Acts of the Fourteenth Provincial Chapter
of the Province of St. Paul of the Cross
Held in the Retreat of St. Paul of the Cross, Pittsburg, PA.
From August 20th to 23rd, 1902.
PRELIMINARY.
In 1852 a little band of men, simple, unassuming, kindly, but God-fearing, came from the Eternal City at the bidding of that Most Rev. Fr. Anthony of St. James, General of the Congregation of the Most Holy Cross and Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, to establish the Order in this distant land. Without friends or funds, or influence save that of the Right Rev. Michael O’Connor, Bishop of Pittsburg, who brought them hither. Entirely unacquainted with the language and ways of this strange people, but with magnificent faith and boundless trust in the good providence of God, these men began their work of fifty years ago. And how well they builded and how wisely, fifty years of achievement bear ample testimony. This little band of pioneers was added to again and again, and the men chosen for this distant mission were indeed the beloved of God; they had been formed by a master-hand; they were intensely devoted to their holy Father, St. Paul of the Cross; like him, they blended in their own characters the sweetness of St. Francis de Sales with much of the austerity of St. Francis of Assisi. They awakened in the American heart a passion of enthusiasm for their saintly Founder and his work in the Church; they held to the Rule and spirit of their Blessed Father with uncompromising firmness, and yet they were all things to all men; they identified themselves with the country; they were one with its people, and with rare humility and kindly grace, they chose for themselves the last places when they had formed men good and true to fill the first, and people wondered at this foreign plant attaining to native growth in American soil, and again was verified the testimony of the successor of St. Peter, the great and illustrious Benedict XIV, that whereas it was the last in the Church, this Order should have been the first, for its Rule and spirit are adapted to all times and all climes. And for fifty years these venerable men, founders of our Province, have enshrined themselves in our hearts; they are passing away; they are all but gone, still they have left holy memories which have endeared them to us, and with fond and grateful hearts we recall them now and declare them blessed–these noble men from the land of saints and martyrs and Founders-the seat of the empire of the Church.
In 1863 they met in Chapter, thirteen in number, for the first time. It was a memorable event, this first chapter of the Province of St. Paul of the Cross. It has given us the keynote for our guidance in the chapters held in the years since then. In this chapter the youngest Father present, then only eight and twenty, was the Very Rev. John Baptist of the Nativity of our Blessed Lady. For forty-one years he came in and went out among us; he transmitted to us the traditions of Rome and the early days; he was the youngest of the old and the oldest of the young, for he was one of us. In 1899 he was recalled to Rome to take a place in the supreme consulta of the Order, and aid our Most Rev. Fr. General in watching over the interests of our Province. And now he returns to preside over our XIV Provincial Chapter and transmit to us the greeting and the blessing and words of counsel of our Most Rev. Fr. General, Bernard Mary of Jesus, on the occasion of our Golden Jubilee, the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of our Province. Fr. John is the connecting link between the old and new. Italy!—fairest Italy! How much we owe thee! May we tarry a moment after fifty years and tell our Father in God, the successor of St. Paul of the Cross, and our Brethren in thy sunny clime, of our love and our loyalty, and declare that the bond between thee and us shall never be broken.
On the feast of the Sacred Heart, June 6th, the Very Rev. Fr. Provincial issued a circular letter, convoking the XIV Provincial Chapter. With the approval of the Most Rev. Fr. General, he set August 17th for the opening of the preliminary meetings. Accordingly the Capitular Fathers assembled in the chapter-hall on the morning of this date at 9 o’clock, in the Retreat of St. Paul of the Cross, Pittsburg, S. S., Pa. After invoking the blessing of God on their work, and asking the assistance of our Blessed Lady and the Patron Saints of the Order, the Fathers began the first preliminary meeting. A secretary for these meetings was appointed in the person of the Very Rev. Fr. Felix, of St. Joseph and he was requested to read the credential letter of the Most Rev. Fr. General, appointing the Very Rev. Fr. John Baptist of the Nativity of B. V. M., 2nd General Consultor, President of the Chapter. The latter addressed the Fathers briefly on the task before them—expressing the pleasure it gave him to be again, in their midst. At the request of the Very Rev. Fr. President the Rectors now surrendered their seals of office, and handed him their credentials or litterae patentes. A financial statement of each Retreat in the Province with the other documents required by canon law and usage, was now submitted to the Chapter by the Very Rev. Fathers Rectors. The Very Rev. Fr. President appointed two Fathers a committee on finances, and two a committee on credentials, to report to the chapter. Then a letter from Fr. General to the Province on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee was read to the Capitular Fathers and it was at once agreed to insert it in the Acts of the Chapter and to take suitable action to show the deep appreciation in which the Province holds this most gracious act of Fr. General.
