ROMA ONLINE Brothers of Charity

FRATELLI DELLA CARITà • Curia Generalizia • Via Giambattista Pagano 35 • 00167 Roma • Italia T. (+39) 06 66 04 901 • F. (+39) 06 66 31466 • www.brothersofcharity.org Responsable: Communication Service Brothers of Charity • lieven.claeys@fracarita.org

The time after the general council meeting is always filled with the follow-up of the council, and this time also with the finishing of a booklet and a course on ethics and the way that we as Christians can make ethical decisions, in line with our Christian vision on life. The booklet will be published in Flemish in light of the very hard times that Belgium is going through in the discussion on euthanasia that is open to children, and we hope that our voices as Christians are heard in this secularized

environment. The course will be given at the beginning of April to our group that is taking the master programme the Social Doctrine of the Church.

With some meetings at the Gregorian and Lateran University and the follow-up of the process of beatification, we ended our stay in Rome on 22 January.

The few days that I was in Belgium were filled with meetings and the historical committee for the cause of Father Triest. Together with postulator Dr. Waldery Hilgeman, we evaluated the opening of the tomb and made a clear schedule for the next months, still in the hope that we can finish the diocesan process this year! In Bruges, we opened the new office of Fracarita International and we had a meeting with the bishop of Bruges. We concluded our stay in Belgium with a visit to the Trappist Abbey of Westvleteren with Bro. Jos Mathijssen, and we took part in their evening prayer.

On the 27th we left for Congo, where we started the retreat for the brothers and associate members on the 28th at the

“Centre Theophile Verbist” in Mbudi near Kinshasa. With a group of 45 participants we developed the theme of our animation programme, and we could witness the seriousness that everyone went through these days in the desert. It is the first retreat of 4 that we will be giving this year in Congo. In June, we will be in Bukavu, in August in Lubumbashi and in December in Kananga.

On Sunday 2 February, the day of consecrated life, our associate members organized a much appreciated outing to Kisantu, where we visited the botanic garden, and afterwards we found real hospitality with our Sisters of Charity.

From 3 until 6 February, we organized a session on religious leadership and our mission as congregation for all the superiors and the members of the regional council. On the last day, we were happy that we were able to formulate the mission of the region with a clear conviction. It was a good preparation for the regional chapter, which was planned one week later. After a day of meetings, a lecture to the staff of our institute in Kinshasa and to the Sisters of Charity about the process of beatification, and after a day with the regional council meeting we concluded our visit to Congo, the first international visit of 2014, and we returned to Europe on the 12th, with a short trip to Rome and then the preparation for the next month of travelling to Sri Lanka, where we will visit the region and also give the retreat in preparation for the first profession of our novices on 26 February, to Nairobi for the retreat in preparation for the oblation of our novices on 7 March, and then the visit to South Africa and Zambia until 16 March.

My fraternal greetings to all of you!

Bro. René Stockman, Superior General

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NEWS FROM THE COMMUNITIES

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THE SUPERIOR GENERAL’S VISIT SCHEDULE16 February: Sri Lanka28 February: Kenya – Nairobi8 - 16 March: South Africa and Zambia18 - 19 March: Belgium19 - 30 March: Rome1 - 12 April: Belgium teaching at our International Institute Canon Triest in Moerzeke12 April back to Rome.Schedule in Rome:

- 22 April: general council with the provincial superiors- 28 April - 8 May: meeting with the provincial and regional superiors in Rome.- Around 12 May: retreat to a group of associate members from Belgium in Rome- End of May: leaving for Congo, Kivu region with visits to Uvira, Shabunda, Goma and retreat in Bukavu until 7 June.

ROME : CASA GENERALIZIAu

• 28th December: The student Brothers celebrated the Holy Innocents feast in Ghent: the youngest of them was the superior of the house. The Brothers of the house organized well the day! After evening prayer the community shared a wonderful time together. (photo 1)

• 1 January: Someone born on the 25th December used to complain saying that his friends and relatives gave him less attention on his birthday, concentrating on the birth of Christ’s celebration. And he always felt neglected or forgotten. But we hope this has not been the case for our Brother Linus (General Secretary), whose birthday falls on the first day of the year! Because he always receives the support of the community. And this year we had a meal in a nearby restaurant and there we sung the Happy Birthday song for our Brother! In his speech he underlined that he is always happy with the community, this being his second year in Rome. (photo 2)

