Feast of the Dedication of the Seminary Chapel to our Lady

Thursday Morning June 18, 2009 – The day began with the office of readings at 7am followed by Mass with morning prayer incorporated. The Mass celebrated by the Rev. Fr. John Oldfield and concelebrated by the rest of the capitulars was in honor of the 19th anniversary of the foundation of the the Seminary Chapel of Our Lady. The Mass was very solemn. Father Oldfield reminded the congregration about the importance of remembering those who contributed to make this celebration possible, our benefactors and our forefathers who left us our patrimony today.

The Eucharist was followed by the taking of the official chapter photo (where all the capitulars tried to show their best smiles) of the capitulars and of the community. Then it was to the Refectory to eat the delicious breakfast prepared by the group of benefactors of the Seminary. Our morning session began with a prayer by Fr. Fidel singing the beautiful song of our Father Saint Augustine “How beautiful it is when the brothers live in unity.” Then Fr. Mike the Chapter Secretary begun by reading the minutes from yesterday. The reading of the minutes was followed by the introduction by Br. Anthony of our province’s financial adviser Mr. Derek Nolan. Mr. Nolan, was very helpful in sharing with us information about the current situation of the Province’s finances. In general he congratulated us because our province, of the more than 70 institutions that he works with, is one of the few that generate more than it spends. He did inform us about the recent global crisis but especially concerning our country’s current difficulties regarding the economy.

We then had a break where many of the capitulars enjoyed some delicious pastries provided by the generous benefactors of the seminary.

Mr. Nolan then continued with his talk about the province’s finances. He did remark that our province investments are with companies that mostly uphold Christian values. He assured us that he is very optimistic about the province’s finances in the future as he believes stock market will eventually go up again.

After Mr. Nolan concluded his presentation, the messages were read:

Our Agustinian Recollect Sisters of the Province of our Lady of Consolation sent their well wishes for the Chapter. Bishop David Arias, OAR sent from a meeting in Texas his kind wishes for the success of the Chapter for the greater glory of God and of the province. Also our Recollect Sisters of the Encarnacion Convent in Madrid sent their prayers and good wishes to the capitulars saying “May God illumine you to be one soul and one heart”

After the Messages were read, Fr. Charles Huse, gave his proposal on the governance of the province “that in the election of delegates to the provincial chapter, fewer delegates be elected from the groups and more be elected at large. He then explained why this is important. In conclusion he wanted the friars better represented at the Chapter.

Some of the friars agreed that the actual system represents the friars well, as we increased our number from 16 to 21.

The Morning session ended with the general calling the capitulars to take the Saturday afternoon free and Sunday also so that those who needed to go back to their parishes could do so.

After a wonderful lunch, and a little siesta the capitulars gathered once again in the capitular room for the afternoon sessions. The delegates then began by asking Fr. Huse questions regarding his proposal (regarding the number of delegates attending the chapter). Next, Fr. James McGuire presented his proposal to the capitulars “that the number of capitulars to the chapter be increased from the minimum of 21 to the maximum of 30 as allowed at the last chapter. He also proposed universal suffrage, that is that all solemn professed be allowed to come to the chapter as other religious orders such as the Franciscans do.

Fr. Gerard Cosgayon next presented his proposal # 15 proposing that the provincial chapter be changed from every 3 years to every 4 and he presented his cons pros some of this being that more time were needed in the parishes to implement apostolate plans.

Br. Eric Crelencia then presented proposal #16 regardng the elderly and the infirm religious. He expressed that it has always been a challenge for us as religious to take adequate care for our elderly religious. He asked that if we took care of them, that we needed some kind of training and that if we can’t help them, then to find a place that would achieve that purpose.

Next, Fr. Frank Wilder presented proposition #17, mainly, that the retiring from active mninistry because of age and or illness be given some practical training for adjusting to this new phase of their lives. And that a health minister be assigned in the East and to the West regions in order to better take care of the needs of our retiring or sick religious.

Then we had a much deserved break, which we used to munch on some snacks to be alert for the next part of the sessions.

After the break, the Capitulars got back to session by asking questions to Fr. Frank regarding his proposal.

The final proposal was presented by the whole assembly as it came up in the last meeting of the prior provincials at San Millan de la Cogolla. It encouraged the chapter to propose to the General Chapter of 2010 that “restructuring of the Order” be taken into consideration. Fr. General applauded the province sense of belonging to the Order but cautioned that we need not rush into anything but that we must strive to continue and be positive about our future as a province with the help of God.

He encouraged the province to work very hard at vocations and formation of our religious. Someone added that we needed to be more attentive to the needs of our seminarians and to the example we gave as religious and as a community to help them in their discernment to become Augustinian Recollects.

It was clearly stated that the area that most needed our special attention was the area of vocations and formation.

To end the night session, Fr. General then invited the commissions to be formed before dismissing the capitulars for meditation time, followed by evening prayer and a delicious prime steak dinner!!! The Capitulars after dinner got together with their respective commissions to work off the dinner!!:)