LETTER OF THE MOST REV. FATHER GENERAL.
To our Beloved Sons in Christ of the Province of St. Paul of the Cross, in the United States of North America.
GREETING AND BLESSING IN THE LORD:—
This being the fiftieth year of the establishment of our Congregation in the far off land of America; you, by becoming festivities, are commemorating this auspicious event, and we—as is proper—take therein the greatest delight.
To Him from whom comes every good and perfect gift, and who has condescended to employ our insignificant services for the increase of his divine glory, we should render most heartfelt thanks for the great and many favors wherewith He has deigned to bless our Congregation in your Province. For it was His blessing that imparted success to the labors of his humble servants, and such remarkable prosperity to your Province in temporal and spiritual matters. It is this evident blessing of the past which sustains our hope and trust, that the future will be such as may be expected from such a happy beginning.
It is indeed consoling to behold among the eminent achievements of Christian piety which distinguish the young church in America, the abundant harvest yielded by the small vineyard of St. Paul of the Cross. Yes; it is a consoling spectacle, to see so many souls, who, in noble contempt of earthly things, meditating day and night on divine things, labor only for a heavenly inheritance. Through you, beloved Sons, the word of the Cross is proclaimed far and wide, for the salvation of souls, and to the great consolation of Holy Mother Church.
But whilst both we and you rejoice in the recollection of such happy results, we must not lose sight of those noble and saintly men, through whose cares and labors the Congregation has taken such deep roots in the soil of America, and grown so vigorously, that in its shade such a multitude of chosen souls enjoys the fruits of peace and holiness; those men, we say, of whom some having finished their earthly course, repose in the peace of Christ, whilst others are still among us, edifying us by their holy conduct, and laboring zealously for the increase and prosperity of your Province. Emulate with one mind and heart their deep piety, their earnest endeavor to advance in virtue, and their fervent zeal for the promotion of God’s glory.
Remember, above all, St. Paul of the Cross, in whose name you rightly glory as his privileged children. Following closely in his footsteps, ever strive to reach that happy goal at the end of your days, for which you generously embraced so difficult a rule of life. You will thus prove your gratitude to God for His manifold blessings, and you will rejoice the heart of our holy Father and Founder, since it is written: ‘A wise son is the joy of his father.’ —Prov. X. 1.
That this may be your happy lot, we, in the great love wherewith we embrace you, offer fervent prayers to God, and impart to you, all and each, our paternal blessing.
Given at Rome from the Retreat of SS. John and Paul, July 16th, 1902.
BERNARD MARY OF JESUS,
Superior General.
Matters for discussion affecting the welfare of the Province were now submitted by the Fathers at this early stage so as to give ample time to mature them. The oath “de secreto servando” was taken by the Fathers, and now the merits of those eligible to office was begun and continued on the 18th and 19th. On the afternoon of this latter date, the Capitular Fathers assisted at vespers with the community, and listened to a masterful discourse by Very Rev. Father Mark of the Passion, first Provincial Consultor, setting forth the maxims which should govern the Fathers in their capitular action. These maxims are: entire unselfishness; the fitness and ability to foster happiness among the brethren; to promote more perfect efficiency in the doing of our work in God’s church; and to maintain Passionist identity along all the lines of Passionist work and life.
FIRST SESSION.
