sort of inward spirituality. This is also the will of our Lord Jesus Christ when saying, “... ut omnes unum sint ... ut credat mundum” (Jn. 17:21). Some rationale in IL 8, 9, and 11 show a tendency towards ‘learning’ and ‘knowing’, and thus the idea of arranging workshop and study days, and not yet an exploration for conversation, experience, and good documentation (or dissemination of shared spiritual experiences). Further reflection on our ‘exterior’ spirituality might be related to the faithful and the society around our community and to the opportunities to share spiritual treasure among the Crosiers and the faithful.

Further reflection on our ‘exterior’ spirituality might be related to the faithful

and the society around our community and to the opportunities to share spiritual

treasure among the Crosiers and the faithful.

Second, the section on Crosier mission brings forward a reflection on what we can do to the world as Crosier communities. Here mission seems to be limited among ourselves and not explicitly mention the areas of mission. There is a strong sense of ‘education’ and ‘training’ for Crosier mission (IL 17), opening a ‘new’ mission in a different context, and even opening “new communities” (IL 19) while facing a decrease in financial support (IL 21). We

would like to propose that Crosier communities are given enough time to reflect on and articulate the Crosier mission by referring to the essay Mission and Cross formulated by the General Commission for Liturgy and Spirituality (2019). Focusing our vision of the mission in the coming age needs to be done by handing on the Crosier charisms. In other words, we are not simply ‘changing’ our ways of mission, but intensifying the Crosier mission albeit contextually and in ways that are appropriate to the different areas of the Order. Mission in Europe will be carried out differently than mission in Indonesia, but we have the same vision on the Crosier mission. In responding to the needs of the (local) Church and the society, Crosiers in the different countries need to reflect on how to contribute to the world and at the same time how to hand on the Crosier charisms in their missionary activities.

Third, an inspiring phrase comes up in the section on Structure, that is, “spiritual and temporal architecture” (IL 30). This great phrase might bring some implications and questions when further statements are directed to “experts on Constitution” (IL 39, 40) and “theology and spirituality” (IL 42-45). We tend to accept some changes in the structure of our Order lately, and this could indicate that we have a more dynamic understanding of the structure of the Order. However, we might want to reflect on what should come first in our discussion on the structure of the Order: the architecture, or theology and spirituality of the Cross? Discussion on the structure of the Order is not so much a theological justification of a ready-made architecture as a spiritual conversation among the Crosier confreres journeying toward the future (Mt. 18:20).

Fourth, in the section about Crosier leadership, the mystical and prophetic depths are emphasized (IL 47), notwithstanding that further statements are focused on ‘preparing’ leaders for religious communities, formation, and financial management. It is not always easy to include formation directors and economes in the discussion on leadership since these are more of a competence that can meet the requirements of each area respectively. That is why the following proposals and statements also seem to address more on training and participation to collect experiences (IL 50, 52-55). The reason to ‘train’ young Crosiers for leadership is formulated in IL 58, that is, because some confreres are considered ‘afraid’ or ‘reluctant’ to take the initiative for leadership. Discussions

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A Response to the Instrumentum Laboris: An Indonesian Perspective By Agung Rianto, OSC, Prior Provincial

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Meet the DelegatesOnce every six years, the occasional Crosier community of a general chapter comes together and is formed in fraternity through a rhythm of prayer, social interaction, deliberation on the direction of the worldwide Order for the next six years, and the election of general leadership.

Building fraternity across the global community of the Brethren of the Holy Cross may be more easily accomplished with the advent of technology and social media, but the real work of fostering interpersonal bonds amid differing cultural norms and expectations is an ongoing task.

Building fraternity across the global community of the Brethren of the Holy Cross.

As we enter into the final months of preparation for the general chapter, the newsletter will be highlighting some of the delegates, particularly those who are general chapter delegates for the first time.

The foundation for fashioning the evangelical community of the 2022 (2021) General Chapter is coming to know one another as fellow brothers on the journey, striving to manifest unity in charity through the ways we bring, break, and share our lives as Crosier religious.