• 2 January: Brother General arrived in the community from Africa. “It has become a tradition,” said brother Willy, “that on 2nd of January, the community celebrates Brother General and the New Year”. On this occasion a tombola was organized by the General: every Brother received at least one gift and Brother Daniel (not a good friend of real dogs ) received a… dog ! This dog has been a topic alla une of all the discussions during meals: everything is focused on his dog: “eating for my dog”, he repeats every minute that passes; he even asks for a day to

celebrate his dog’s birthday! Not only that, the Brothers who were not present that day, thought it was a real one; and Brother Adrian exclaimed: “It is true that you have a dog? A real one? Are you serious? …” Brother Anuranjit was even invited to Brother Daniel’s room to visit the dog; and to their surprise they both found that it was a silver one! The story of the dog teaches us many lessons: Life is full of surprises, you cannot always live it the way you wish to. And when something occurs contrary to your expectations, better accept it and enjoy it, but above all try to see the positive side even in what seems to be negative! Brother Daniel never expected to receive the dog as a present and he said before: “I don’t like dogs, and I will not be happy to receive it as a present!” It finally ended in his hands. Live with Providence.On this occasion, we received the ‘Animation Booklet’, a reflection based on the motions of the General Chapter: “Let us be overwhelmed by the Love of God”. (photos 3,4)

• 3 January: Brother Jean Mbeshi and Brother Adrian arrived respectively from DRCongo and Beijing, China, for the meeting of the General Council.

• 4 January: Brother Jos the Vicar General arrived from Belgium.

• 6 January: Brother V.Hugo M. Conde landed safely in Rome from Sri Lanka; we were all happy to see the Brothers after a long period of time of absence.

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The same day: the Epiphany of the Lord is ‘La festa della Befana’ (the feast of the Befana): a symbol of a lady that flies on a broom; and is an occasion for the children to receive gifts from their parents: therefore a table tombola was led by Brother General. Don Santiago, a college student, won the Befana. (photo 5)

• 7 January: The General Council meeting started; it ended on the 10th . We prayed for our Congregation that it might always walk with Providence. This same day, the student Brothers started their lessons; we wish them a blessed year and a successful session.

• 19th January: Brother General Superior preached a recollection in the community, where he presented his reflection on the new exhortation of the Holy Father: “Evangelii Gaudium” (The Joy of the Gospel). The reflection was based on the relevance of the Pope’s message to us as a Congregation. We thank Brother General for making us reflect on a personal level on this message addressed universally. (photo 6)

• 21 January: Brother General Superior invited us for an “aperitivo” and he presented to us his new book to be published soon on Ethics. On the 22nd he flew via Belgium to DR Congo. (photo 7)

• 23 January: Brother Augustin Mulila Kiwele celebrated his birthday in the community. “Thank you for the music,” said Brother John, the local superior, when he made a vote of thanks on behalf of the community. At the same evening, Brother Anuranjit Kullu, our new community member arrived. We welcomed him on Saturday 25th. Welcome Brother in our midst. (photo 8)

• 24 January: in San Paolo (fuori le mura) the Pope presided the vespers for the conclusion of the week for Christian Unity and the feast of Saint Paul the Apostle. Brother Anuranjit attended the prayer service and he was very happy to see the Holy Father so close, only a day after his arrival in Rome. What a blessing. (photo 9)

• At the suggestion of Brother John O’Shea we decided to share the Christmas Crib in Saint Peter’s Square with the Brothers and all the Associate Members and Collaborators. The crib came from Naples, which is south of Rome, and the tree had come from Germany.

Bro. Bienvenue

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2014 opened with the message of peace to mankind by Pope Francis. On New Year’s Day we meditated on “Fraternity, the foundation and pathway to peace”. The root of fraternity is contained in the fatherhood of God because, when His love is received, it becomes the strongest agent of transformation of life and of our relationships, opening people to solidarity and active sharing. Pope John Paul II taught that peace is an indivisible good ; it belongs to all or to nobody. Fraternity is a treasure to be discovered, loved, experienced, announced and testified to. It is only God’s love which allows us to receive and fully live fraternity.

