Encountering Christ at the Crib, the Cross and the Altar
We bring you great news of the success of the Second Provincial Chapter of the East Asia Province held on December 6-8, 2010 at the St. Paul Center for Renewal in Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines. The Chapter was composed of 29 delegates and three invited brother observers. In addition, three lay volunteers served in the secretariat, one lay person was invited to share on behalf of the lay mission partners, one brother helped out in the translation, one brother took care in coordinating the liturgies and one brother attended to logistics. The Chapter was honored by the presence of Bro. Joseph McKee, Vicar General and Bro. Michael de Waas, Link Councilor for Asia and Oceania
The Chapter opened on the morning of December 6 with a Eucharistic celebration where the installation of the Provincial, Bro. Manuel de Leon was held after the gospel reading. In a message to the Chapter, Bro. Joseph McKee, representing Bro. Emili Turu and the General Council, thanked Bro. Manny for accepting his second mandate. He challenged Bro. Manny to help the Brothers to “a new consecrated life with a strong Gospel identity, that will promote a new way of being Brothers” in today’s world. Furthermore, Bro. Joseph, encouraged the Chapter delegates to be committed to the process of reflection, to attentive listening, and to fraternal dialogue, in a spirit of prayer and discernment, in order to create a space for the Spirit of God to work and take root. Pointing to the fundamental call of the 21st General Chapter, he also posed important questions for the Brothers to reflect on: What is the new land that each of us is being called to and what new land is the province called to at this time? Bro. Joseph empowered the Chapter in saying, “the answer is in your hands!” He enjoined the brothers to begin to create a vision and to make it a concrete reality.
Speaking in response, Bro. Manny expressed gratitude for the grace and blessings of the last three years. He also acknowledged the work done by the Provincial Council, and the contributions of lay people in the different aspects of the brothers’ life and ministry. Echoing the mandate of the 21st General Chapter to “go in haste to a new land”, He stressed that the “new land” is a call to conversion, to a deeper encounter with Jesus at the Crib, the Cross and the Altar. Furthermore, he revisited the vision which the First Provincial Chapter provided and indicated the elements that are still relevant today. In closing, Bro. Manny admitted that there is still much to do and the expectations are great. He expressed a hope for a prayerful, meaningful and fruitful 2nd Provincial Chapter.
The delegates reflected and shared on the issues and concerns for the next three years. As a result of the discussion and consensus, the following are identified as the Priorities for the Province: 1.strengthening of our religious consecration and identity through improved community living; 2.ensuring the vitality of the Province by strengthening vocation ministry and formation and promote spiritual renewal; 3.partnership with lay Marists and Volunteers; and 4. new missions.
The Province Norms were deliberated on and approved. The Book of Customs was reviewed and significant recommendations were made for the action of the Provincial Council. The Rules and Procedures for the 3rd Provincial Chapter were established and a section was added on the Composition of the Steering Committee.
After a prayerful discernment, the Chapter delegates elected the members of the Provincial Council, as follows: Bro. Robert Teoh, Bro. Jacobo Song, Bro. Paterno Corpus, Bro. John Chin, Bro. John Oh and Bro. John Y. Tan.
The 2nd Provincial Chapter brought together Brothers who are, to a certain degree, more familiar with each other. The sense of family was deeply felt and communication was carried on with ease. Indeed, the Province has moved forward in unity and vitality.
The delegates thanked Bro. Joseph McKee who facilitated the proceedings of the Chapter and Bro. Michael de Waas, whose presence was encouraging. They helped the delegates appreciate each other as brothers and carry out the work of the Chapter in fraternal collaboration.
Truly, the Second Provincial Chapter was a moment of grace for all of the participants.
In behalf of the Chapter, I thank you for accompanying us through your prayers.
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8 December 2010 – Br. Manuel De Leon, Provincial, and the delegates of the Second Provincial Chapter