On the morning of August 20th, the patronal feast of our Most Rev. Fr. General, the solemn mass de Spiritu Sancto was celebrated by the Very Rev. Fr. President at the request of Fr. Provincial, the Capitular Fathers assisting as ministers. At 9 o’clock the Electors and community assembled in the church and thence they went in procession to the chapter-hall, preceded by the Very Rev. Fr. President carrying the cross, and all chanting the hymn of the Sacred Passion. The community then withdrew, the chapter Fathers alone remaining. The acts required by the ceremonial having been performed, the chapter was formally opened, the following electors answering the roll call:—
Very Rev. Fr. John Baptist of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2nd General Consultor, President.
Very Rev. Fr. Stephen of Holy Mary, Provincial.
Very Rev. Fr. Mark of the Passion, 1st Provincial Consultor.
Very Rev. Fr. Fidelis of the Cross, 2nd Provincial Consultor.
Very Rev. Fr. Michael of the Presentation B. V. M., Rector St. Paul’s Retreat, Pittsburg, S. S., Pa.
Very Rev. Fr. Albert of the Cross, Rector of St. Mary’s Retreat, Dunkirk, New York.
Very Rev. Fr. Alphonsus of St. Liberatus, Rector of St. Michael’s Retreat, West Hoboken, N. J.
Very Rev. Fr. Joseph of the Mother of Mercy, Rector of St. Joseph’s Retreat, Baltimore, Md.
Very Rev. Fr. George of St. Michael, Rector of Holy Cross Retreat, Cincinnati, O.
Very Rev. Fr. Felix of St. Joseph, Rector Sacred Heart Retreat, Louisville, Ky.
Very Rev. Fr. Robert of St. Joseph, Rector of the Retreat of Our Lady Good Counsel, St. Louis, Mo.
Very Rev. Fr. Boniface of Jesus, Rector of St. Francis’ Retreat, St. Paul, Kansas.
Very Rev. Fr. Denis of the B. V. M. Master of Novices.
The absolution ad cautelam was given, the decrees prescribed by Canon law read. Fr. Felix of St. Joseph was elected secretary of the chapter; Fr. Boniface of Jesus and Fr. Denis of the B. V. M., were elected tellers, and the chapter declared canonically convened. The Very Rev. President now addressed the Fathers on the work before them and the motives that should control them in doing it well. The hymn of the Holy Ghost having been sung, the voting for the Provincial began. On the first ballot, Very Rev. Fr. Stephen of Holy Mary was re-elected Provincial. The decree of his election was published by the secretary. Then Fr. Provincial while deploring the act of the Fathers in his regard, gracefully acquiesced, to their great joy and that of the whole community who came and joined the Capitular Fathers in offering his Paternity their loyal obedience and sincerest congratulations. All repaired to the church immediately where the Te Deum was sung and Benediction given by Fr. Provincial. On returning to the chapter-hall, Very Rev. Fr. President closed the session with the usual prayers.
SECOND SESSION.
This session opened at 11 o’clock. The election of the first Provincial Consultor was now in order. The balloting continued for one hour without any result, and this session closed with prayer.
THIRD SESSION.
At 3 P. M., the Fathers again convened. After balloting for a considerable time without any result, one of the Fathers suggested that a prayer be offered to our Lady of Good Counsel for assistance. Very soon the requisite number of votes was found for an election. Fr. Felix of St. Joseph was the choice of the Chapter, and the first teller published the decree of his election. Through surprise and grateful appreciation, the Father could say little. He thanked the Capitular Fathers and accepted the office. A second consultor was soon chosen in the person of Fr. George of St. Michael. The good Father seemed alarmed at the responsible position thrust on him, and in words of simple earnestness, he recounted his unfitness for it. But this only convinced them the more of the wisdom of their choice, and Fr. George submitted to God’s will manifested in the determination of the Chapter.
It was now the duty of the Fathers to elect a Master of Novices. Fr. President impressed them with the importance of this choice—a man of God imbued with the spirit of our Blessed Founder, should be chosen to fill it, a keen discerner of character with a master-hand to mould the youths of the Congregation. After the balloting had gone on for a little while and it seemed that the choice would fall on Fr. Joseph of the Mother of Mercy, this good Father arose and stated that considering the state of his health, he could not think of accepting this office. Very soon, Fr. Fidelis of the Cross was the choice of the Chapter, for this important position. He thanked the Fathers for their confidence in him, declared that nothing could please him more than to return to the Novitiate just after the 25th anniversary of his profession, and again become imbued with the holy impressions that won his heart to the Order, and its dear old traditions and practices.