2022 (2021) General Chapter Delegates › Laurentius Tarpin, OSC (2009, 2010, 2015) (master general) › Y.B. Rosaryanto, OSC (2015) (general councilor) › Pierre-Paul Walraet, OSC (1997, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2015) › (general councilor) › Henri Paluku Muhumira, OSC (2009, 2010, 2015) › (general councilor) › › Muhindo Byanjiya Benjamin, OSC* (prior-provincial) › Tom Enneking, OSC (2010, 2015) (conventual prior) › Agustinus Agung Rianto, OSC (2010) (prior-provincial) › Peter Snijkers, OSC (2009, 2010, 2015) (prior-provincial) › › *Raphael Priyo Handiyanto, OSC › Julio César Evangelista Resende, OSC (2009, 2010) › › Roger Janssen, OSC (2015) › Joe Op de Kamp, OSC (1997, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2015) › › Dave Donnay, OSC (2015) › Alex Juguilon, OSC* › › Hadrianus Tedjoworo, OSC (2010, 2015) › Martua Leonardus Samosir, OSC (2009, 2010, 2015) › Ignatius Eddy Putranto, OSC (2015) › Basilius Hendra Kimawan, OSC (2010, 2015) › Fransiskus Samong, OSC (2015) › Riston Parlindungan Situmorang, OSC* › › Kasereka Pataya Charles, OSC (2003, 2010, 2015) › Kahindo Kighoma Jean-Marie, OSC* › Paluku Tsongo Anselme, OSC (2015) › Baloki Wata Olivier, OSC* * First time Delegate

Kahindo Kighoma Jean-Marie, OSC

[Jean-Marie’s birthday is on the Feast of St. Odilia, July 18. He will be 52 years old in 2021. He made his profession of vows in 1993 and was ordained in 2000. He studied Church History at the Catholic University of Leuven. He served as the prior in Mulo for three terms before his current assignment.]

I’ve been a member of the Crosier Community of ‘Mont Sainte Hélène’ at Butembo for the last four years. I try as both a member and as the superior (rector) of the community to live out the Crosier charism with my confreres in my community. In addition, I am responsible for the formation team in the Province ‘Martyrs de Bondo’ and I collaborate as

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Baloki Wata Olivier, OSC

[Baloki Wata Olivier, osc, is 34 years old. He made his religious profession in 2010. He was ordained in August 2018.]

I am Baloki Wata Olivier, a Crosier religious and member of the Priory Sainte Croix Chipukizi located in Mulo, in the territory of Lubero, North Kivu, in Congo. In our priory, there are postulants, novices, and a temporary professed trainee. Together we constitute a unique and diverse community. We live as brothers, striving to be authentic disciples of Jesus Christ. We work at the parish of Saint Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésu (Mulo), the Sainte Croix Superior Institute (Holy Cross College), at the Listening Center, the Saint Charles Lwanga boarding school, and within the priory, I have been serving as Prior since November 2019. I am also attached to the Faculty of Philosophy of the Holy Cross Superior Institute of Mulo.

a teacher at the major seminaries of Butembo and Bunia.

Pastorally, I take part in parish work as chaplain of different groups. Specifically, I’m now also involved in the preparation for the new school that is being built in Butembo. With the grant funds from the USA and its benefactors, a great school is being built. We are already reflecting about how we will start activities in the new school, and creating an environment from the beginning so that we can meet our educational goals. Becoming a Crosier

The idea of being a Crosier came to me when I was still a boy in primary school, when I was thinking not to become a religious but a priest. An uncle of mine was a diocesan priest. From this relationship came the dream to become like him. I do remember that the idea of being a religious

remained, though not so strong, during secondary school, until it woke up again a year later, after secondary school. It was then that I met cfr. Jan Bierens who was serving at the parish in Musienene and giving lessons to novices at Mulo. From him I could get further information about the Crosiers. Crosiers were at that time newly arrived missionaries in the Butembo Diocese. And because they were newly arrived, I chose them, rather than the Assumptionists Fathers, as I studied at their school and they were more well known than the Crosiers.

