Missionaries of Saint Francis de Sales

Fransalians - USA Vice Province

MSFS Vice Provincial House

3887 Rosebud Road

Loganville - Atlanta, GA 30052 USA

Email: viceprovincialusamsfs@gmail.com, tjpmsfs@gmail.com

Website: www.fransaliansusa.com

Phone Office: 770-776-6781; Cell: 615-943-8706; Fax: 615-868-4900

Circular: TJP –2 September - 2016

An update of the Vice Provincial Congress 2016!

The Vice Provincial Congress of the USA Vice Province of the Missionaries of St. Fran-

cis de Sales, was held from August 22 - 26, 2016 at Monteserret Retreat House at Lake

Dallas, Texas - United States. There were 47 participants present for the Congress in-

cluding Reverend Fr. Jayaseelan Selvaraj, one of the General Councilors representing

the General Curia from Rome. The confreres spent the first two days in prayer and re-

flection on the theme, “Fransalians Forward Frontiers: Men of Mission and Vison with

Compassion.” The key note address was delivered by Fr. Ken McKenna OSFS, the

Provincial Superior of the Detroit Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. There

were other presentations on various topics given by MSFS Confreres from the United

States. The last three days of the Congress, the confreres took up business matters and

discussed and deliberated as to how to move forward as Fransalians in the present time

in the United Stares. The Congress tried to explore different possibilities and opportuni-

ties in implanting the Congregation and expanding our ministries; and at the same time

helping and supporting the missions and ministries of different Provinces, Regions and

Delegations of our Congregation out side the United States.

In fact it was a wonderful time of living together as Fransalians under the same roof

with the same Mission, same Vision sharing the same Dream as Consecrated and com-

mitted men. There was passion, enthusiasm and interest in moving forward together as a

community in this Country and culture. Everyone had good time together and enjoyed

the presence of each other.

The following confreres were elected to the office during the Congress!

Fr. Davis Chackaleckel (Councilor and Admonitor)

Fr. John Peter Arul (Councilor)

Fr. Mathew Elayadathamadam (Advisor)

Fr. Sunny Punnakuzhiyil (Advisor)

Fr. Joseph Pottemmel (Bursar)

Hearty welcome to the new team members and wishing them

prayers and God’s blessing! May God bless us all!

Inside this Issue

An update of the Congress

Names of the newly elected members of the team

Statements of the Congress

Action Plan for the future

Group picture of the New Admin-istration Team

Appointment of the new Fransali-an local commu-nity Superiors

Group picture of the new local community supe-riors

Report of the Blessing/Celebration of the Feast

Group Pictures

Message of the Vice Provincial

Random Pictures

Thank you Note

Announcements

Prayer for the repose of souls

Salesian Thought

For more info.

please visit

www.wellspring

community.net

www.fransalian

timesusa.org

www.msfstoday.org

Participants for the Second Vice Provincial Congress of the Missionaries of

St. Francis de Sales of USA Vice Province - August 2016

Missionaries of St. Francis de

Sales USA Vice-Province

2nd Vice Provincial Congress

Statements!

Having assembled for the 2nd Vice Provin-

cial Congress of USA Vice Province, held

from Monday, August 22, 2016 to Friday,

August 26, 2016, at Montsserat Retreat

House, Dallas, Texas, we the 47 partici-

pants (11 long term members, 34 short term

members and 2 observers) lived together as

one community, prayed together with one

heart, deliberated together with one mind,

on our life, vision and mission in USA,

and, above all, allowed the Holy Spirit to

inspire us and lead us along the right path.

We reflected upon the theme of the Vice

Provincial Congress, “Fransalians Forward

Frontiers: Men of Vision and Mission, with

Compassion,” in order to identify ways and

a means of living out our mission and min-

istry in USA as pastors, administrators,

educators, ministers to the sick and the

dying, liberators and animators. We under-

stand that we are led by the Rule of Love

and not by the Rule of Law; and, that we

are committed to Jesus who called us.

And so, we resolve to commit ourselves to

the following statements and Action Plan as

the expression of our commitment to renew

our lives and to live as genuine Fransalians,

in the spirit of the spirituality of St. Francis

de Sales, our heavenly Patron, and in the

foot steps of the Servant of God, Fr. Peter

Marie Mermier, our beloved founder.

