Four members of the Adorno Fathers have been elected to attend the First USA-Philippines Delegation Chapter, along with the Ex-Officio Members, which was held between April 10-13 at the St Paul Center for Renewal in Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines. This Delegation Chapter was held in preparation for the 63rd General Chapter to be held in Rome in July 2018. Listed below are just some of the accomplishments of this year’s Delegation Chapter.
Reevaluation and assessments of all the houses, parishes and seminaries of the delegation.
All local superiors reported on their respective assignment, providing both moral and financial reports. These reports involve assessments of all the houses of the delegation in the USA and the Philippines, primarily the parishes. In the USA, the Adorno Fathers have four parishes, one in New Jersey and three in South Carolina. Assessments of the houses includes whether the presence of the Adorno Fathers has had an impact on the life of the people within their ministry and particularly in the parish. The Hospital chaplaincy was evaluated as well and found vital in our apostolate.
Every community, in their respective assignments, was evaluated also and we discussed the strengths and weaknesses of each community. The joy of the Gospel, as Pope Francis wrote in his encyclical, must be reflected in the ministry as it is the source of all joys.
Our Constitutions are clear about community life as the driving force and inspiration to commune with each other and with Christ in the Eucharist.
An evaluation of our presence in our parishes also included responses of the people in respect to the presence of the Adorno Fathers. We also asked weather religious priests are happy in serving the People of God.
Our seminaries were evaluated and assessed as well with regards to the quality of formation and the integrity of our spiritualf life. Our College seminary in Vinzons (C.N.) has been the place of origin of vocations to the Order in the Philippines. Our Novitiate house continues to be the bedrock of formation according to the charism and spirituality of our Founders. The Theologate house is designed to aid simple professed brothers studying theology and learning more about the faith, God, and themselves, as they also deepen their love of the Order. Our seminary in Ramsey, New Jersey has been the center and motherhouse of the delegation that houses simple professed brothers studying theology. Ramsey also houses the retired priests of the delegation.
All these places where we are present have been assessed, evaluated and we confirm that the Adorno Fathers will continue to blossom and flourish by living out the demands of our Constitutions and Rules as sure ways towards attaining perfection.
10 proposals have been raised and approved by the chapter fathers
Ten proposals have been raised and approved during the delegation chapter. These proposals reflect the vitality of the order and its readiness to take on any challenge that our apostolate may bring.
Finalization of the report of the delegation for the General Chapter in Rome in July 2018
Above all, the Delegation Chapter brought unity and love amongst the chapter fathers and the affirmation of the good things the Lord has done since its founding. Five priests will join the rest of the delegates at the General Chapter in Rome in July. Fr. Ted Kalaw, CRM, Superior of the Delegation as ex-oficio, four other members who have been elected are: Fr. Michael Marotta, CRM, Novice Master in our Novitiate House in Vinzons, Fr. Jason Caganap, CRM, Pastor and Superior in Goose Creek, South Carolina, Fr. Liam Panganiban, rector of our Theologate in Lipa, Philippines and Fr. Giovannie Nunez, CRM, Parish Administrator of Saint Anne and Saint Jude in Sumter, South Carolina.
These priests will represent the USA-Philippine Delegation at the General Chapter in Rome in July 2018.
With all the good things that have happened in our Delegation, we owe everything to the graciousness of God and to those whom he called to support us. May God bless you all!