I believe that chapters, at any level, need to be considered as a great moment

in the life of a Crosier Community.

I was born and grew up in Kinshasa, in the commune of Ngaliema, Sainte Catherine de Siena parish. As you know, the Crosiers are also in Kinshasa, in the same area. In my home parish, I was a server and a member of the Kizito-Annuarite spiritual movement.1 Thus, I learned to love the Church and to understand the reality of revelation as well as the doctrine of the Church. I learned about the Crosiers in the second year of secondary school, through an elder in the vocational group in our parish. I started to be an aspirant with the Crosiers in 2003. What attracted me to the Crosiers was first of all the spirituality of the holy cross which is seen as a passage from the painful cross to the glorious cross. I wanted to live this spirituality which is at the center of Christian life. It crowns the journey of Jesus on his temporal mission. This spirituality is concretized in the charism of the Crosiers: Cultus, Communio and Charitas.

Thus, in my vocational journey as an aspirant and as a Crosier, I have observed that the Crosiers do indeed live out their spirituality and their charism. The authentic experience of the spirituality of the cross, of divine worship, of fraternal life and of the apostolate has very much fascinated me through our witness of religious

1 A youth movement in the Congolese Catholic church which began in the 1970’s.

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Meet the Delegates: Jean-Marie...

5 Bring • Break • Share | June 2021 | Issue 2

life. So, we anticipate the ‘not yet’ and ‘already’ of the Kingdom in our life and service. This testimony from the confreres keeps the flame of my vocation alive today. I appreciate the humility and simplicity of my brothers.

The next General Chapter will address a theme that inspires our way of life as Crosiers and members of the universal Church. Thus, “Unity in Charity” meets the Christian insight of the primitive community of believers. It is, moreover, the synthesis of Jesus’ message to his disciples. The urgent call for unity in charity connects the insights of fraternal economy and the promises of our world today. As a delegate to the General Chapter, I want to live this precious moment as a return to our Christian and Crosier identity. Unity in charity implies unity in diversity and unity in fraternity. It also implies the unconditional acceptance of our common and ecclesial identity. For this, I am preparing myself accordingly to participate effectively in the next General Chapter.

In my humble opinion, the most important work of the next General Chapter is the pooling of our most basic vitality and common journey. It is actually pooling our talents, ideas and everything we have and then sharing with others. We know that there is strength in unity. Also, the effort is strong. This proverb leads to a certain awareness of our identity and to the full commitment of all confreres from all possible horizons.

This is the meaning of the maxim “Bring-Break-Share”. This tripartite slogan which will guide our reflections during the next General Chapter is very significant. “Bring” refers to self-donation to form a common world. It is the beginning of a collective story and of total abandonment. We leave everything to give ourselves totally to Christ through the Order of the Holy Cross, our common home. We therefore become pure offerings in the service of the Church and the Order. We gladly accept a life without borders and without compromise, like Blessed Theodore de Celles and Blessed Isidore Bakanja.2 For this, our life becomes a supreme sacrifice, following Christ and

2 A Congolese layman and martyr, Isidore lived from c.1887-1909. He was beatified on 24 April 1994 by Pope John Paul II. His feast day is on 15 August in the Church calendar. Isidore Bakanja is considered a strong witness to the grace of reconciliation that can be experienced between peoples of different races (Wikipedia).

Meet the Delegates: Olivier...

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Blessed Annuarite Nengapeta.3 This incorporation is manifest in our Order. We come from all over because we are Europeans, Americans, Asians and Africans. We come from different countries and different cultures. We want to walk the path of holiness by following in the footsteps of our main ideal, Jesus Christ, and we endure each other’s weaknesses and frailties. In modesty, we are one body and one soul in search of God. So our gathering is justified and finds its justification in Christ.

The most important work of the next General Chapter is the pooling of our most basic

vitality and common journey, pooling our talents, ideas and everything we have and

then sharing with others.