The choice of Rectors for our Retreats now received the attention of the Chapter. Fr. Michael of the Presentation of the B. V. M.. was promptly re-elected Rector of St. Paul’s Retreat, Pittsburgh, Pa. Fr. Michael expressed his thanks to the Fathers and accepted the office. A Rector for St. Mary’s Retreat, Dunkirk, N. Y., was found at the first ballot in Fr. Mark of the Passion. He thanked the Fathers and accepted the office. At the first ballot also, Fr. Alphonsus of St. Liberatus was re-elected Rector of St. Michael’s Retreat, West Hoboken. N. J. He expressed his grateful appreciation of the honor done him by the Chapter. But he most humbly and earnestly begged the Fathers to reconsider their action; and, notwithstanding their urgency that he should acquiesce, he declined to do so, declaring that the condition of his health would not admit of it. His renunciation was then put to the vote of the Capitular Fathers, and a majority having been found to favor it, his renunciation was accepted. It was now late in the evening, and Fr. President closed the session with the usual prayers.
FOURTH SESSION.
At 8:30 on the morning of the 21st, this session opened in the usual manner. After balloting for some time, Fr. Justin of the Infant Jesus, received the number of votes required for canonical election, to be the Rector of St. Michael’s Monastery, West Hoboken, N. J. This Father being Vicar of St. Paul’s Retreat, was called to the Chapter-hall, and informed of his election. In great surprise and fear at the burden, he declined so strongly to accept it, that the Fathers feared he would not yield; but Fr. President reassured him and told him he must not resist God’s will. He finally consented saying that surely the Fathers honored him not for past merit, but for what he would do, with God’s help, in the future.
Next in order was St. Joseph’s Retreat, Baltimore, Md., and a choice of Rector for it was soon made in the person of Fr. Charles of Holy Mary, and he was at once notified of his election. Fr. Stanislaus of the Most Holy Redeemer was elected Rector of Holy Cross Retreat, Cincinnati, Ohio, and he too was promptly notified of his election.
The Sacred Heart Retreat, Louisville, Ky., its present status and future prospects were discussed by the Fathers and all agreed that it has a great future before it and will be one of our most flourishing Retreats at no distant date. For the present the Fathers voted unanimously to reduce it to a hospice, and let Fr. Provincial appoint its Superior. Further discussion about it was postponed till after the elections.
The Fathers balloted for some time without any result to supply the Retreat of Our Lady of Good Counsel, St. Louis, Mo. with a Rector. And the hour for recess having arrived the Fathers closed this session with prayer
FIFTH SESSION
In the usual way this session was opened with prayer. At the first ballot taken in this session Fr. Robert of St Joseph was re elected Rector of the Retreat of Our Lady of Good Counsel. He thanked the Fathers and accepted the office. Fr Raymond of the Nativity of the B. V. M., was elected Rector of St Francis’ Retreat St Paul, Kansas, and when the decree of his election had been published in the usual form notice was sent him of his election.
The important work of electing good Superiors for the Province was now over and the Fathers offered heartfelt thanks to God for His assistance, and Fr. President declared the session closed.
SIXTH SESSION.
Next morning, August 22nd, at 9 A. M., this session opened with prayer as usual. The first matter that came before the chapter for consideration, was the Most Rev. Fr. General’s letter to our Province on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee, which letter is given in full in the Preliminary. The Capitular Fathers unanimously agreed to insert in the Acts of the XIV Provincial Chapter a vote of thanks in the name of the Province to Fr. General for this gracious and paternal letter. It was the same grateful spirit which prompted the determination to incorporate in the record of our capitular proceedings the letter itself in perpetuum rei memoriam.
