General Chapter Communique for August 14-15 August 09, Day 20-21—Pratista

Friday, August 14:

During the first morning session, the capitulars obtained a briefing about the plans for the Jubilee celebration and Jubilee projects. There had previously been some thought about beginning a new priory community somewhere in Sang Kristus, the Congo or Brazil. But such plans were not feasible to carry out at this time. What will be carried out is the On-Going-Formation program for 15 participants at St. Agatha in 2011—October to November. Time and Place for the two-month program as well as requirements for the participants were discussed. More information will be disseminated later on.

A very lively discussion ensued about the possibilities of providing an international formation program. After studying the situations throughout the Order, we see Europe, the US, Brazil and Papua struggling with formation programs or not even having a program. Nonetheless, if we do not respond to the few calls that are arising here and there, hope for the future will be even more dim. It seems at this point already, that Europe, the US, Brazil and Papua can not each provide the full series of formation programs with all the levels of formation, complete with adequate numbers of skilled formators. At the same time, there is a general strong conviction among the capitulars as well as among professional formators throughout the world, that the best formation is done in one’s local culture. So it seems well-nigh impossible, or at least very difficult, for novices, who are experiencing culture shock or felt cultural up-rooting, to experience a spiritually rich and focused novitiate program.

Yet, in the above-described situation, what might best be done? We must do something. If we can’t each start-up the full set of programs, we must think of some new alternatives of cooperation between (Pro)provinces. Certain inter-provincial solidarity initiatives have already occurred, in the Congo and Brazil as well as between the Crosiers of Sang Kristus and Wahyu Salib. Now? First of all, the leadership, and the whole membership as well, must be aware and convinced of the nature of this problem – this formation “crisis”. Once so convinced, we must all try to contribute to thinking about and discovering a solution, which most likely must be inter-provincial, realizing fully some of the advantages and riches of doing so, but also the pitfalls or disadvantages in such a plan. So the chapter now calls upon the Master General and his council to help us explore such possibilities.

In a briefer afternoon session the capitulars finished the process of discussing and voting upon several other proposals that had been revised after previous processing by the forum of the chapter. The afternoon session was briefer due to the installation ceremony which began at 6:00 PM in the St. Helena Chapel. Most Sang Kristus Crosiers, along with the “Mitra” (the Sang Kristus version of apostolate members) and other friends filled the chapel. We prayed for and called blessings upon the recently re-elected Magister General, Glen Lewandowski, his two newly elected councilors, Cfr. James Hentges and Cfr. F.X. Rudiyanto Subagio. All five members of the full general council were given the Constitutions as a symbol of their commitment to struggle for the welfare of the whole Order according to the Rule of St. Augustine and the Constitutions.

Thereafter followed a wonderful reception with all the guests under the large permanent canopy in front of the chapel. Many delighted in reconnecting with confreres never met before, or not met for a long time. A full evening dinner as well as snacks were available. Even a fountain of chocolate bubbling shiney liquid cascades into which we could rotate skewered strawberries or small cakes, making a terrific delight. Thus ended another wonderful day at Pratista.

Saturday, August 15th –

At 7:00 AM Cfr. Heri Kartono lead us in a eucharistic celebration of his 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. Once again, many friends of the Crosiers and Cfr. Heri’s family and friends, joined us in the chapel, and later for a fantastic breakfast together.

Thereafter, the new General Council met until noon. Other capitulars were free for other activities. At 12:00, as for the two previous Saturdays, all the chapter members broke up into language groups for reflection on the Sunday’s gospel. At 2:30 PM, seven of the capitulars were picked up by families with whom they will spend the day and night. Tomorrow morning, these families will “return” their capitular guests at the Pandu Crosier parish church for another eucharist at 9:15 AM with Cfr. Heri Kartono, followed by a reception with the parish council.

The afternoon found some of the “stay-at-home” capitulars in smaller meetings or activities together and alone. Some are nursing tender stomaches or finishing up with discomforts of colds. Cfr. Provincial Agus Rahmat lies in the Borromeus hospital since yesterday due to swollen legs, red and painful from open infections and complications of diabitis. We pray for his recovery.

Virgil Petermeier, OSC

P. Virgil OSC

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