“Breaking” refers to the enhancement of the talents of all colleagues who give themselves effectively and completely. Each of us is able to give the best of ourselves. Also, each of us has special talents. These talents must be valued so that they can produce good fruit. Finally, “Share” refers to the dynamic of giving and receiving. It is the culminating moment in the experience of our fraternity. This concluding movement is an opening to our desired destiny, to our collective destiny and to a common future. As our Patriarch Augustine said so well, to each according to his needs.

The biggest challenge is the materialization of this great turning point proposed by our master general Laurentius Tarpin with the collaborating members of the preparation team for the next General Chapter. Thus, I believe that the General Chapter will be able to give concrete ideas so that all the confreres of the Order can apply this precious message which advocates a return to our Christian and Crosier origins.

3 Blessed Marie-Clémentine Anuarite Nengapeta was a religious sister of the Holy Family from Congo who was killed when she re-sisted rape by invading rebels fighting the 1964 civil war. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II during his visit to the Congo in 1985.

“Chipukizi” (Mulo Priory) refers to the new branch of Crosier life sprouting from the blood of the martyrs of Bondo.

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Endorsing the Crosier Global Development Office (CGDO)By Jean-Marie Zawadi, OSC Co-Development Director

The Instrumentum Laboris (Part Two: Our Crosier Mission, paragraph #20) states “[t]he General Chapter endorses the establishment of the Crosier Global Development Office (CDGO)” and adds that the master general needs to “assure that fundraising programs are developed in the Southern areas of the Order in collaboration with the CGDO...” As a development director of the CGDO and as one of the first participants in the capacity-building program (2014-2018) that became the CGDO, I want to add my strong endorsement of this proposal for the sustainability of Crosier religious life and service into the future.

The critical need for the CGDO is both to sustainably finance Crosier religious life into the future and to train leaders for the Order. Since at least the 2009 General Chapter, there has been ever-greater clarity about the need to increase Order-incomes in light of demographic changes in membership. Financial data and projections demonstrate clearly the impact of fundraising/development income in supporting Crosier religious life and service.1

I support and recommend the General Chapter endorsement of the CGDO, an

integral and effective component of our strategies to sustain the Order’s life

and mission financially and through preparation of personnel.

With the untimely passing of Albert Becker, osc, in 2019 the establishment of the CGDO and the training of a group of confreres to continue development work in the

1 Funds raised by the CGDO in the U.S. for Congo or Indonesia: 450,000 USD (2019) and 250,000 USD (2020), disbursed primarily through the Crosier International Trust (2020 total is lower due to the pandemic). In 2019, fundraising/donation income accounted for 20.5% of consolidated Order income, with 76% of that total from the CGDO in the U.S. area. Source: 2019 Area Temporal Wellbeing Reports. More extensive and updated data on demographic and financial projections will be provided for the delegates.

FROM THE CGDO ESTABLISHMENT DECREE (19 DECEMBER 2018)

Rationale (excerpts)

Whereas incomes from personal salaries of members, especially from ecclesiastical stipends, however still important, still inadequately supply the institutional needs of sustaining Crosier Religious Life and work…

Whereas projected deficits in all the areas (projected income shortfalls as measured against projected expenses (cited from the Nicholls Report and the 2015 General Chapter review of these findings) would mean permanently spending down investment capital and (if allowed) probable financial ‘failure to survive’ for the Order as a whole in just a few short years...

Mission Statement

The Crosier Global Development Office is established to raise funds by inviting benefactors to share and participate in our Crosier vision and mission through our cultivating and nurturing the contemporary culture of charitable giving as Christian sacrifice and cooperation with Crosiers worldwide in the mission of Jesus Christ.

Formal Establishment

In order to further implement the 2009 General Chapter directive concerning fundraising offices to advance Crosier religious life across the world and the 2015 General Chapter Directives regarding Fraternal Economy and to follow up on the recommendations of the 2015-2017 Crosier Order Investment Study, the master general with the consent of his council establishes the Crosier Global Development Office.

