Acts of the Eighteenth Provincial Chapter - 1914 - Passionist Historical Archives

Acts of the Eighteenth Provincial Chapter
of the Province of St. Paul of the Cross
Held in the Retreat of St. Paul of the Cross, Pittsburgh, PA.
From August 21st to 25th, 1914.

PRELIMINARY.

Passionist Fathers at Eighteenth Provincial Chapter - 1914 — **Passionist Fathers at Eighteenth Provincial Chapter – 1914.** Seated L to R: Justin Carey, Stanislaus Grennan, Philip Coghlan (president and 1st Prov. Consultor from English Province), Clement Lee, Norbert McCloskey. Standing: Linus Monahan, Timothy Fitzpatrick, George Basel, Sebastian Ochsenreiter, Victor Koch, Chrysostom Nuremberg (custos). Click image for larger view.

Immediately on his return from Rome, where he had attended our General Chapter in May, Very Rev. Father Provincial, Stanislaus of the Most Holy Redeemer, published a letter convoking the XVIII. Provincial Chapter of our Province and ordered the usual prayers to be recited in all our Retreats. August 21st, 1914 was the date fixed for the opening of the Chapter, and the Capitular Fathers were instructed to assemble in Pittsburgh in time for the preliminary meetings and the customary triduum.

Accordingly on the morning of Tuesday, August 18th, all the Capitulars, except one, were gathered together in our Retreat of St. Paul of the Cross, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Divine help was sought by the usual prayers. The President of the Chapter, Very Rev. Fr. Philip of the Immaculate Conception, First Provincial Consultor of the Province of St. Joseph, presented his credentials, in the form of a letter from Most Rev. Fr. General, Fr. Silvio of St. Bernard, commissioning him to preside at the Chapter, and giving him the power to confirm the elections and decrees. Our Fr. General’s choice of a President for our Chapter gave universal joy and satisfaction.

The Capitular Fathers then delivered up their seals of office. The Rectors of the various Retreats also handed in their Litterae Patentes, and their Capitular Reports, covering the due celebration of masses, the financial condition of their Retreats since the last Provincial Chapter, the reading of the prescribed Decrees and the inventory of the church and house furniture and the proper custody of the Archives. A committee was appointed to examine these reports, and Litterae Patentes. Very Rev. Fr Clement of St. Peter was selected as Secretary of the preliminary meetings and Guardian of the Chapter Room. A letter was then read from Very Rev. Fr. Cornelius of St. Ignatius, Rector of Blessed Gabriel’s Retreat, resigning his active voice in the Chapter. The letter stated that owing to a recent surgical operation, the Father was detained in a hospital and unable to travel. It was with regret that the Capitular Fathers had to forego the help of Fr. Cornelius’ wise counsels in their deliberations.

The Fathers were now invited by the Very Rev. President to propose for the consideration of the Chapter any matters deemed necessary or useful for the welfare of the Province. A number of proposals were made by the Fathers and were taken note of by the Secretary. After the oath “de secreto servando” had been administered by Fr. President, the Fathers proceeded to the discussion of the merits of those eligible to office. This work engaged their attention for the remainder of the first session, the whole of the afternoon session, and a portion of Wednesday morning session. For the rest of the preliminary meetings, the various proposals for the welfare of the Province were taken up for discussion. At the end of the afternoon session of Wednesday, the Capitular Fathers were thrown into the deepest sadness by the news which shocked the whole Catholic world of the demise of our beloved and saintly Pontiff, Pope Pius the Tenth. The great calamity came home to the Fathers with a peculiar poignancy owing to the fact that only a few months before several of their number had the privilege of an audience with the Holy Father on the occasion of our recent General Chapter. On Saturday morning all the Fathers assisted with the Community at a Solemn Mass and Exequies offered for the repose of the soul of the great and beloved Pius.

On the afternoon of Thursday, August 20th, the Capitular Fathers joined the Community in Choir, where, after Vespers, the usual discourse was delivered by Very Rev. Fr. Justin of the Infant Jesus. In this discourse were clearly outlined, in a way to impress all, the qualities which should be found in those who are to rule over others, and the motives which should animate the electors in making their choice.