On Tuesday 21 January, we sent our postulant Innocent Mwanza to Bukavu via Kinshasa where he would start his formation. On that same day we travelled to Mbuji-Mayi to prepare our departure for Kinshasa for the retreat given by Brother General and thereafter for attending the second session of the regional chapter in Mbudi, Mubj-Mayi. We went to see our family ; to our regret we found our papa ill.

On Sunday 26th, Brs A. Kateba, C. Mukinay and I left for Kinshasa. Warmly received by our confreres we went on to Mbudi, at the CICM post, where on 28 January

Brother General started the retreat with the theme “Our vocation and mission as Brother of Charity today”. The retreat ended on February 1st. On Sunday Feb. 2nd, Day of Consecrated Life, we made a trip to Kisantu (120 km from Kinshasa) in the company of associate members and all the other Brothers. After this, a formation session for all local superiors was led by Brother General, and we finalized the second session of the regional chapter.

Bro. Bernard Ntambwe

AFRICA : SAINT AUGUSTINE PROVINCE u

St Francis Xavier Community Lusambo • D.R. CONGO

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AMERICA : OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PROVINCEu

Saint Martin de Porres RegionNICARAGUA - PERU

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nicaragua

On the occasion of the new year, I would first of all like to wish all the readers of Roma Online a blessed and a prosperous 2014.

Here in Nicaragua, the month of January means vacation time for the children of our two centres. Our staff used this occasion to plan the activities for the new year, and we have a few new additions to our team.The regional superior spent two weeks in Peru from 15

until 30 January. He had the opportunity to spend some time with the brothers, visit the apostolic works, talk to the staff members, and meet the associate members, some of whom have already made their promise and others who are still in training. The goal of this visit was mainly to organise the second session of the regional chapter in view of revising the regional directorium, taking into account the motions of the 2012 General Chapter.

Bro. Richard Bardier

PEru

• 6 January: At Lima, general assembly of the directors, collaborators and members of the three phases of the program of rehabilitation of Escuela de Vida.

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• 12 January: Collaborators of Ayacucho in Special Education arrive for a 4-week training together with the personnel of the Cepetri at Comas. Another way of applying the principle of “useful holidays”.

• 13 January: At Comas, launching of the year 2014 with proclamation of the objectives of the year in our institutions of special education.

• 15 January: Arrival from Nicaragua of our superior regional Bro. Ricardo Bardier.

• 24-25 January: Final session of our regional chapter. Many changes. The spirits are high.

• 26 January: Bro. Jimi is informed from US that a $20,000 project for psychotropic drugs is accepted for the year 2014.

• 27 January: Solemn Mass with collaborators of Cepetri and Escuela de Vida à Comas. After mass are blessed the cross to be hanged in the working areas and the Superior Regional gives to the collaborators and to the brothers the opening conference of the year of reflection 2014 on the theme: “Overwhelmed by the Love of God”.

• 29-31 January: Conferences at the Religious Conference of Peru on the new paradigms of religious life.

Beside the regional chapter and the visit of the regional superior was a series of reunions, visits and conferences with the directors and collaborators of the three institutions (Cepetri, Escuela de Vida, COSMA Ayacucho), with the associates in Comas and candidates associates in Ayacucho. Also opening of the year of reflection in Cepetri and Ayacucho.

Do you know that in Peru people keep the ashes of their cremated beloved in their house and bring them again at the church for the anniversary services?

Bro. Donald Joyal

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Moving Day: Now that the promise to sell was officially signed, the sales agreement will be signed on 28 February. From that day on, the residents (Fracarita) of Saint Vincent’s will be accommodated at Saint Laurent’s in Saint Sulpice.

Bro. Gilles kept a watchful eye on the entire operation, not to mention clearing out that which we were not planning on taking with us to Saint Sulpice. The new owners came to visit the location several times in view future arrangement and decoration.