[The full decree is an appendix to the State of the Order report and is available on the General Chapter website: unityincharity.info (on the State of the Order page).]

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1. What was the traumatic event that took place at the 2003 chapter in Brazil?

2. What significant action took place at the 2010 Jubilee chapter at St. Agatha?

3. In February 1982, an extraordinary general chapter was called for what purpose?

4. Which chapter was the first to have more non-European delegate members than Europeans?

5. The 1967 chapter, called the chapter of renewal, took place in two sessions, following the Vatican Council. In what two places in Europe were the chapter sessions held?

6. Originally, the 2003 general chapter was planned to take place in what country? Why was it moved?

7. Who, according to canon law, is the “competent ecclesiastical authority” to approve the Crosier Constitutions?

8. Which chapter was the first to be held outside of Europe? Who was elected master general at that chapter?

9. True or false: before the 2003 general chapter, there were two official versions of the Constitutions.

10. Who was the last master general to be elected ‘in vita sua’ (for life)?

11. True or false: the General Chapter holds the supreme authority for the Order.

12. The ad experimentum directive from the 2015 general chapter delegated the decision

about the makeup or composition of the 2021 general chapter to what group?

13. In what general chapter was the official language of the Order

(English) designated?

14. In which general chapter did the first election of general councilors occur (as opposed to ex-officio

general councilors--the major superiors)?

15. In the voting procedures of the general chapter,

how many votes does it take to elect a master general, a simple majority or

an absolute majority?

Chapters are noteworthy events in the life of a Crosier community, whether at the local/conventual, provincial, or general level. Each has its own history and there are stories to tell: Do you remember when this happened at the chapter? What year was it when this occurred? Who were the main people involved?

These “factoids” (not sure on the translation for other languages!) may not be the most important or critical parts of our history, but they give context and provide flavor to our common story.

How astute are you in the (relatively) recent history of Crosier General Chapters? The 15 questions below may reveal your general mastery of general chapters--or, alternatively, perhaps you will need a refresher in initial formation.

For the correct (we believe) answers, go to the General Chapter website (unityincharity.info) and click on the General Chapter trivia button (in RED) in the lower part of the home page on the right.

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U.S. is a prescient undertaking that has been beneficial for continuity and success in our efforts. Further, the international experience, formation in effectively sharing the Crosier story with our donors, and more general training in the practices, procedures and ethics of fundraising and finance in the Order are indispensable for shaping a pool of leaders for the Order.

Considering the future work and evolution of the CGDO, increased collaboration with the Southern areas of the Order is a strategic priority. This is true in terms of determining projects and initiatives to be funded, establishing or further solidifying local donor-relation and development efforts, and providing ongoing formation and capacity-building for area leaders and communities.

In conclusion, I support and recommend the General Chapter endorsement of the CGDO. It is already an integral and effective component of our strategies to sustain the Order’s life and mission financially and through preparation of competent personnel.

Jean-Marie Zawadi, OSC, is assigned to the Conventual Priory of the Holy Cross for service in the Crosier Global Development Office (CGDO). He resides at the Onamia, Minnesota site.

Endorsing the CGDO...

General Chapter and Service as Delegate

The coming General Chapter will be the first one for me to serve as a delegate. Because of this, it will be special for me. I do not see myself as having special gifts to bring to the General Chapter. But, as a member of the General Formation Commission, I learned a lot about what will be the agenda and work of the coming General Chapter. During our meetings and through the projects and initiatives that we worked on, I understood that many decisions of the last General Chapter were taken ad experimentum. Chapter members now need to adopt or reject them or some of them. I think that I have been contributing to fostering and promoting the spirit which is animating the worldwide Crosier community since 2015 and I expect to do so at the General Chapter and in its implementation in the coming years.

I believe that chapters, at any level, need to be considered as a great moment in the life of a Crosier Community. The coming General Chapter will be to me, I hope, an experience of a significant moment where I envision that I will again refresh my mind for my life as a Crosier.

