Acts of the Seventh Provincial Chapter - 1881 - Passionist Historical Archives

Acts of the Seventh Provincial Chapter
of the Province of St. Paul of the Cross
Held in the Retreat of St. Paul of the Cross, Pittsburg, PA.
From July 9th to 17th, 1881

PRELIMINARY.

That all important event the assembling of the Provincial Chapter, to which we are wont to look forward with mingled hope, expectation and anxiety, must be chronicled for the seventh time in the annals of our American Province of St. Paul of the Cross.

On the 5th of May, a circular letter was issued by our Very Rev. F. Provincial, Victor of the Mother of God, in which he ordered the venerable capitular fathers to repair to our Retreat of St. Paul of the Cross for the 6th of July 1881, which was the day named by him for the opening of the usual preliminary meetings, and appointed the 9th day of the same month for the inauguration of the Chapter proper. In this also, he called the attention of the religious under his jurisdiction to the many blessings with which Almighty God had favored this Province within the triennium just elapsed, vital among which were the foundation of the Retreat of the Sacred Heart, Louisville, Ky., and the unexampled reduction of the debt resting on our houses.

To these evident manifestations of God’s protection we might add many others, which would go to show that this Province has found favor in His sight. But, as they are noted in the chronicles of grateful hearts, and will undoubtedly be transmitted to future generations of the spiritual children of our Holy Founder in these United States, through other channels, we will not accord them here. Suffice it to say, that the Very Rev. Fathers, comprising the seventh Provincial Chapter of this Province, met in accordance with the prescriptions laid down in the circular letter mentioned above and proceeded to the great work before them with minds and hearts impressed alike by its gravity and importance.

On Wednesday afternoon of the 6th inst., the octave of the feast of SS. Peter and Paul, the first preliminary meeting was held, at the opening of which the Very Rev. F. John Dominic of the Infant Jesus, second Consultor General, recited the usual prayers and read the official letter of our Most Rev. F. General appointing him President of the Chapter. He then asked the Fathers whether they had anything to propose for future discussion, and they answered accordingly.

Following this, the oath de secreto servando was taken, and a temporary Secretary was appointed in the person of the Very Rev. F. Constantine of the Sorrowful Virgin, whose first act was to call the roll of those de gremio Capituli.

The following Very Rev. Fathers answered Adsum.

Very Rev. F. John Dominic of the Infant Jesus, second Consultor General, and President of the Chapter.
Very Rev. F. Victor of the Mother of God, Provincial.
Very Rev. F. Thomas of the SS. Hearts, first Provincial Consultor.
Very Rev. F. Charles of Holy Mary, second Provincial Consultor.
Very Rev. F. Liberatus of St. Francis, Rector of St. Paul’s Retreat, Pittsburg, Pa.
Very Rev. F. John Baptist of the Nativity of the B. V. Mary, Rector of St. Mary’s Retreat, Dunkirk, N. Y.
Very Rev. F. Timothy of Jesus, Rector of St. Michael’s Retreat, West Hoboken, N. J.
Very Rev. F. Benedict of St. Francis, Rector of St. Joseph’s Retreat, Baltimore, Md.
Very Rev. F. Alphonsus of St. Liberatus, Rector of Holy Cross Retreat, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Very Rev. F. Aloysius of the Passion, Rector of Sacred Heart Retreat, Louisville, Ky.
Very Rev. F. Constantine of the Seven Dolors, Master of Novices.

After the conclusion of the roll-call, each of the Fathers in turn, delivered up his seal of office; the FF. Rectors resigning into the hands of the Very Rev. President, likewise their Litterae Patentes.

Next, the various documents required by Canon Law and our usages, to wit the certificate “de celebratione missarum et lectione decretorum;” the Inventories and financial statements of the different Retreats of the Province, as also the certificate of the faithful custody of the Archives, all duly signed and attested, were read by the FF. Rectors, and examined by the Very Rev. President. The latter then read to the capitular fathers a list of “memoranda” drawn up by the Most Rev. F. General, and instructed them to weigh well the points thus submitted to their consideration, with a view to the discussion of the same later on. The Very Rev. President then closed the meeting with prayer, the following morning having been appointed as the time for reassembling.

The second, third, fourth and fifth preliminary meetings were held on Thursday and Friday mornings and evenings respectively; during which the merits and demerits of those de gremio, as also of those religious extra Capitulum having the passive voice, were discussed. These meetings were opened and closed with prayer by the Very Rev. President, more solito.