Firstly, however, we needed to arrange and decorate the basement so that we can use it as a tidy storage space, which Bro. Origène Bergeron succeeded in doing, while being ably assisted. (photo -1-)

A few facts worth mentioning: On 13 January, Bro. Philippe Huot celebrated his 95th birthday in good company. (photo -2-)

On 17 January, the CSB in Drummondville offered Mr. Alexandre Cusson, former director-general, a well-organised cocktail party as a thank you for the many years during which he successfully ran the institution. We also know that Mr. Cusson was appointed mayor of Drummondville in November 2013. (photo -3-)

Winter played the lead this month. Temperatures were almost constantly around minus 10° C, sometimes less. Our poet Gilles Vigneault said it best: “My country isn’t a country, it’s winter!” (photo -4-)

Bro. Jacques Bellemare

Saint Anna RegionCANADA

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ASIA : SAINT THOMAS PROVINCEu

Happy Lunar New Year 2014 (Year of the Horse)! May joy, peace, and happiness of the Lord be with us all. On January 31, most of the Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean people all around the world celebrated the Lunar New Year. Here in China, there were many great parties, celebrations in almost every family, and in many places throughout the country, of course with firecrackers and fireworks. In our community, we also had a simple New Year’s Eve dinner together with Brother Jose and our former postulant Paul Sun who came here as our special guest. Brother Jose especially made the traditional food of ‘jiaozi’ or dumplings symbolizing of prosperity and good luck, in addition to “fish” dish and other Chinese food and snacks to mark the New Year. In short, it was

such a simple but nice celebration that we had to welcome the Year of the Horse 2014. In anyway, we may say we are keeping well despite the very cold and dry weather that is still remaining until now. Since his return from Belgium, Jose is staying in Beijing re-adjusting himself to the life situation in China. Around mid of February he’ll be in Taiyuan to arrange for the preparation of our project in Honggou, Shanxi Province, together with Fr. Paul Liu Jiangang, our associate member. From January 21 to February 4, our postulant John Gan was on vacation with his family in Shandong. He returned to Beijing with his cousin, Francis Gan who is interested to be our new candidate. Meanwhile, John is preparing himself to go to the Philippines together with our associate member, Fr Joseph Zhang, at the end of this month. Fr Joseph Zhang shall visit our communities as well as some of his friends there for two weeks. Filipina Sisters Marigold Magbanua CM and Sister Becky Polinar CM (Carmelite Missionaries) arrived in Beijing on Feb 4 to give a retreat to our brothers. They shall return to Fuzhou, Fujian Province on Feb 15. On January 20, we had a chance to

visit the Vincentian Fathers’ community here in Beijing. We are very happy to know them, and they have said that they would be glad to assist us in giving recollections or lessons for our brothers and associate members in the field of the Vincentian spirituality. Thus, we have a plan to do our recollection on Vincentian spirituality for our brothers and associate members with Fr Peter Reedy CM (Australian) next month. We are also looking forward to welcoming back our novices, James and Austin after their professions in Sri Lanka later this month. We pray for them so that they shall be blessed with special grace by the Lord on their very first profession to become faithful and successful members of our Congregation. Please continue your prayer support for our mission in China! God bless you all.

Bro. Adrian Hartotanojo

Brother Paschal Saleem was admitted to hospital for few days and had an operation for the disk replacement in the lumbar. The operation was successful without any complications and the doctor discharged him from hospital a few days later. Brother Saleem continued to consult the doctor in his clinic after the operation. He is feeling well and continues the daily activities of the community.

The brothers have finished the Christmas holidays and have started the community activities in the community and the apostolate. The schools, hostels and health care center have also started their service to the students and the residents after the Christmas holidays. They are happy to enjoy and celebrate Christmas with their families.

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Brother Peter Anwar visited Our Lady of Lourdes Community in Lahore on 16 January. He also visited Umeed-e-Nau primary school at Brick Kiln with Brother Javaid and Mr. Ashraf Rahmat (the school principal) and he had a meeting with Mr. Ashraf Rahmat about the construction of the deteriorated building of the school. We will start the construction work of the school within a few days.

The council members of the region of Pakistan had a meeting on 19 January in Narowal. They discussed the topics of religious life and apostolic life of the brothers and co-workers so that they can work in harmony for the development of the region.

Bro. Peter Anwar

We would like to share with you all our activities of the first month of 2014, what we did with all our enthusiasm hoping that it will be a happy and blessed new year.

• On 30th December, our community had a special dinner in a small restaurant in Kandy to welcome New Year 2014. The spirit of New Year here is different comparing with the one in our own countries. It was a really quiet night; people went gathered at home to be with their loved ones, with their families. Nevertheless, we enjoyed it and prayed for our families, for the New Year of peace and graces.