FIRST SESSION.

On Friday morning, August 21st, at 6.30 the Solemn Votive Mass of the Holy Ghost was offered up by Very Rev. Fr. Provincial Stanislaus, his two Consultors acting as Deacon and Subdeacon, and the other Capitular Fathers serving in minor capacities. At 8.30, the Capitular Fathers and the entire Community, with the President bearing the cross, went in procession to the Chapter Room, singing the Vexilla Regis. The customary prayers were sung, and all but the Capitular Fathers were dismissed. The Fr. President then addressed the Fathers, reminding them of the importance of the work before them, exhorting them to choose as Superiors men who combined firm solicitude for the good of the Order, and fatherly consideration for the individual religious; cautioning them to lay aside human respect and human motives in fulfilling their important task.

To the roll call of the electors the following responded:

Very Rev. Father Philip of the Immaculate Conception, President.
Very Rev. Father Stanislaus of the Most Holy Redeemer, Provincial.
Very Rev. Father Justin of the Infant Jesus, 1st Provincial Consultor.
Very Rev. Father Norbert of Jesus Crucified, 2d Provincial Consultor.
Very Rev. Father Victor of St. Nicholas, Rector of St. Paul of the Cross Retreat, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Very Rev. Father Clement of St. Peter, Rector of St. Mary’s Retreat, Dunkirk, N. Y.
Very Rev. Father Linus of the Heart of Mary, Rector of St. Michael’s Retreat, West Hoboken, N. J.
Very Rev. Father Sebastian of the Holy Family, Rector of St. Joseph’s Retreat, Baltimore, Md.
Very Rev. Father Timothy of the Mother of Mercy, Rector of St. Ann’s Retreat, Scranton, Pa.
Very Rev. Father George of St. Michael, Master of Novices.

The Fathers again sought the aid of the Holy Spirit by singing the “Veni Creator.”

The President inquiring whether the Fathers considered the Chapter canonically convoked and all answering in the affirmative, the Very Rev. President made the formal protestation in his own name, and in the name of the other electors of not excluding the worthy or admitting the unworthy. The customary acts of humility were performed; the absolution was given to all by the Very Rev. President and in turn was given to him by Very Rev. Stanislaus of the SS. Redeemer. The decree of the Holy Office, “Contra Sollicitantes” and the 6th Chapter, Session 25, “de Reformatione,” of the Council of Trent, were read. A Capitular Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement of St. Peter, and two Scrutineers, Very Rev. Fr. Sebastian of the Holy Family, and Very Rev. Fr. Timothy of the Mother of Mercy, were chosen by secret ballot.

The Fr. President announced that before proceeding to the elections, all the various matters proposed for the consideration of the Chapter were to be taken up, discussed, settled and the necessary decrees decided upon. This work occupied the attention of the Fathers during the remainder of this session. During this session a letter was taken up for consideration from one of our Fathers of the Mexican Province of the Holy Family, in which were related the perils and distress our brethren there were undergoing in consequence of the revolutions and political disturbances in that country. Our Province was asked to render some assistance to our sister Province in its need. The Chapter instructed the Secretary to write a letter in reply giving expression to our sympathy and concern for the trials of our Mexican brethren agreeing at the same time to give suitable financial aid, in case our Fathers should be expelled from Mexico.

SECOND SESSION.

The second session was held Friday afternoon at 3 o’clock. During this session the Fathers continued and completed the discussion of the various proposals pertaining to the welfare of the Province.

In accordance with a decree of our General Chapter, the Venerable Chapter considered the conduct of our lay-Brothers. It declares that with some few exceptions, it has nothing but words of commendation for our good brothers who so generously sacrifice themselves in laboring for the Congregation, and words of encouragement to stimulate their zeal, urging them to keep always in view the purpose for which they entered religion, namely, to sanctify themselves by work and prayer.

The Committee appointed to examine the Capitular Reports and Litterae Patentes of the Rectors, submitted its report to the effect that all were found in good order and satisfactory condition.

THIRD SESSION.

