Acts of the Thirty-first Provincial Chapter
of the Province of St. Paul of the Cross
Held in the Retreat of St. Gabriel Brighton, Mass.
From July 6th to July 12th, 1953.

Letter of Convocation

Under date of April 3, 1953, the Very Reverend Father Ernest of the Cross, Provincial, issued a circular letter to the Superiors and Religious of the Province, convoking the Thirty-First Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Paul of the Cross. All enjoying the right of suffrage were summoned to convene at St. Gabriel’s Monastery, Brighton, Mass., no later than the evening of July 5, 1953. The opening of the Chapter was set for Monday, July 6.

In conformity with a decree of the 29th Provincial Chapter, all the brethren were invited to submit before April 30 any proposals deemed worthy of consideration by the Chapter.

Father Provincial pointed out the importance of the Chapter for the welfare of the Province, both in electing qualified Superiors and in enacting wise legislation. For the purpose of obtaining divine guidance, the customary prayers for the success of the Chapter were prescribed.

Thanking all the members of the Province for their cooperation during his term, Father Provincial pleaded for the maintenance of the integrity of the Passionist spirit, “which requires that first and above all else we, as religious, strive for our own sanctification and then, as Passionists, work for the salvation of our neighbor with one primary motive, our love for Christ Crucified.”

On the date designated, the Capitular Fathers assembled at St. Gabriel’s Monastery under the presidency of Most Reverend Father Malcolm of Mary, Superior General, and with Very Reverend Paul Francis of the Blessed Sacrament, Fourth General Consultor, in attendance with right of suffrage according to #40 of our “Collectio Facultatum”.

Preliminary Sessions

FIRST SESSION

At 9:00 o’clock on the morning of July 6, 1953, the First Session of the Chapter was opened officially. The Most Reverend Father President then addressed the Venerable Capitular Fathers, assuring them that he had come to preside personally at this Provincial Chapter in order that he might better understand the problems and personnel of the Province. After reminding them of their great responsibility and of the requisite interior dispositions to discharge those responsibilities faithfully, he outlined briefly the powers and limitations of a Provincial Chapter, in order that no time would be lost in discussing things beyond the Chapter’s competence.

The Father President next took occasion to remind the Capitulars that Superiors, as such, are not a “privileged class” in the sense that this term is applied to persons holding high rank in social or military life. On the contrary, the higher the office committed to one in the Religious Life, the greater becomes his obligation to serve others for the sake of God. It is in this sense that the highest ranking Superior in the Church, the Vicar of Christ, is called “The Servant of the servants of God.” And above all, this is exemplified in the life of Our Lord, Who, though the Son of God, humbled Himself that He might the better serve the spiritual good of the human race, every one of whom He treated as a son and brother. It behooved the Superiors of the Province, said the President, to put aside all self-interest for the sake of the common good, and to base their decisions, both in regard to legislation and choice of Superiors, on the intrinsic merits of the evidence produced, and not on their subjective likes and dislikes.

The Father President then added: “It might help us to be open-minded, to reason objectively, and to make our decisions fearlessly and without human respect, were we to place ourselves in spirit in the presence of our Holy Founder, and THINK, SPEAK and VOTE as if he himself were presiding at this Chapter. Such an expedient is no more far-fetched or fanciful than placing oneself in the presence of God when about to perform any important work. How would we conduct ourselves in this Chapter if St. Paul of the Cross were to sit down at table with us? Would we not be somewhat awed and deadly in earnest? Brethren, WE are as much Superiors of this Congregation as he was; WE are charged with the same responsibility before God to provide for the well-being of our Congregation. Saint that he was, St. Paul of the Cross feared to the end of his 50 years of superiorship to betray his trust. Let us be equally afraid to tamper with what God has allowed to come temporarily within OUR power. Therefore, let us ruthlessly stamp out any motive, refrain from any utterance or any vote that is not plainly and unequivocally for the glory of God and the well-being of this Province.”

In conclusion, the Venerable Capitular Fathers were again charged with their grave responsibility and were invited to devote all of their energies, mental and physical, to the task before them.

The first business undertaken was the election of a Guardian of the Chapter Room and a temporary Secretary. By secret ballot, Father Leo Joseph of the Holy Family was elected Guardian and, after taking the customary oath, assumed his duties. In a similar manner, Father Gregory of the Child Jesus was then elected temporary Secretary.