And so, we resolve: 1. In order to strengthen our identity as

Fransalians each member will take steps to know

himself more clearly as a child of God, as a

Christian, as a Religious/Consecrated person and

as a Fransalian, with a mission, vision and com-

passion trusting in God who fills in what is lack-

ing in the knowledge of ourselves. We will take

steps to make changes which will start from each

of us personally.

2. Firmly believing like that of the chalice held in

our hands, each of us is held by Christ and by

containing Him within us we aspire to live the

goodness of God flowing through our human

hearts in our regular effort to challenge ourselves

to see the large picture (metanoia), transcending

our small pictures (paranoia), small minds, our

accents, generously making effort to be inclusive

in our being and doing/ our thought, deed, minis-

try and activity.

3. We become more conscious of the fact that,

we must “keep moving” with God against our

natural inclination “to stay” with our status quo;

always being aware that , besides the physical

dimension of moving, the psychological, spiritu-

al and sociological dimensions of moving which

concerns the internal process are the most im-

portant aspects of our progress for the better and

the higher.

4. In order to prevent getting stuck in the status

quo, largely due to our personal and cultural

background , we will cultivate a stronger sense

of dialogue and a sense of community including

triangular dialogue involving God, individual

and community.

5. We are mindful of the all pervasive dynamic

of “stay… keep moving,” our inclination to

settling, we accept the call to keep moving pas-

sionately with the God of Exodus, who moves

along with us

in all the seasons of our personal and community

life in faithfulness and compassion, forging with

the sense of brotherhood and community in order

to make our life loving and vibrant, engaging

ourselves in the dynamic of triangular dialogue

between God, individual and community, for a

proper discernment and decision to move for-

ward

6. We strive to close the gap between the anima-

tors and the members, which steals the sense of

community from our hearts, and we consciously

be aware of our differences caused by our physi-

cal, psychological, sociological backgrounds and

generously strive to move beyond, to become the

pots of compassion.

7. To live here in the USA with a definite mis-

sion, to be at the service of the Universal Church

to proclaim the Gospel , implant the MSFS and

to disseminate our spirituality. We will make

every effort to excel in our witness and ministry

at our designated locations and remain open to

evaluation in order to enhance our accountability

and effectiveness in our mission.

8. We will strengthen our sense of “MSFSNESS”

by interacting with others with

“MINDFULNESS,” which involves paying more

attention to our own feelings, to our confreres

and parishioners keeping in mind that mindful-

ness is a state of mind.

9. We will be responsible for the future of the

congregation in USA by promoting enthusiasti-

cally vocations from wherever they are available

by focusing on quality rather than quantity.

10. We will identify ways and a means to reach

our goal to be a community-in-mission, not

necessarily a community under the same roof but

always a community of the same heart in the

areas of community, communication, ministry,

mission, formation, vocation promotion, expan-

sion and innovation.

Pictured from left to right: Fr. Joseph Pottemmel (Bursar), Fr. Davis Chackleckel (Councilor), Fr. Tomy Puliyanampatta-

yil (Vice Provincial), Jayseelan Selvaraj (General Councilor), Fr. John Peter Arul (Councilor), Fr. Sunny Punnakuzhiyil

(Advisor), Fr. Mathew Elaydathmadam (Advisor)

Members of the New Administration Team with the General Councilor!

Action Plan - Congress 2016

Community

Meet at least four times a year

Develop a greater level of transparency in all matters

Greet and celebrate the significant days of the Confreres;

e.g. birthdays, feast days and anniversaries.

Adopt a leader servant attitude.

Communication

Adopt a healthy or balanced approach to the mass media

for human development

Publish homilies on the congregation website

Support the different initiatives undertaken to the web-

site of various secretariats of the General Administration

Link the MSFS websites to the parish websites wherever

possible

Mission

Set up a lay organizations like Friends of Fransalians and

Salesian Study groups in the parishes.

Form a retreat preaching team

Formation and vocation Promotion

Review and revamp the existing formation and vocation

promotion policies and guidelines

Promote vocations from anywhere available

Develop a special website for vocation promotion with

informational videos on the mission and ministry of

MSFS in USA and link it with other parish websites.

Expansion

Construct the provincial house with an office in Atlanta

Dialogue more vigorously with the provincials of India

to get more long term members for USA Vice Province.

