Daring in hope – Br. Charles Howard (1926-2012
Today, 14 January 2013, is the first anniversary of the death of Br Charles Howard, 10th Superior General of the Institute. To celebrate the gift of his life, we published a special issue of FMS Message last September. Today we are putting the electronic version of this review, which was sent out to the Provinces last year, on line. Below, you will find the presentation of this issue and the link for downloading the file in PDF format (Read more about Br. Charles Howard).
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The present issue of FMS Message is intended to be both a testimony and a tribute to Br Charles Howard, X Superior General, who died this year on 14 January. It does not intend to repeat part of his history or of the rich inheritance he left us, but to reflect it today, recognizing in this way the valuable gift of his person and his contribution to the Institute and the Church, still relevant now. We have given it the name “Audacity and hope,” not only because this was the theme used by Br Charles for the XIX General Chapter, but also because it reflected his personality and the main courses of action he promoted.
For this reason, we have been especially interested in the testimonies of those persons who knew him more directly. And in rereading the circulars of Br Charles and the work he carried forward through brothers who lived with him, or who were involved with the development of some work or action relating to these documents. Some testimonies or contributions have had to be shortened to avoid repetition. I apologize for this. But we have basically respected those elements which reflect our dear Br Charles.
The issue is divided logically into 5 parts: 1. Reflecting on Br Charles Howard. Reflections made by persons very close to him, such as Br Seán D. Sammon and his cousin, Clare Howard. Both texts were read at Br Charles’ funeral on 24 January 2012 in Sydney. 2. A brief historical summary, taken from the booklet given to those present at the funeral. 3. Testimonies on Br Charles Howard as Superior General, from two Brothers who were part of his General Council. 4. Part of the inheritance of Br Charles Howard: His circulars, and the development of Marist work in Africa and Asia-Oceania. 5. Album of photos.
I would like to thank all who have contributed to helping this number of FMS Message succeed in presenting as “living and present” the one who was our Superior General from 1985 to1993. Also to Br Terry Gilsenan of Sydney, Australia, who sent us so many scanned photos of Br Charles Howard. (Br. Alberto I. Ricica S. – Director of Communications)
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