The third session convened at 8.30 Saturday morning. After the usual prayers, the Very Rev. President proposed that the Fathers take up the important work of the election of new Superiors. He first instructed the Secretary and Scrutineers as to their duties and the manner of fulfilling them. He also administered to them the oath “de secreto servando.” The Fathers then began balloting for a Provincial. On the sixth ballot, Very Rev. Fr. Clement of St. Peter, was found to be the choice of the Fathers. The decree of his election was published by the first scrutineer. The good Father, though not able to conceal his surprise, promptly submitted to God’s will and accepted the heavy burden. The Community was summoned to pay their obedience to the new Provincial and all then assembled in the Church where all joined in the solemn singing of the Te Deum. The newly elected Provincial imparted the Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The Capitular Fathers returned to the Chapter Room, and proceeded with the elections. The sixth ballot was found to favor Very Rev. Fr. Stanislaus of the Most Holy Redeemer for the First Provincial Consultor. The decree of his election was published by the Secretary, and the Father accepted the office. Likewise on the sixth ballot, the required majority was found in favor of Rev. Fr. Valentine of St. Joseph for the office of Second Provincial Consultor, and notice was sent to the Father at St. Mary’s Retreat, Dunkirk, N. Y. The election of a Master of Novices was now proposed and on the first ballot, Very Rev. Fr. George of St. Michael as chosen. This esteemed religious humbly submitted to the choice made of him. The various Retreats were now to be provided with Rectors. On the sixth ballot, Rev. Fr. Matthias of St. Ann was selected as Rector of St. Paul’s Monastery, Pittsburgh, Pa. Notice was sent to him at St. Michael’s Retreat, West Hoboken. The hour being late, the session closed with prayer.

FOURTH SESSION.

The fourth session opened with prayer Saturday afternoon at three o’clock. The Fathers resumed the work of elections. On the first ballot, Rev. Fr. Herbert of St. Michael was elected to the Rectorship of St. Mary’s Retreat, Dunkirk, N. Y., and word was sent to the Father at St. Michael’s Retreat, West Hoboken. St. Michael’s Retreat, West Hoboken, was now taken up for consideration. On the sixth ballot, the choice fell upon Very Rev. Fr. Justin of the Infant Jesus. Fr. Justin thanked the Fathers for the confidence reposed in him, but stated he could not accept the post. The Fathers tried to prevail on him, but in vain, and were obliged to accept his resignation. The Fathers again began balloting for a Rector for St. Michael’s and on the first ballot, Very Rev. Fr. Sebastian of the Holy Family, was found to have the required two-thirds vote, and the decree of his election was published in due form. Fr. Sebastian also wished to relinquish the burden of this important Rectorship, but upon being encouraged by the Very Rev. President, submitted to God’s will. In seeking a Rector for St. Joseph’s Retreat, Baltimore, one was found in the person of Very Rev. Fr. Justin of the Infant Jesus. This good Father, seeing that the Capitulars thus insisted on selecting him for office, reluctantly yielded, and accepted this lighter Rectorship. It having been decided earlier in the deliberations that no Rector should be elected for St. Ann’s Monastery, Scranton, the Fathers proceeded to finish the work of elections by selecting a Rector for Blessed Gabriel’s Retreat, Brighton, Mass. One ballot was sufficient to show that Rev. Fr. Alexis of the Visitation was the choice of the Fathers.

Word was sent to the Father at Toronto, Canada, where he was engaged in giving a Retreat to the Clergy of that Archdiocese. Before the close of the day messages were received from Frs. Valentine, Herbert, and Alexis, conveying their acceptance of the various offices to which they had been chosen. The work of the elections having been brought to a happy termination, the fourth session was closed with prayer.

FIFTH SESSION.

The Fathers assembled Monday morning at 8.30. After the customary prayers, Rev. Fr. Matthias was brought into the Chapter Room and expressed to the Fathers his willingness to accept the Rectorship of St. Paul’s Retreat. Pittsburgh. A few propositions were further discussed, and the remainder of the session was occupied with the reading and revision of the Acts and Decrees. The session closed with prayer at noon.

DECREES OF THE CHAPTER.