Meet the Delegates: Jean-Marie Kighoma...

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In April 2020 I offered input about the future of the Crosier presence in Europe in response to the Lineamenta. Without repeating those comments, I only want to propose again the following question: where is the historical committee? Is it needed? Is it feasible to establish it again? How can it work, practically? We need a group of Crosiers and others who are interested in Crosier history, as we had around 1940, so that we can understand where we have come from and critically appropriate that history in shaping our future.

At the general chapter, it has to be decided how we can establish two communities in Europe: namely in Maaseik and in Hannut. In Maaseik we are building a new monastery close to our church. At this moment it is the only one church owned by the Order (in Europe). Moreover, in the new building is the place foreseen for the archives of the whole Order. The general archivist, Roger Janssen, is a member of this community; possibly he can teach young Crosiers the history of the Order and about the archives and so he can prepare them for future work.

Crosier religious life in Europe needs to be cared for in light of caring for current

members but also for a vital Crosier future in the world Order.

Hannut is the only community where French is spoken. This offers to Congolese confreres the opportunity to have close contact with the European part of the Order. It also gives the chance for study at Louvain la Neuve, for example, in theology, philosophy, pedagogy and other human sciences. In addition, because of the language, they can find work for ministry and for maintenance of language skills.

The members of the chapter may not postpone this. If that is the case, it will be too late. I outline here my proposal for at least one community in Europe and the rationale for pursuing this course by the Order through the direction of the General Chapter.

Continuing Crosier Life and Service in EuropeBy Lambert Graus, OSC, emeritus master general

[Part 5 of the Instrumentum Laboris outlines proposals for setting direction related to the future of Europe, along with a brief background and rationale for what is proposed.]

The documents of the 2019 European provincial chapter describe the province as being “in decline.” I can understand this description; there are many reasons and I understand the leadership characterization in this way. In this context, then, there will be no more Crosiers in Europe. I don’t like that. Why not?

Crosier religious life in Europe needs to be cared for in light of caring for current members but also for a vital Crosier future in the world Order:

• The roots of the Order lie in Europe.

• The archival documents – mostly in Dutch – are located in Maaseik and Sint Agatha.

• Our main historian will hopefully be in Europe for a long time to come: Roger Janssen.

• The Crosiers of Europe are not primary contributors for the province is “in a mode of phasing out,” but for the Order as a whole. The Order as a whole therefore is responsible for ensuring that this can be done in a humane and achievable manner.

For these reasons something must be done that – however small – can preserve one or two communities located in Europe. The province “in the process of phasing out” cannot provide for this; the area may need to become a delegation from the Generalate in the meantime, or some other structure that can accommodate the circumstances that we face.

The agenda of the 2021 General Chapter needs to include serious deliberation on this topic, whether or not the Crosiers should remain in Europe, and how this can be done. The Order should also make members and financial resources available for this purpose; the province or some future structure, such as a delegation, will not be able to do this.

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CHAPTER PRAYER

God of unity and charity, You sent your Son

into the world as a sign of your love for all humanity. We ask that Jesus continue to show us how to be brother to

one another.

May we imitate him in bringing, breaking and sharing

the bread of life.

God of unity and charity, Your Son sent your Spirit of

love and wisdom into the world.We ask that this same Spirit guide our Order, especially the members of the General Chapter.

May we be wise and courageous in bringing a clear vision of a robust brotherhood

and steadfast ministry.

God of unity and charity, You send Crosiers into

the world to be witnesses of community life and service.

May the fruits of the General Chapter be enriched through the diversity of our cultures, that all may experience that unity and charity to which

you have called us.

We pray this in Jesus Christ, Amen.

I believe that a decision about this significant issue at chapter requires a two-thirds majority for the sake of the importance and the necessary capacity by the Order. The chapter can prescribe this two-thirds majority itself.

Confreres who may come from Indonesia and Congo will, in my opinion, settle in Hannut and Maaseik, the only properties of the province. Perhaps Saint Agatha has already disappeared in the phasing out period: housing there is both far too expensive

and too complicated and as such the solutions that are being considered will not include this site.