On Friday after Vespers had been chanted by the Community and the capitular fathers, the usual sermon was delivered by the Very Rev. F. John Thomas of the SS. Hearts, first Consultor, and was unaffectedly pronounced by the Fathers, a discourse of rare excellence, scope and power.

FIRST SESSION.

The day had now come for the formal opening of the Chapter. In accordance with our time-honored custom, the entire Community repaired to the church at the appointed hour, viz. 6:30, where Solemn Mass was sung by the Very Rev. F. Victor, Provincial, assisted by the Consultors, Rectors and Master of Novices, secundum morem.

At the hour of 9 A.M. the religious were again summoned to the church, whence they proceeded, headed by the Very Rev. President carrying the crucifix to the Chapter room, the hymn Vexilla Regis being chanted meanwhile.

On entering, the usual prayers were recited by the President, after which, those religious not de gremio Capituli were ordered to withdraw. The President now delivered a brief, but earnest discourse to the Fathers of the Chapter, reminding them of the serious character of the matter they had in hand to wit the election of worthy Superiors, the remedying of abuses and the enactment of legislative decrees for the wellbeing of the Order in this country, and exhorting them to prepare for the same by fervent prayer to the Holy Spirit. In the course of his remarks he congratulated them on the rapid growth of this American Province, which, he said, was larger and more prosperous at the present day than any in the Congregation. Finally, he warned the venerable capitulars of the dangers to which the threefold spirit of our Institute is exposed in this country, and besought them to watch over its maintenance with unremitting solicitude.

The customary Culpa was then said and the absolution ad cautelam from irregularities and censures was granted, first by the Very Rev. President to the capitular fathers, and then by the Very Rev. F. Victor to the President. Here followed the reading of the decretum Sancti Officii et capt. Conc. Trident. This ceremony concluded, the Very Rev. President announced that the election of a Secretary was in order. The votes being taken it was found that Very Rev. F. Aloysius of the Passion was elected unanimously, who at once took his place. Following this the Very Rev. FF. Alphonsus of St. Liberatus and Constantine of the Seven Dolors, were elected Discreets.

Here the Very Rev. President again addressed the Fathers, this time dwelling particularly on the qualities which should distinguish him who should hold the important office of Provincial. After this he asked the Fathers whether they considered the Chapter canonically convoked, whereupon they answered in the affirmative. Next the Veni Creator was sung, at the conclusion of which the balloting commenced.

The first scrutiny resulted in the election of the Very Rev. F. John Thomas of the SS. Hearts, as Provincial. The decree of election was written and published by the Secretary. On the announcement of the vote, this Very Rev. Father arose and earnestly besought the Fathers not to impose upon him so weighty a charge, declaring in detail his reasons for so doing. His appeal was unheard, however; he hereupon begged the Fathers to reconsider their action in his regard. This was granted him, but the Fathers unanimously refused to undo what had been done. Then the Very Rev. Father entreated them to have no human respect or delicacy in telling him his faults during his term of office, assuring them that they could do him no greater favor or charity. At the conclusion of his appeal, he seated himself in the chair prepared for him and received the obedience of the capitular fathers. The Community was then summoned to the Chapter room to pay obedience to the newly elected Provincial. This session being closed by prayer, all proceeded to the church, where the Bl. Sacrament was exposed, the Te Deum sung and Benediction given by the new Provincial. At the termination of these services, the capitular fathers returned to the Chapter room, when the second session was opened with prayer and the balloting for the first Consultor commenced.

SECOND SESSION.

The entire second session was occupied in balloting for the first Consultor; but as no result was reached before the time for closing it had arrived the Very Rev. President terminated it with the usual prayers.

THIRD SESSION.

This session was held on the afternoon of Saturday July 9th, but as was the case in the previous session, no election was made.

FOURTH SESSION.

In this session, which was held on Sunday morning July 10th no conclusion was arrived at.

FIFTH SESSION.

On Monday morning at 7:45, the Fathers assembled again in the Chapter room and the customary prayers having been recited, proceeded once more to resume the ballot for first Consultor. During this session the Very Rev. F. Alphonsus of St. Liberatus, first scrutineer, feeling indisposed, requested the President, to nominate another in his stead for that office. This was done, and the votes of the Fathers having been taken, it was found that the Very Rev. F. Timothy of Jesus, who had offered himself for the purpose, was elected unanimously. This session likewise closed in the usual manner, without the desired result.