• On 4th January, we had monthly recollection. The theme was about “The image of God in me”. It was a meaningful day; we could refresh our mind again by reflecting on the love of God in our life. His love is unconditional, we are blessed because of the love He has for us. We hope that we will be able to recognize His love in whatever we do and when we meet anyone.

• On 5th January, it was the departure of Bro. Victor Hugo for the meeting of the General Council in Rome. He would be absent in our community for a week. We wished him a safe journey and all the best for his task as General Assistant, and also for planning ahead for our Congregation.

• On 6th January, we started our classes with Bro. Janvier

• On 12th January, we left for our practicum. We would

be active in different places for two weeks. We were divided into three groups as follows: Ja Ela, Kegalle and Daya Mina in Colombo. We were all happy with the experiences during the practicum. God is really love, and His ways are mysterious. He is caring for all the vulnerable by the hands of many people.

• On 28th January, we went back to our Formation House. We were joyful to see each other again. We shared our work experiences. We had learnt a lot.

Thank God for his protection and graces. May He continue to be with us always as we are drawing near to the next important step in our life. Bro. Janvier

International Novitiate House Katugastota • SRI LANKA

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ST. John DE BriTTo coMMuniTySivagangai, TaMil naDu

On 1st January 2014 we got into the mood of a new spirit. We celebrated the feast of Mary, Mother of God. On 9th January, Bros Johnson and Julian went to Belgium for their studies; we had a gathering together with Religious Sisters and Priests with a special meal. On 14th January, we celebrated the feast of Pongal (Harvest Day)! This month also we took some time to stay with the Brothers in Ranchi, Jharkhand. We arrived on 16th January in Ranchi, Jharkhand and we visited the Brothers house in order to show our solidarity. Finally, we had the Regional Council Meeting in Ranchi, Jharkhand. We also received Mr. André Ornelis from Belgium, our teacher and friend in Ranchi, Jharkhand on 23rd January. We had many meetings, gatherings, and discussed issues that were solved to improve St. Peter’s School at Simalia. The meetings were very fruitful, and at the same time we looked to the future with great zeal and enthusiasm. We thank all the Council Members for their dedication and service. On 30th January, we arrived safely in Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu: we prepared for the next month. On 31st January, Bro. George Tirkey arrived safely at our community.

ST. giuSEPPE MoScaTi PSYCHO-SOCIAL rEhaBiliTaTion cEnTErSivagangai, TaMil naDu

The residents of our house had expected to celebrate the feast of Pongal (Harvest Day) on 14th January 2014; it ended on 17th January 2014. We prepared the meeting of the family on 11th January 2014; since there are few local festivals, on the occasion of this festival few Residents went home for a visit. The residents felt the Festivity with eating sugar cane! Bro Emil Bara took care of our residents and we thanked him wholeheartedly. On 26th January 2014, Bro Emil Bara hoisted the flag in the presence of our residents and co-workers. It was the day of the Republic of India.

ST. alPhonSa MuTTaThuPaDaThu COMMUNItY - RANCHI

On 2nd January 2014 we were invited by Bro Dayal Tigga to his house at the village of Circi Nawgai about

300 km from Ranchi to participate in the thanksgiving day for his religious perpetual profession together with his family. This was a very nice occasion for us to meet all the family members and to see the village of Brother Dayal. On 8th January, Mr. Prakash Goossens and Prof. Gati made a visit to Ranchi. They visited many institutes, university buildings, and professors in Ranchi to see the possibility to set up a new college this year. On Wednesday 15th January, Bro. Aiswan from Calicut, Kerala and on 16th Bro. Swamynathan Wilfred, the Regional Superior of India, arrived safely in Ranchi at St. Alphonsa community for the council meeting. On Thursday 23rd January, Bro Anuranjeet Kullu left for Roma and on the same day we received a Belgian guest, Mr. Andre Ornelis, the education expert of Fracarita International, in our community. We welcomed him warmly in the presence of Bro. Swamynathan Wilfred.

PARAM MItRA SADAN - RANCHI

We have 13 Residents in our rehabilitation center and they are doing well. Some of them are new and gradually improving their mental condition. On 1st January we celebrated together, Brothers and residents, at our rehabilitation center New Year’s Day. We visited Simalia community to exchange good wishes with other residents, and we were happy to see each other. On 26th January, Bro. Swamynathan Wilfred hoisted the flag on the occasion of Republic Day of India. In his speech he insisted that love for God and Nation should be expressed in our action. On 20th January, four students from Central Institute of Psychiatric (CIP) came to our institute Param Mitra Sadan for a one-day program for their working experience and a second group of students came on 28th January, and organized the activities and talk with our residents.