Crosier religious life and presence in Europe, both for the current confreres and in the interest of the future, needs to be a central focus of the agenda for the General Chapter and the direction it sets for the Order’s leadership.

Lambert Graus, OSC, served as master general from 1982-1997. He resides in the Crosier community in Maaseik, Belgium.

Crosier Life and Service in Europe...

Prieuré de la Sainte-Croix, Hannut (A.D. 1904).

Kruisherenkerk (Sint-Jacobskerk)

Maaseik (A.D. 1767).

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on the level of the Order concerning leadership should include some guidelines on how leadership on the local level can be carried out in line with the Crosier vision and charisms. An important statement in IL 59 says that the main accent of the leadership role on all levels of the Order is the spiritual and pastoral leadership. Perhaps it is more urgent to make sure that local leadership can implement that main accent of Crosier leadership.

Fifth, we would like to support proposals concerning the future of the Crosiers in Europe.

We suggest that potentials of each area of the Order, a map of human resources and

competencies, prospects and opportunities in the future, as well as

international relations and cooperations are also

discussed.

Sixth, again, the section on the continuity of Crosier life and mission puts much emphasis on the financial aspect. Without ignoring the importance of this aspect, we would like to suggest that other aspects such as potentials of each area of the Order, a map of human resources and competencies, prospects and opportunities in the future, as well as international relations and cooperations are also discussed and considered to anticipate the future. These other aspects, in relation to the spiritual needs and pastoral opportunities that surface today will also support the sustainability of our Order.

IL: Indonesian Perspective...

Augustinus Agung Rianto, OSC, was elected for service as prior provincial in 2019.

The capitulars of the 2019 Sang Kristus provincial chapter with Master General Laurentius Tarpin, OSC, General Councilor Henri Muhumira, OSC, and Bishop of Bandung, Anton Subianto, OSC.

The theme of the 2019 Sang Kristus provincial chapter was “Anggur Baru Dalam Kantong Baru”: “New Wine in New Wineskins.”

12 Bring • Break • Share | June 2021 | Issue 2

Meet the Delegates: The newest major superior, the provincial of the newly established Martyrs de Bondo province, is also a first time (ex-officio) delegate. He shares about his Crosier vocation and the work of the chapter. Online Preparation for Delegates: An update of what is being planned will be provided for the delegates.

Pre-Chapter Election Discernment: The process of preparing to elect new general leadership is available on the website. Look for further information and reflections on transition in leadership.

Proper Law: The “Chapter Draft,” the final pre-chapter version of the proposed revisions, is published with changes from the earlier consultaton. We are looking to offer explanation and insight into these revisions to foster greater understanding.

IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF BRING • BREAK • SHARE

Bring • Break • Share IS PUBLISHED BYMaster GeneralCrosier GeneralateVia del Velabro 1900186 Rome, Italynews@unityincharity.info EDITOR: Dave Donnay, OSCEDITORIAL BOARD:

General Chapter Planning Committee

Laurentius Tarpin, OSC Pierre-Paul Walraet, OSC Henri Paluku Muhumira, OSCY.B. Rosaryanto, OSC Onesius Otenieli Daeli, OSC Dave Donnay, OSCPhotos Credits: Sang Kristus Chapter: Onesius Otenieli Daeli, OSC

The next issue of Bring • Break • Share

is scheduled for late August.

Send submissions to news@unityincharity.info.

Deadline for the August issue is August 13

unityincharity.info

The GENERAL CHAPTER WEBSITE is the best place to find the LATEST DOCUMENTS and INFORMATION about the General Chapter!

Online Pre-Chapter

Preparation Sessions (Delegates)

Further information in the next issue of the General Chapter Newsletter (August).

Thursday, October 07, 2021 Thursday, November 04, 2021 Thursday, December 02, 2021

(Two hour sessions, morning in U.S./Brazil, afternoon in Europe/Congo, evening in Indonesia)