SIXTH SESSION.

At 3 o’clock P.M. Monday, the Fathers again convened, and after several scrutinies, to their great joy and relief, succeeded in their protracted efforts to elect a first Consultor in the person of the Rev. F. Thomas of the B. V. Mary. The decree of his election was duly published by the Secretary, he being at the same time instructed to notify the Rev. Father of his promotion to the office of first Consultor. The balloting for the second Consultor was then commenced, but as no result was obtained after several scrutinies, the hour being late, the session was closed more solito.

SEVENTH SESSION.

On Tuesday morning at 8:30, the capitular fathers again met in the Chapter room, and after prayer, resumed the ballot for second Consultor, which soon terminated in the election of the Very Rev. F. Liberatus of St. Francis. He pleaded his unfitness and tendered his resignation, which was, however, not accepted. About the middle of this session, the Very Rev. President, who had been unwell for some days previous, was obliged to go to his room; meanwhile appointing Very Rev. F. Victor of the Mother of God, in his stead as President pro tem. For several ballots the discreets went to the President’s cell, but as his indisposition gradually increased, he renounced his vote temporarily. The decree of F. Liberatus’ election was duly published by the Secretary, and the time alloted for this session having elapsed, it was closed with prayer.

EIGHTH SESSION.

At 3 P.M. Tuesday the Fathers assembled again. Owing to the continued illness of the Very Rev. President, F. Victor, who was deputed by him, opened the session with prayer, and delivered a brief discourse on the importance of the office of Master of Novices, which it was now the duty of the Fathers to fill. After several scrutinies the Very Rev. F. Constantine was declared elected. He finding remonstrance fruitless, humbly submitted. The usual decree having been published, the Fathers proceeded to the election of a Rector for St. Paul’s Retreat. But the hour for closing having arrived soon after, without any result, the session was closed with prayer.

NINTH SESSION.

On Wednesday morning the 9th session was opened with the usual invocation of the Holy Spirit and the customary prayers by the Very Rev. President, whose strength was now sufficiently restored to admit of his resuming the functions of his office. The balloting for a Rector of St. Paul’s Retreat was again commenced, and after a number of scrutinies, Very Rev. F. Alphonsus of St. Liberatus, having received the necessary number of votes, was declared elected. He begged the Fathers not to impose this office upon him and tendered his resignation; but, in learning the Will of God in his regard, virtuously sutmitted. The decree was published by the Secretary more solito.

The capitulars next balloted for a Rector for St. Mary’s Retreat, Dunkirk, N. Y. The first scrutiny showed that Rev. F. Guido of St. Joseph had received a two-thirds vote, upon which the decree of his election was published by the Secretary. The latter was then directed by the Very Rev. President to notify the newly elected Rector of this result, and it was accordingly done.

St. Michael’s Retreat, West Hoboken, N.J., was next provided with a Rector in the person of Very Rev. F. Benedict of St. Francis. He, in turn, protested his inexperience and unfitness for so important a Rectorship and besought the venerable capitulars to proceed to another election. His appeal being rejected unanimously, however, he was obliged to yield. The decree of election was duly published by the Secretary.

Next in order came the balloting for a Rector to preside over our Retreat of St. Joseph, Baltimore, Md. On examining the sixth scrutiny, Very Rev. F. Victor of the Mother of God was found elected. The newly elected burst into tears and said that in order to prevent trouble, he would accept the office. The usual decree was now published by the Secretary, and the capitular fathers immediately proceeded to vote for a Rector for Holy Cross Retreat, Cincinnati, Ohio. On the second ballot, Very Rev. Father Timothy of Jesus was pronounced elected. He, however, strenuously and positively refused to accept the position, despite the remonstrances and exhortations of the President, the Provincial and the capitular fathers, and demanded a reconsideration of the vote. Whereupon the Very Rev. President ordered the ballot box to be passed around to each of the Fathers, instructing such as might feel disposed to accept the resignation of the newly elected Rector of Holy Cross Retreat, to cast a white ballot, and those who might be opposed to accepting it to cast a black ballot. On examining the vote, it was found that nine of the Fathers were against the acceptance of F. Timothy’s resignation, and two in favor of accepting it. Notwithstanding this result, the Very Rev. Father still persisted in stating that his determination was unalterable; but in spite of his protestations, the decree of his election was published by the Secretary and approved by the Fathers of the Chapter.