Bl. PiEr giorgio FraSSaTi COMMUNItY - CALICUt, KERALA

The Brothers went for Night Mass on 1st January 2014 at Capuchin Ashram Calicut, Kerala. Capuchin Priest greeted us with Happy New Year 2014. We welcomed Bro Anil Kisku at our community on 10th January at Blessed P.G. Frassati House. We are three in our community again. We are very happy with three members to work together and help each other in order to fulfill the will of our Founder Canon Peter Joseph Triest, the Servant of God.

Father Constant Lievens RegionINDIA

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JEEvavihar coMMuniTyCALICUt, KERALA

On 1st January 2014 Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Calicut, Kerala, South India celebrated and shared our joy with our residents and with our collaborators. We shared our meal together with them. It was a very enjoyable day for us! We introduced Bro. Anil Kisku to the residents of our Rehabilitation Centre.

bL. KURIAKOSE ELIAS CHAVARA COMMUNItY - ranchi

Greetings to you from all the Brothers of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara! At the moment Brothers and residents are keeping fine! Let us hope and pray together to Almighty God that we will be united and safe under God’s hand in 2014. Mr. Prakash Goossens and Prof. Gaty Gandavia visited our place to set up a G-SET Project. We welcomed them in our midst with good food.

St. PEtER’S SCHOOL - RANCHI

Many greetings from teaching staff and non-teaching staff! On January 24, 2014 Mr. Andre came to our community, who gave training to our teachers and staff. We welcomed him in our midst and at the same time Bros. Swamynathan Wilfred, George, Aiswan, and other Brothers who came to visit us; we have had a good meeting. On 26th January, we were honored to have Mr. Andre among us; he hoisted the flag and the students did their best to perform a parade.

tRIESt HOUSE - RANCHI

We wish you a Blessed New Year 2014: all the Brothers, Associate Members and Co-Workers! On 1st January, Bro Alphonse and Mr. Bulkan (collaborator) went to Blessed Kuriakose Community, Simalia for the New Year’s celebration. We have had a picnic! On 5th January, Bro. Praween and Aspirant Benjamin Minj attended the funeral Mass of late Fr. Peter Paul Soreng VG, Simdega Diocese. On 7th January, Bro. Praween returned to Ranchi after a family visit. Bro. Praween went to meet Mr. Prakash Goossens and Prof. Katy at Blessed Kuriakose community Simalia on 10th January. On 12th January, two aspirants, Benjamin and Ajit, returned to our community after their Christmas holidays. On 13th January, Inigo returned to the community and finally Nitesh kerketta came to the community on 17th January. Bro. Alphonse travelled to Simdega for his friend’s ordination on 15th January and

attended the First Mass of the newly ordained priest. On 20th January, he came back together with other Brothers to Ranchi. On 20th January, The Regional council meeting started at St. Alphonsa, Kanke Road. On 23rd January, Bro. Praween and other Brothers were brought to the Airport of Ranchi, who went to Roma, Italy. On the same day Mr. André Ornelis arrived in Ranchi, Jharkhand; he received a warm welcome at St. Alphonsa, Kanke Road. At noon, we went to the Bishop’s House together with Mr. André; we talked with Fr. Ignatius Topno regarding land at Simalia; then we came back to Triest House. Bro. Wilfred Swamynathan had the opportunity to talk with the aspirants. On 25th January, Bro. Praween went to attend a meeting in Blessed Kuriakose Community Simalia. On 26th January, we invited Mr. Andre, Brothers Wilfred Swamynathan, George Tirkey, Aiswan, Praful, and Subodh at dinner.