Innovation

Explore other avenues of ministries; e.g. hospital chap-

laincy and convent chaplaincy besides the traditional

pastoral ministry

Explore the possibility of starting a senior citizen home

including a retirement facility for confreres

Miscellaneous

Constitute a committee to prepare and publish a compre-

hensive history of MSFS in USA

The Vice-Provincial is requested to discuss with the oth-

er Provincials regarding an increase in pocket money

Discuss the possibility of Social Security and Medicare

benefits for the short term members

Invite the chairman of PIF to the future Congresses of

the Vice-Province

Submit to the General Administration a request to review

the 10-year policy as an agenda for the General Chapter

2019

Appointment of the new Superiors of the Fransalian Local Communities in the

United States!

Location of the Community Names of Superiors

1. Atlanta, GA Fr. Joseph Mullakkara

2. Detroit, MI Fr. Raphael Karekatt

3. Florida, FL Fr. Anthony Bonela

4. Houston, TX Fr. Jaison Pezhathinal

5. Harrisburg, PA Fr. Antony Swamy

6. Kalamazoo, MI Fr. Alphonse Savari

7. Kansas, KS Fr. Mariadas Sesetti

8. Louisiana, LA Fr. Paul Kunnumpuram

9. Tennessee, TN Fr. Jacob Dio

10. Tyler, TX Fr. Luke Kalarickal

11. Tucson, AZ Fr. George Kunnel

12. Wisconsin, WI Fr. George Thayilkuzhithottu

New Vice Provincial Administration

with the Newly Appointed Superiors of the Local Fransalian Communities

Report of the blessing of our new Vice Provincial House – Atlanta, GA

September 15th was an important day for the Fransalian Family all over the World as we celebrated the Feast of Our Patroness,

Mother of Compassion. It was an important day for the Fransalians of the United States as we not only celebrated the Feast of our

Patroness but also blessed the new home (MSFS Vice Provincial House) for the Fransalians in the United States at Loganville-

Atlanta, Georgia (This is a property of 6.8 acres of land with the existing structure that was purchased by the previous administra-

tion). Confreres from Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee gathered in the new house on the 15th evening and Fr. Tomy Puliyanam-

pattayil, the Vice Provincial, blessed the house in the presence of the confreres dedicating it as the new Provincial House for the

Fransalians of the United States. This house will function as the Provincial House currently and all business transactions will take

place from there henceforth.

After the blessing of the house all the priests went to St. Alphonsa Church on Rosebud Road and celebrated the Feast with Holy

Mass and dinner. There were several parishioners from St. Alphonsa Parish along with many members from the Friends of the

Fransalians of the Atlanta Chapter. There were 12 confreres to celebrate the Holy Mass. Fr. Tomy was the main celebrant

and Fr. Joseph Pottemel delivered the homily. At the end of the Mass the Vice Provincial delivered a message to the community

which included the strategic plan of the Fransalians in Atlanta for the near future. Everyone enjoyed the Indian food. Thanks to Fr.

Mathew and his team for all their help. (Message is available on page 6)

(Pictured above is the Newly Blessed Vice Provincial House . Pictured below members present for the blessing

Newly Blessed Vice Provincial House 3887 Rosebud Road-Loganville-Atlanta, GA 30052

Email: viceprovincialusamsfs@gmail.com; tjpmsfs@gmail.com

Website: www.fransaliansusa.com

Phone Office: 770-776-6781; Cell: 615-943-8706; Fax: 615-868-4900

Message delivered by the vice provincial on the day of the Blessing of the

Provincial House & Celebration of the feast of Mother of Compassion !

We, the Missionaries of St. Francis de sale also known as Fransalians have a message for you today. I

am happy to share that message with you. The message is very simple that we, the Fransalians are

here for you,, you,, you and all of you. We are here for you by making our home in the Archdio-

cese of Atlanta, by being in Loganville and by being on Rosebud road. Just two miles away from here.

We have a property of 6.8 acres of land with a small house on it at 3887 Rosebud road which will

remain as the Provincial House of the USA Vice Province of the Fransalians in the United States. We

would love to serve you and the people of this country in our priestly ministry of preaching, teaching,

healing and sanctifying.

We are small, and we have a humble beginning, but “We can be great when we are with Christ who

strengthens us,” as St. Paul writes. Along with the Provincial House, we will also be focusing on the

ministry of retreat preaching, counseling, media and publications here. It is our intention in the future-

to establish our house of formation in Atlanta.

We have a long standing connection and bond with Atlanta. Our first Fransalian priest worked in the

Archdiocese of Atlanta at St. Joseph Church in Athens. We served in the parishes of St. Lawrence in

Lawrenceville and St. Patrice in Norcross for decades.