1. The Venerable Chapter decided that, as, under present circumstances, it is impossible to keep a Community in St. Ann’s Monastery, Scranton, Pa., a canonical Rector be not elected for that Retreat, but a Superior be appointed by Fr. Provincial.

2. The Sacred Congregation having ordered our recent General Chapter to consider the “better organization of studies in accordance with, and in execution of, the recent decrees of the Holy See,” and the said General Chapter having decreed that it gave the Provincial Chapters liberty to introduce into the program of studies already adopted in our Congregation those improvements which are thought suitable for the individual Provinces, to be submitted for the approval of the General and his Curia, this Venerable Chapter decrees that the approval of Most Rev. Fr. General be asked for the following:

In order to give our students more time for study, they shall have study and class on the morning of Second Class Feasts, with the exception of the feasts of the Circumcision, St. Stephen, and St. John the Evangelist, and on the afternoons of feasts of Rule, with the exception of the feast of Blessed Gabriel.

3. The Venerable Chapter authorizes Fr. Provincial and his Consultors to appoint a Committee of experienced Fathers to revise our “Ratio Studiorum,” embodying therein all those changes determined upon in this Chapter, and that after the revision has received the approval of the Provincial and his Consultors, it be submitted to Most Rev. Fr. General.

4. The Venerable Chapter declares that for the promotion of a Student to a higher class at the close of the scholastic year, the average of his class work during the year, the quarterly written and oral examinations and the annual oral examinations be taken into account by the Lector and the examiners, and the final decision be left to Fr. Provincial and his Consultors.

5. In order to facilitate the carrying out of the decree of our recent General Chapter that our “young men should have the necessary physical exercise,” this Venerable Chapter decrees that Most Rev. Fr. General be asked to authorize the extension of the privilege with regard to half-day walks, so that the Students may have a half-day walk once a week instead of every two weeks as at present. Furthermore, the Venerable Chapter most strongly recommends that Directors of Students should insist that the young men placed under their charge make systematic and conscientious use of whatever facilities for physical exercise may be afforded them, as regular physical exercise is very necessary for the preservation of health and vigor.

6. The Venerable Chapter approves of permitting our Students of Philosophy and Theology to spend some portion of the vacation allowed them by the Holy Rule at our house on Shelter Island, but declares that none of the Professed may claim the right to such vacation.

7. The Venerable Chapter being most solicitous to preserve the health and strength of our missionaries, decrees that those missionaries who wish to retire after leaving the confessional in the evening may do so, and when there are several Fathers on a Mission and not many confessions to be heard on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, the Superior of the mission should arrange that only one Father need rise at 4.30 and the others be allowed a longer rest. The Venerable Chapter further renews the prohibition of the Circular Letter to the Missionaries of our former Provincial V. Rev. Fr. Stanislaus of the SS. Redeemer against the junior Fathers using spirituous liquors, either during time of mission or at any other time.

8. Our recent General Chapter having expunged that clause in the Regulations making the Rector ipso facto pastor of parishes attached to our Retreats, this Venerable Chapter hereby decrees that for the future the Rectors of our Retreats shall have no jurisdiction whatever over our parishes. For the administration of such parishes Fr. Provincial will appoint, revocable ad nutum, a Father competent for the work who will have the title and office of pastor, and who will be directly responsible to the Bishop and to Fr. Provincial for the proper management of the parish confided to his care. The Venerable Chapter urges on all priests engaged in parish duties the obligation of fulfilling their fourth vow, for which their work affords abundant opportunities, and suggests as means to that end the establishment of the Archconfraternity of the Passion, the public weekly devotion of the Stations of the Cross, and the devotion of the Three Hours Agony on Good Friday.

9. The Venerable Chapter authorizes Fr. Provincial to proceed at once with the erection of a large Preparatory College at Shelter Island, to apply for the necessary permission to contract debt for that purpose, and to tax each house in the Province pro rata, to meet the expense; declaring at the same time, however, that such action does not imply the abandoning of Hemlock Grange, which is reserved for other purposes in the future.