WonoSoBo

On Saturday 2nd of February, the Institute for Children with Hearing Impairment Wonosobo celebrated the feast of St. Yohanes Don Bosco, the institution’s patron saint, as well as Chinese New Year. The Eucharist celebration was led by a St. Paul Wonosobo Parish Priest and by Fr. Philip Dewantara, MSC who was the concelebrant. We are very grateful and thankful to God for His grace that three of our students received their first Communion and some of them their baptism on that day. After the Eucharist celebration, the feast continued with a drama performance from the students Barong

Rama Sandjaja Region INDONESIA

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say dance. The feast was attended by all the students from our Don Bosco Institution, students from Dena Upakara Institution run by Religious Sister Daughters of Mary and Joseph, teachers, Brothers from Wonosobo community, parents, members of Lion club group and other guests.

YOgYAKARtA

On 2 and 3 February, a routine meeting for Indonesian Young Brothers was held in Yogyakarta under the guidance of Bro. Polikarpus Manao. Seven young brothers attended the meeting: Bro. Philip, Rafael, Robert, John Ganti, Francis Danang, Vincent and Peter. The meeting focused on the topic of “Leadership”. The meeting was divided into three sessions: the first session was held on Saturday between 20.00 - 21.00 o’clock, during which we spoke about different types of leadership. The second session was held on Monday from 8.00 to 10.30 o’clock; we focused on analyzing different types of leadership styles in the Brothers of Charity institutions in Indonesia. The third session was held between 11.00 and 12.00; we discussed, shared and analyzed actual problems about leadership in our Congregation and in general. The meeting was closed and we had lunch together with community. On Sunday 3 February, a meeting for Indonesian Associate Members took place at the Yogyakarta community. The meeting was under the guidance of Bro. Apolonaris Setara with the topic of “The History of the Brothers of Charity”. A new candidate Associate Member, Mr. Riko Mulyo Purmono from Semarang, joined the previous group, where Ms. Theresia, Ms. Benedicta and Ms. Handini have joined the group several months before. As usual, we let them join the community life of the Brothers and share in our way of life.

PURwOKERtO

The Diocesan Inter Religious Congregations Conference organized a meeting in Kaliori – Banyumas, Central Java on 13th to 14th of January. The meeting was attended by Bishop of Purwokerto, Mgr. Yulianus Sunarko, S.J. as a speaker during meeting, and by several religious brothers, sisters, priests, local superiors of all the religious communities and parish priests throughout the diocese area. The Brothers of Charity were represented by Bro. Octavianus, Bro. Cornelius and Bro. Marcelinus Pujosumarto. The chairman of the Purwokerto Diocese Inter Religious Congregation Conference took part during the meeting. The meeting was about socialization, new diocesan programs for the year of 2014, and evaluation, and statistics of the development of the Church in Purwokerto Diocese in the year 2013. Bro. John Baptista, Bro. Yohanes and Bro. Peter

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i Bring you nEWS oF grEaT Joy: A CHILD IS bORN-HE IS IMMANUEL

Approaching Christmas Day in the Philippines with its associated celebrations is more inspiring and joyous than anyone can ever fathom. This is not only so because of the nature of the people in this Asian country, but also because of the significance of the day itself. Christmas in the Philippines brings home all the beautiful memories of the angel’s message to the shepherds; their visit to the baby Jesus in the manger attracting the attention and wonder of his parents, Joseph and Mary; the choir of angels in the highest heaven, and later on, the Wise men’s journey and the Herod saga. The whole scene unfolded by the scriptures gave us time too to say, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth!”

The novices were no exceptions when the peak of the day came. We joined in the jubilation characterized by the solemn celebration of the vespers after which we had a funny and momentous Christmas Eve. On Christmas day, everybody was as fine and ready for the lauds as the baby Jesus himself was. We had prayers and later on went to Saint John’s Parish in Tabaco for mass to add our joyful adoration of the Immanuel to that of the parishioners. The Eucharistic celebration was exceptionally symbolic of what indeed the baby Jesus’ birth proclaimed: Peace & Great Joy! The homily was soul-uplifting climaxing in the call to take Christ’s peace and goodwill to the Typhoon Yolanda victims. Coming home, we rested at peace around glasses of wine and cups of soft drinks enjoying the community’s Happy Hour, wishing one another “Happy Christmas Brother….” At least our community was kept in this mood for the next five days in time to bid farewell to 2013 with its successes and failures. This was on the eve of the New Year, when we gathered around what was called “A fire of resolutions”. We earnestly pledged to remain united for the cause of charity by following the footsteps of our founder in his love for the Trinity.