The Ven. Chapter agrees to offer the same suffrages for Passionist Nuns that are offered for our Brethren of a different Province, and that notices of these suffrages be recorded with those of our own Brethren. This arrangement to be in force until the next General Chapter of our Congregation.
The other subjects proposed at the preliminary meetings were now discussed at length; and Fr. President appointed committees to report on them and formulate propositions to be taken as a basis for further discussions at subsequent sessions. At mid-day the Fathers adjourned and Fr. President announced that there would be no session in the afternoon, so as to give the committees time to prepare their reports.
SEVENTH SESSION.
At 8:30 with prayer this session opened. The business in order was action on the reports of committees.
The committee on finance reported the condition of the Province and the Fathers found it most satisfactory, and declared that we had indeed every reason to be thankful to the Giver of all good things.
The committee on missions and missionaries handed in their report and it was adopted by the Chapter in the following shape: Whereas, according to our Holy Rule, those employed on missions should have previously submitted their writings to competent examiners and received their approval; and whereas, the legislation of former Chapters has been very positive on the subject, yet the means employed proved ineffectual, this Ven. Chapter decrees as follows: That the Very Rev. Fr. Provincial and his Consultors appoint two examiners for the entire Province, whose duty it shall be to go from house to house and examine carefully the writings of all missionaries designated for such examination by the Very Rev. Fr. Provincial. Moreover that an annual report of the writings be sent to Fr. Provincial, according to the printed form now in use, in order that he may be guided in selecting competent missionaries.
In the churches under our care, doctrinal discourses intended principally for non-Catholics are commendable. In every case, however, the permission of the Very Rev. Fr. Provincial is required as to the man or men to be employed in the work, how often these discourses are to be given; and the hours for them. Moreover, that none shall be employed in the work of non-Catholic missions who have not previously shown themselves thoroughly prepared for Catholic missions.
The Ven. Chapter recommends diligent care in pastoral duties; and that series of catechetical discourses be given at the early Masses on Sundays in our churches, and that the Fr. Provincial and his Consultors determine the method of conducting such series of instructions.
The Ven. Chapter recommends that on account of the increase of the missionary and business correspondence, our Very Rev. Fr. Provincial have a Secretary who will attend to clerical work under his guidance and accompany him when needed.
The Ven. Chapter recommends the adoption in all our Retreats of a uniform method of filing documents emanating from our own Superiors and the Ordinaries of the dioceses, the Provincial and his Consultors to determine such method and to specify the documents to be filed.
The Ven. Chapter decrees that each Rector make a duplicate of the triennial Capitular Report, excepting the item “de missarurn celebratione,” and that this duplicate be left on file in his Retreat, and that the original copy be kept on file by Very Rev. Fr. Provincial.
The Ven. Chapter desirous of strengthening the authority of the local Superiors, reminds the Religious of the respect and docility towards the Rector which are so strongly inculcated in our Holy Rule; and it enjoins that except in the case of unjust refusal on the part of the Rector, they do not apply to the Very Rev. Fr. Provincial for permissions and dispensations which are properly within the sphere of the local Superiors; and that even in matters belonging to higher authority, care be taken that the Rector’s arrangements be not unnecessarily hampered. Furthermore, it urges students and their directors to cultivate filial deference towards the Rector and cheerful compliance with his wishes in matters affecting the observance and domestic duties. It enacts that henceforth, in accordance with ancient usage, the Very Rev. Fr. Provincial and Fr. Rector correct the reading of the students in choir and refectory.
It is decreed that the students hereafter have their annual vacation from July 1st to August 15th. This time being more suitable and more in harmony with the practice of other educational institutions.
In as much as the existing buildings of our Retreats at Louisville, Ky., and St. Paul. Kan., are unsuitable and inadequate to our needs, the Ven. Chapter is of opinion that new and suitable buildings should be erected in these places as soon as practicable; and that in the meantime no important additions or changes be made in the other well established Retreats of the Province, but that the Rectors of said Retreats content themselves with keeping their monastic buildings in good condition and repair.