Sacred Heart Retreat, Louisville, Ky. was next furnished with a Rector in the person of the Very Rev. F. Charles of Holy Mary, who was declared elected after the fifth scrutiny, and the decree of the election was published by the Secretary. This terminated the elections; and after having proposed several matters to be discussed during the sessions yet to be held, the ninth session was brought to a close in the usual manner. The Secretary was now directed to acquaint the Community with the result of the elections, which was accordingly done.

TENTH SESSION.

On Wednesday afternoon after the recitation of the prescribed prayers, the Very Rev. President recalled the attention of the Fathers to the memoranda of the Most Rev. F. General, spoken of at the commencement of these capitular Acts. They were again read by him, and after full discussion as well as mature deliberation, the following decrees were enacted.

I. As regards parishes under our charge, the Ven. Chapter recommends to the Provincial and his Consultors, the exact observance of what was prescribed in the tenth session of our late General Chapter.

II. It is the express injunction of the Ven. Chapter, that the Rectors of those Retreats which have parishes attached to them, keep a separate book for the financial administration thereof, in order that should the Bishop at any time demand an account of the same, they may be able to render it without exposing the books of the house. With respect to parishes detached from the Retreat, the Rector shall see that the acting pastor keep his books in good order, to the same end as above. These enactments were found all the more necessary, in as much as they had already been made substantially, in our fourth Provincial Chapter, but more especially so, in view of the late Apostolic Constitution which begins “Romanos Pontifices” of our Most Holy Father, Leo XIII, relating to parishes in England under the charge of Regulars.

III. The subject of the giving up of St. Mary’s Retreat, Dunkirk, N. Y. and Holy Cross Retreat, Cincinnati, Ohio, being proposed by the Very Rev. President, in accordance with instructions from the Most Rev. F. General, the Fathers expressed it as their unanimous opinion, that they be kept for the present. The project of making the former Retreat a preparatory school for young men desiring to enter our Novitiate, was discussed, and the conclusion arrived at was that this matter be left to the discretion of the Provincial and his Consultors.

IV. The decree enacted in our first Provincial Chapter, relative to the use of any external sign, whether at home or abroad, by which the fact of watches being carried might be apparent, was reinforced; and in accordance with the instruction of the Most Rev. F. General, it was furthermore decreed that they must not be worn in the Retreat without a real necessity, of which the Superior is to be the judge. The tenth session was here brought to a close, the President reciting the customary prayers.

ELEVENTH SESSION.

On Friday morning at 7:15, the eleventh session was opened in the usual manner by the President, and during the same the following decrees were formulated:

I. The Ven. Chapter reminds the religious of that point of Rule, which forbids all games and plays, of any kind whatsoever, and ordains that this be understood to apply to all times and places, whether at home or abroad.

II. In compliance with the instruction of the Most Rev. F. General, it is decreed, that those who enter our Congregation already priests, shall not be employed outside of our houses in conducting the spiritual exercises, missions, or in parish duties until at least two years after the date of their profession, to the end that they may have ample opportunity of learning our customs and of preparing themselves for missions according to the manner observed amongst us.

III. The Ven. Chapter forbids the giving of pay-lectures during the time of missions, or immediately after them. And as lectures are not ordinarily within our scope, they should not readily be permitted at any time. However, when necessity or charity may seem to require, the Provincial only will be permitted to allow them, but with the understanding that no emolument whatever accrue to our Retreat.

IV. The Ven. Chapter declares that, in accordance with the direction of the Most Rev. F. General, the religious of our Congregation in Buenos Ayres are entitled to the suffrages of this Province, and will remain so until otherwise ordained.

V. Owing to the fact that our religious in this country have, more or less, the handling of money, and that consequently, the vow of Poverty is exposed to numerous infractions, the Ven. Chapter decrees 1st., that it is forbidden to each and all of our religious to keep money in their possession. 2ndly that those who receive money for a specified object, with the permission of the Superiors, must not apply it otherwise than so specified. 3rdly, that our priests on their return from missions, retreats, or other labors of the ministry, as also our brothers travelling from one house to another, or on questing expeditions, are required to render an itemized account of the expenses which they may have incurred, whilst so employed, to their respective Superiors who are strictly bound to exact it.