These resolutions were from the depth of each of our hearts. We made individual commitments and asked for forgiveness for the times we did things our own ways and prayed for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the New Year 2014. When the clock struck 00:00hrs there was an explosion of fireworks into every kind of noise-and all of us joined in the celebration with the rest of the people who were outside our compound; we sang songs in

different tongues and danced in a careful disorder. It was a never to be forgotten euphoria!

On the 1st of January 2014, it was yet another wonderful day. After coming back from a thanksgiving mass in Tabaco, we came together in the living room, as children of Peter Joseph Triest, to wish one another a “Blessed and Prosperous New Year 2014”. It was not until we finished our first ululation that we saw the Sisters of Charity with their students surprisingly enter our living room. Indeed it was a surprise which nevertheless added joy to our celebration. We greeted, danced, told stories and ended up having a delicious lunch. On 6 January, it was back to class, we had Fr. Philip who took us in Biblical Theology (Scripture) for five days. It was really a comeback from the mount of the transfiguration to real business. We also prayed for novice Barnabas who went to his home country on medical reasons. Thankfully, he came back on the 14th sound and healthy. We thank God for that. Our superior Bro. Isidore left us for the new community in Tagaytay in the company of Bro. Jess. We remembered them in our prayers and wished them a safe journey. Bro. Reynaldo preached our monthly recollection which was concluded with the sacrament of reconciliation and Holy Eucharist by Fr. Conrad, our Chaplain. Apart from ending the month with birthdays of our novices: Edson, Mark Hilary, Deepak, Callixte and Elmire (co-worker), we also celebrated the National Day of India. We sang the National song, but we especially prayed for the government leaders to be honest and always have a heart for the least of our brothers and sisters, the poor. We wish you well in the New Year 2014!

Satyadeep Kujur and Calixte Ndikumana

Sacred Heart Region International Novitiate • PHILIPPINES

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On Wednesday 8 January, the meetings with the Regional Councils (brothers and associate members), Superiors, and Councils of the Saint Vincent region were held in Ghent.

There were a few special items on the agenda. First of all, the 2014-2018 Policy Plan. Bro. Dirk Beirnaert elucidated the six areas of the plan. Mr. Thierry Delrue, head of the Finance-Economics Department, explained the activities with regard to VAT and their impact on the communities.

It was decided to have this meeting every month instead of every three months in order to work through the numerous items on the agenda in a steady fashion, and in order to spend a sufficient amount of time on points from the 2014-2018 Policy Plan.

Afterwards, we discussed the initiative championed by Bro. Lucien De Priester. He supported the compilation of a booklet of alternative prayers for the Angelus and Eastertide. After months of preparing, with a careful selection of texts and images, the booklet was presented today.

None other than Mgr. Luc Van Looy was invited to give an introduction. Following our singing, accompanied by the bishop who played the accordion, there was a little sketch to introduce this topic in a way that was more airy. We saw an angel who had the gift of the gab and Mary who was quite shaken when she heard the familiar message.

Then, it was time for some more accordion music and a few more songs before we all raised our glasses to the new year. Every Brother was given a prayer booklet and a bookmark.

On Saturday 11 January, 88 associate members gathered in Ghent for a meeting. After a warm cup of coffee and a slice of cake, the meeting was held at the Bro. Ebergiste Auditorium. Bro. Luc Lemmens, Regional Superior, welcomed everyone and wished everyone all the best for the new year.

Following prayer, Bro. Dirk Beirnaert talked about the 2014-2018 Policy Plan and clearly explained the six different areas of the plan. The working groups, which will start their work soon, were named and the members introduced.Mr. Lieven Claeys was next to reveal the different points of action, based on the six areas of the policy plan.We had some time for a Q&A session. Later on, we joined the people of Effata in the chapel to celebrate the Eucharist.We concluded the evening with tasty sandwiches, vegetables, dip, and a beverage. It was the perfect time to get to know each other and to strengthen the bonds of friendship.

EUROPE : SAINT BENEDICT PROVINCEu

Saint Vincent Region BELGIUM

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ROL 160 - FEBRUARY 2014 - p. 14

If you know Brothers, associate members or sympathizers who do not receive Roma Online, please send their email address to lieven.claeys@fracarita.org

Many thanks beforehand.

The texts for the next Roma Online are expected to arrive here before 1 Mars 2014.