We are currently about 60 priests working in 22 dioceses spread out in 15 states in this country. We

are working today in 28 countries in the world. We are a religious congregation of French originating

in Annecy France by Servant of God Peter Marie Mermier in the year 1838. Our heavenly patron is St

Francis de Sales and our heavenly patroness is Mary Mother of Compassion, who is traditionally

known as Mother of Sorrows. We will be starting a lay association connected with Missionaries of St

Francis de sales/Fransalians soon where lay faithful will have greater and better opportunities to fol-

low the same spirituality of St Francis de Sales in close connection with the Fransalians Fathers.

We need you and we are here for you!

We have to pray together, work together, think together, dream together, and move forward together

as members of the catholic Church to create a better world, better families and better persons where

Christ Jesus is the head and the leader.

We are assuring each of you our support, dedication, love and prayers. May the Lord continue to bless

us and our families through the intercession of His mother Mary who is the mother of Compassion.

We also seek today the intercession of St. Alphonsa and St. Teresa of Calcutta. Mary Mother of Com-

passion pray for us! Happy feast to all of you and may God bless you !

Fransalians: Men of Joy and Optimism

Congress 2016

Fransalians: A Praying Community

On the day of the Feast Celebration & Blessing of the Vice Provincial House, Atlanta

Thank you One and All!

Beloved Brothers,

I would like to thank each of you who participated in the Second Vice Provincial Congress of the USA Vice Province held August

2016 at Lake Dallas, Texas. Your mindful presence and involvement was a great source of strength and motivation. I just want to

let you know how much I appreciate it. You are a blessing and your presence is a greater blessing to the USA Vice Province. I

would like to thank God Almighty for leading and guiding all of us throughout the Vice Provincial Congress and seeking His guid-

ance on our forward journey. My thanks to very Reverend Superior General and the Curia for their support and prayers. I would

like to thank in a special way Fr. Jayseelan Selvaraj, who came representing the General Curia, for his presence, guidance, and help

throughout the Vice Provincial Congress.

My special thanks to Fr. Ken McKenna OSFS who delivered the Key Note Address for the Congress and to all the confreres who

delivered presentations on various topics pertaining to the theme of the Congress. All confreres had some level of responsibility and

everyone fulfilled their responsibilities very well. My thanks to everyone of you for performing your assigned responsibility in the

best manner possible. My special thanks and appreciation to those who headed different committees and teams in the process of

conducting the Congress. Fr. Gus and Wellspring Community Tyler, Texas and some other friends were of great help in providing

transportation to the confreres to the sight of the Congress. Thank you Father Gus and your team for the efforts and commitment.

You really went the extra mile to bring us together. My thanks to the Montserrat retreat house for their hospitality and friendliness.

Announcements!

I am traveling to India and will be leaving on September 29, 2016. I will be returning on October 26, 2016. This is my time off

from St. Joseph Parish. During my travel I will be attending the Provincials meeting in Vizak and visiting with my family. My

cell phone number in India is 011-91-9447623838.

In my absence Fr. Davis Chackaleckel will act as the Vicar of the Vice Province. Please contact him in situations of needs and

emergencies.

Financial transactions of the short term members working in the United States may continue the status quo until December 31,

2016. The Vice Provincial and the Provincial bursar in Atlanta will take care of the financial matters beginning January 1,

2017. Thank you!

With Prayers in His Love your brother,

Fr. Tomy Joseph Puliyanampattayil, MSFS

Vice Provincial - USA Vice Province

Pray for the repose of the souls of our beloved confreres who

went for their eternal reward May - August 2016

Fr. John Rodrigues of Brazil Province, 87 years old, expired on May 13, 2016.

Rev. Fr. G. Dominic Savio (48 years old) of South-East Province, Died in an accident

on July 01, 2016.

Rev. Fr. Jose Thenganakunnel of North- East Province (66 years old) expired on July

16, 2016.

Rev. Fr. Melchiades Dalgado of Nagpur Province (87 years old) expired on July 24,

2016.

Rev. Fr. Alexander Kottathil of Vizag Province 85 years old, expired on August 07,

2016.

Bro. George Clement Anthony (23 years old), of Pune Province died on August 29,

2016.

Rev. Fr. Annem Joji Reddy (33 years old) of Vizag Province died on August 31, 2016.

Rev. Fr. Sayu Cheruvil (52 years old) of Nagpur Province died on August 31, 2016.

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St. Francis de Sales