10. In order to insure the efficiency of our course of studies, the Ven. Chapter decrees that our Students shall devote six years to a classical course, and that five years of this course be completed before beginning their Novitiate, the sixth to be completed after their Novitiate.

11. The Ven. Chapter orders that, in accordance with the decision of our recent General Chapter, Fr. Provincial and his Consultors take measures to have a Directory compiled for the Preparatory School of our Province, and submitted to Most Rev. Fr. General for his approval.

12. Owing to conditions in this Province, the Ven. Chapter decrees that Most Rev. Fr. General be requested to authorize the appointment of examiners for the Junior Fathers by the Provincial and his Consultors, instead of by the Provincial Chapter.

13. Our recent General Chapter, having decreed “that our Novices, before being admitted to perpetual Profession, should, for three consecutive years, make the annual Profession,” this Ven. Chapter orders, 1. that all make the civil act of renunciation customary in this Province as soon as they reach the age of twenty-one, and that Fr. Provincial inquire during each visitation if this order is carried out; 2. that the Fr. Rector should try to hold the Local Chapter for such annual Professions at a time when all or most of the Fathers are at home.

14. The Venerable Chapter strongly recommends to Rectors, Directors and Lectors that they bestow special care on those young religious who, according to a decree of the late General Chapter, have only temporary vows.

15. The Venerable Chapter orders a return to the ancient practice of having the evening meditation after Vespers during the summer months.

16. The Venerable Chapter decrees that the half hour taken from the midnight office by a decree of the late General Chapter be added to the time of rest before Matins, and that the time of the afternoon, siesta be limited to one hour throughout the year.

17. In order to provide for the financial needs of the Province, the Ven. Chapter authorizes Fr. Provincial, with the consent of his Consultors, to tax each Retreat annually pro rata for the various expenses of the Province.

18. The Venerable Chapter recommends that for the future our Provincial Chapters be held a month earlier than has been customary with us; that the reports of the Rectors be made up at the end of the month preceding the opening of the Chapter; and that permission be secured for the Master of Novices to have an active voice in case the Chapter should be held in some other but the Novitiate house.

19. In order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, particularly of tuberculosis, the Venerable Chapter orders that the sanitary regulations laid down in a letter of our late General Fr. Jeremias of the Crown of Thorns, dated September, 1911, be adopted and strictly observed.

20. The Venerable Chapter gives its sanction to the work of Laymen’s Retreats as at present carried on in our Brighton Monastery, and urges that wherever these retreats are undertaken Fr. Provincial appoint a Father who shall look after the proper management and execution of a work that is a most fruitful exercise of apostolic zeal.

21. The Venerable Chapter taking into account the commands of our late lamented Holy Father Pius X, most cheerfully urges Fr. Provincial to carry out the decree of our recent General Chapter, that Fathers be sent to our beloved brother Bishop Paul Joseph Nussbaum, former Provincial Consultor of our Province; and it further wishes to put on record in these Acts that his Lordship of Corpus Christi is still considered a member of this Province, bound to us by the strongest ties of brotherly affection and entitled to all the rights and privileges enjoyed by the other members of the Province.

SIXTH AND LAST SESSION.

The Fathers met for the last session at 8.30 Tuesday morning. After the usual prayers the Fathers spent a little time in discussing one or two points proposed. The Father President then asked if they had any further proposals to offer. They answering in the negative, he inquired if they thought the Chapter should be brought to a close, to which they replied in the affirmative.

The Fathers by a standing vote of thanks expressed to the Very Rev. Fr. President their profound satisfaction in having him in their midst and their appreciation of the prudent, wise and considerate manner in which he had presided over their deliberations. Fr. President in turn complimented the Fathers for the zeal with which they had performed the task imposed on them.

The Fr. President then confirmed the elections of the Rectors and the Master of Novices and approved the acts of the Chapter. The Capitular Fathers rejoicing that their labors had come to an end, with gratitude to God, proceeded to affix their signatures as follows:

Clement of St. Peter
Secretary of the Chapter

Acts of the Eighteenth Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Paul of the Cross Held in the Retreat of St. Paul of the Cross, Pittsburgh, PA. From August 21st to 25th, 1914.