VI. Our religious passing from one Retreat to another, are reminded of a decree of a former Chapter, which forbids them visiting the cells of the brethren and indulging in conversation. In connection herewith the present Ven. Chapter strenuously imposes on Superiors the obligation of watching diligently over the observance of the same; and when transgressed, they are charged to administer a fitting reprehension and penance to the offender without respect to persons.

VII. In accordance with a decree of the late General Chapter the capitular fathers enquired into the conduct of the religious at large, and they took occasion herefrom to recall that saying of our Holy Founder “that it is better an infected sheep should be removed than that the whole flock should suffer,” enjoining meanwhile on local Superiors the obligation of keeping the Provincial informed of any further misconduct on the part of those who have already been guilty of any notable disedification, especially regarding uncharitable criticism on Superiors in or out of office.

At this point of the session, a letter was received from the Rev. F. Guido declining the Rectorship of St. Mary’s Retreat, on account of delicate health and resigning the office imposed upon him. The Very Rev. President asked the opinion of the Fathers on the matter, and they were unanimously in favor of his making an attempt. The hour for closing having arrived the usual prayers were recited and the Fathers dispersed.

TWELFTH SESSION.

On Friday at 3:30 P.M. the twelfth session was opened by the President in the usual manner and the Fathers proceeded in their work of framing decrees the first of which was the following:

In conformity with our sixth Provincial Chapter and the urgent wishes of the Most Rev. F. General, made known by the Very Rev. President, the Fathers applied themselves diligently to the examination and discussion of decrees made in our former Chapters with regard to missions; having meanwhile before them a copy of the Regulations on missions composed for the use of our English Province. After mature deliberation it was resolved that a committee of three of our priests be appointed by the Provincial, to draft a code of rules adapted to missions in this country, with the understanding that the time for completing this work be limited to one month from the close of the present Chapter.

THIRTEENTH SESSION.

Saturday A.M. This session was duly opened and closed with prayer by the President, and was spent in reading the Acts of the Chapter, and in making the necessary corrections and amendments.

FOURTEENTH SESSION.

In this session which was held on Saturday afternoon, the reading of the Acts, left unfinished in the morning was resumed, and the following decree was added:

Although the reading in the public refectory of the decree “De celebratione Missarum,” and others has not been introduced into this Province, owing to the fact of this being a missionary country, nevertheless, in accordance with a decree of the twenty-first General Chapter, relative to the English and French Provinces, and in compliance with the explicit injunction of our Most Rev F. General, the said decrees “De celebratione Missarum,” the decree of the Holy Office “Contra Solicitantes,” and the decree “De Incompatibilitate plurium Munerum” are hereafter to be read on the appointed days, as is done in all our other Provinces. After the Agimus tibi gratias had been recited and the session closed, the Fathers withdrew.

FIFTEENTH SESSION.

On Sunday afternoon, the capitular fathers met for the last time in formal session and the Acts of the Chapter were once more read by the Secretary and some minor corrections were suggested and made accordingly.

This being done, the Ven. Chapter took occasion to recommend to the religious of this Province, the diligent study of what is laid down in Regulation 5th part III, of our Regulations. And the better to ensure the observance thereof, it strongly urges the local Superiors to be vigilant in seeing that no abuse be connived at with regard to allowing lay-men or even secular clergymen to visit the cells of our religious, frequent the public recreation or take their meals with the Community, unless in accordance with, what our Holy Rules say on this point.

In conclusion the Fathers exhort all our brethren to the exact observance of silence, fraternal charity, love of solitude and recollection, and the avoidance of whatever might tend to weaken their attatchment to religious discipline; such as, ex. gr. visits of ceremony, useless or furtive correspondance by letter and unnecessary association with seculars.

Here the Very Rev. President asked the Fathers whether they had anything further to propose and all answered in the negative, he again asked whether they thought proper to bring the Chapter to a close, to which they unanimously replied in the affirmative. The Fathers here with one voice thanked the Very Rev. President for the zeal, prudence and charity exhibited by him throughout the course of the Chapter, and especially their regret at severing the pleasant relations which existed between them during the same. The newly elected now made the profession of faith. The Very Rev. President then confirmed the elections, approved the Acts of the Chapter in his own name and that of the Most Rev. F. General, and the Fathers appended their signatures as follows:

Aloysius a Passione,
Secretarius Capitularis.

Acts of the Seventh Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Paul of the Cross Held in the Retreat of St. Paul of the Cross, Pittsburg, PA. From July 9th to 17th, 1881