Several proposals for new foundations have been received since the last Provincial Chapter, and the Capitular Fathers learn with great satisfaction that there is a bright prospect of having one very soon in the diocese of Scranton, Pa. The proposal of a foundation near Chicago. Ill., which was considered at the last Chapter, has not been lost sight of. Various negotiations have been made or attempted during the past three years without definite result. Recently, however, new steps have been taken with very encouraging prospects of a successful issue; and the Ven. Chapter recommends that this important project be not suffered to lapse through neglect on our part. Having moreover learned that his Eminence the Cardinal Archbishop of Baltimore interested himself actively in the matter just before the late Archbishop’s death, and that he now offers to negotiate it for us himself with the new Archbishop when appointed, the Ven. Chapter directs its secretary to write a letter to his Eminence, thanking him for his most kind efforts in our behalf.
The time for recess having come, this seventh session closed with the usual prayer of thanks for the divine assistance.
EIGHTH SESSION.
This last session convened at 5 o’clock on Saturday afternoon, August 23rd. In accordance with a decree of one of our General Chapters, the Capitular Fathers took into consideration the conduct of Lay-Brothers. All were pleased to learn that nothing of any consequence had occurred that had not been corrected.
The propriety of celebrating the Golden Jubilee was recognized by all the Fathers; but it was thought best to postpone it for some time till the improvements in the Church of St. Paul of the Cross attached to this Retreat be completed. Then in this hallowed spot where the work of the Order in our country began fifty years ago, the event will be commemorated with greater solemnity.
The Very Rev. President now requested the secretary to read the Acts of the Chapter; and this having been done, he confirmed the elections of the Rectors and Master of Novices in the name of our Most Rev. Fr. General. Fr. President now asked the Capitular Fathers if they had anything further to propose, and all answered in the negative. He then asked if they thought it proper to bring the Chapter to a close, and all answered in the affirmative. The work of the Chapter then was over. And the Capitular Fathers recalling the saintly men who had gone before them, and the labors and sacrifices and achievements of fifty years, and again recalling the blessings of God to our Province during this long period and how he deigned to employ our weakness for the increase of His glory and our debt to Him, they unite with our Most Rev. Fr. General in saying to one another and to every member of our Province: “Remember above all St. Paul of the Cross, in whose name you rightly glory as his privileged children. Follow closely in his footsteps, ever striving to reach the goal for which you have embraced so difficult a rule of life. Thus will you prove your gratitude to God for His manifold blessings and you will gladden the heart of our Holy Founder and Father, for it is written: ‘A wise son is the joy of his father.'”
The newly elect having made the profession of faith, the Capitular Fathers signed their names to the Acts of this Provincial Chapter, the XIV of our Province.
St. Paul’s Retreat, Pittsburg, S.S.. Pa., August 23rd, 1902.
Very Rev. Fr. John Baptist of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2nd General Consultor, President.
Very Rev. Fr. Stephen of Holy Mary, Provincial.
Very Rev. Fr. Mark of the Passion, 1st Provincial Consultor.
Very Rev. Fr. Fidelis of the Cross, 2nd Provincial Consultor.
Very Rev. Fr. Michael of the Presentation B. V. M., Rector St. Paul’s Retreat, Pittsburg, S. S., Pa.
Very Rev. Fr. Albert of the Cross, Rector of St. Mary’s Retreat, Dunkirk, New York.
Very Rev. Fr. Alphonsus of St. Liberatus, Rector of St. Michael’s Retreat, West Hoboken, N. J.
Very Rev. Fr. Joseph of the Mother of Mercy, Rector of St. Joseph’s Retreat, Baltimore, Md.
Very Rev. Fr. George of St. Michael, Rector of Holy Cross Retreat, Cincinnati, O.
Very Rev. Fr. Felix of St. Joseph, Rector Sacred Heart Retreat, Louisville, Ky.
Very Rev. Fr. Robert of St. Joseph, Rector of the Retreat of Our Lady of Good Counsel, St. Louis, Mo.
Very Rev. Fr. Boniface of Jesus, Rector of St. Francis’ Retreat, St. Paul, Kansas.
Very Rev. Fr. Denis of the B. V. M., Master of Novices.
Note: The usual name of the secretary was omitted