September 2003
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From August 15 – September 15, 2003, Fr. Franciszek Pupkowski and Fr. Janusz Burzawa were in USA. The purpose of this trip was not only to visit the SCJs working there, but also to see the different ways of raising money to support the missions. The initiative and invitation came from the U.S. Province who wanted to share their experience in this field and to help the District in organizing fundraising project in the Philippines. During one month of their stay there, they were able to visit some of the SCJ communities and see some interesting places at the countryside. These are excerpts from their report regarding this trip, which they enjoyed very much: |
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"...we arrived in USA on August 15, 2003. At the airport in Chicago was waiting for us Fr. Grzegorz Skowron, our former companion, at the present assigned in Romeoville in the Diocese of Joliet. He took not only care of us, but also brought us to the SCJ House in Chicago and then to Hales Corners."
."..we were able to visit different SCJ communities in Hales Corners, Mississippi and South Dakota and see the work being done by our American confreres there. We went also to New York...."
"We need to say that we were very much impressed with the work of the US Province and hospitality we experienced in different communities. The plan of our visit prepared by Fr. Brian McCullough, SCJ, the Provincial Treasurer, was very good and very well organized in every detail." "On August 22, 2003, together with Fr. Wayne Jenkins, the Provincial Archivist, we left for Mississippi. At the airport in Memphis was waiting Bro. Raymond Kozuch, SCJ, who brought us straight to the Development Office in Walls, Mississippi." "The people living there are mostly African-American and poor. Our SCJ confreres working there are doing a wonderful social service. One among many of their activities is a housing project. With their help the poor and underprivileged can own their house." "During the next two days we were able to see the different places in Mississippi, which includes the SCJ places and others. We stayed in our SCJ Community in Walls and visited two SCJ parishes. Besides these, we also visited the City of Elvis Presley, Memphis and played at one of the Casinos in Mississippi."
"We are grateful to Bro. Raymond Kozuch, who took care of us and brought us to different places. Special thanks also all members of the SCJ Community in Walls for their hospitality and the donation to the Philippine District, and to Fr. Ed Zemlik, who speaks very good Polish. On our part it was a very nice and unforgettable experience."
"On August 25, 2003 we went by plane from Memphis, through the twin City St. Paul/ Minneapolis, do Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In Sioux Falls we rented a car and went to Chamberlain to the place of St. Joseph’s Indian School and the third Development Office. As in the previous places, we were very welcomed by Deacon David Nagel, Bro. Ha Tran and Fr. William Pitkiewitz, who serves in the nearby parish."
"Besides the business, thanks to Fr. Wayne Jenkins, we were able to see some beautiful places such as Bad Lands, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Pierre – the Capital of South Dakota and of course to meet some of our SCJ confreres working in that area."
"On September 10, 2003 once again we met with Fr. Brian McCullogh and Fr. Bernard Rosinski at the Provincial Office in Hales Corners. Unfortunately, we were not able to meet Fr. Richard MacDonald, the US Provincial Superior. Nevertheless, we know that he is supporting very much this project. We wrote him a thank you letter. During this meeting we expressed our thanks and gratitude to the whole US Province for her hospitality and possibility of visiting the three Development Offices and different SCJ communities." |
The Postulancy Program in Cagayan de Oro City has his own house. The blessing of this new building, was performed by Fr. Rino Venturin, the District Superior on August 18, 2003. It was done with the participation of other members of the District, who attended their monthly meeting held in Cagayan de Oro City. Since the Formation Program in the Philippines is being blessed with many candidates applying to our Congregation, the main building constructed in 1998, has not enough space to accommodate them all. Considering the growing needs of the students and of the formation program, the members of the District saw that there is no other solution, but to look for another house. After looking into different possibilities, the final decision was to build a temporary house on the adjacent lot. Thanks to the advice and financial support of the former General Superior Fr. Virginio Bressanelli and his Council we were able to build a very nice house, which will be used by the Postulancy Program. In this way the problems of accommodation and separation of different stages of formation will be partially solved. The main building will remain as a formation house for candidates and aspirants. The new building will be able to accommodate more than 20 students. It also has a couple of guest rooms for visitors. Hopefully the final touches in this house will be finished soon, so by the end of October 2003, it can be already inhabited. |
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"Pearl of the Orient" is the title of the newest publication of the Philippine District. The purpose of this newsletter is to give some more information about the life and activities of the District and about the Philippines. It is addressed not only to SCJ confreres, but also to our friends and benefactors interested in our mission. According to Fr. Janusz Burzawa, the editor in chief, it is the answer to the often-repeated question "What's going on in the Philippines?". "We hope, he continues, that this would serve as a bridge and channel of communication wherein we can deepen the level of mutual support and solidarity. For we believe that this is not only our mission and responsibility but also of us all... We plan to publish it three times a year". The first issue was distributed to all SCJ communities and some of our friends. We would like to know if somebody else would be interested in receiving of our newsletter? Although it's free, we would appreciate free donations to cover the expenses of printing and postage. All interested in this publication can contact us at the following address:
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The Three-Year Plan and Ratio Formationis of the District were finally approved during the monthly meeting in Cagayan de Oro City on August 18, 2003.
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On August 31, 2003, Fr. Andrzej Sudol and Fr. Delio Ruiz left for Davao City to study the local language Cebuano at the Maryknoll Language Institute. While for Fr. Andrzej, after two months of break, it will be a continuation, Fr. Delio will start the course from the beginning. The graduation of Fr. Andrzej is scheduled on December 12, 2003.
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September 2003 |
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