The reports of Administration of the Monasteries of the Province were then read by the respective Rectors, and the report for St. Joseph’s Monastery, Baltimore, was read by the Fourth General Consultor, due to the absence from the Chapter, because of illness, of Very Reverend Father Colman of the Cross, Rector of St. Joseph’s Monastery.

The Provincial then gave an account of the status of the Province. His statistics showed the Province is in good condition financially, although we averaged one building a year for the past seven years, namely, the additions to St. Michael’s in Union City, Holy Cross Seminary in Dunkirk, St. Paul’s Monastery in Pittsburgh and St. Gabriel’s Retreat House in Brighton, and the new monastery and retreat house in Hartford, the new monastery and church in Toronto, and the new addition to the retreat house in Jamaica.

Also, the Provincial paid a well-deserved tribute to our missionaries, retreat masters and retreat directors, for whose services there is an ever-increasing demand, so that to-day we average over 1400 missions, retreats, and novenas a year. In our retreat houses, 46,733 laymen made week-end retreats, and over 4,000 priests made their annual retreats during 1951, 1952 and up to July, 1953.

The Provincial pointed out that The Sign has increased its circulation from 210,000 copies in 1951 to over 283,000 copies in June, 1953.

That the Province is interested in our Colored Missions is evidenced by the fact that over $82,000.00 was donated to the three missions in North Carolina during the past three years.

Father Provincial voiced the sentiments of all when he expressed sympathy for the seven missionaries still in China, two in prison and five under house arrest. He expressed the hope that the suffering, persecution, and material losses suffered by Bishop Cuthbert and his missionary companions will eventually produce an abundant harvest of souls.

After this report, Father Provincial read the following letter received from the Most Reverend Cuthbert O’Gara, C.P.

St. Francis Hospital, Hongkong, June 25, 1953

Most Reverend and Very Reverend Capitular Fathers:

I really do not know how to express my gratitude for all the daily Masses and Rosaries which have been offered in all the monasteries for the past two years for myself and all the other missionaries behind the Bamboo Curtain. As I have said before, it was prayer, and prayer only, that got me out alive, and, even after my arrival in Hongkong, there were times in which I had serious doubts as to whether I would ever be able to get on my feet again. Thank God, progress has been steady, even though slow. Last Sunday I was able to offer Holy Mass for the first time in nearly two years. It was a real experience—something like my First Mass. I have been able to say Mass each morning since, and I hope to continue doing so.

This is the first time in many years that I did not have a formal letter on mission affairs to be read before the Chapter. Although the Chapter is very much in my mind, and the problems of the Diocese are of the gravest nature, I am not yet physically capable of making that effort. Therefore, I suggest one of the missionaries make that report for me.

Again thanking all the Capitular Fathers for the cooperation given me during the past three years, and looking forward to meeting all of you in the near future, I am

Devotedly yours in Christ,
(Signed) Cuthbert O’Gara, C.P., D.D.
Bishop of Yuanling.

The following letter was received from Father Linus:

Catholic Mission
Yuanling, Hunan.
June 15, 1953.

Most Reverend and Very Reverend Capitular Fathers:

Perhaps this is the first time that a detailed resumè of our activities in the Mission Field of Hunan has been lacking at a Provincial Chapter. However, due to the circumstances and events of this time, I am sure that the Capitular Fathers all realize the impossibility and the dangers of sending such a report. Hence, I merely send these few words to thank the Fathers assembled and the members of the Province for the prayers, Masses, and remembrances that they so generously have given during the past years. I am sure that the Fathers here on the mission, seeing the difficulties and dangers that still exist, hope that the Masses, prayers, and good works will be continued.

We Fathers in China are most grateful for the interest shown and the assistance given us by all the members of the Province and of the entire Congregation. We are trying to show our appreciation by doing all in our power to advance the holy cause that has entailed such sacrifices in the past and that will entail equally as many in the future.

As any of the Fathers who have returned to the Province in the States can readily tell the conditions existing now, it is not necessary that I recount them here. The events have long been familiar to you. Limitations and restrictions are being placed on the preaching of the Faith and on religious ecclesiastical life. Many institutions have been closed and measures are being taken to cut deep into the life of the Church. In our own Diocese all the churches, houses, and institutions have been closed and turned to nonecclesiastical uses, except the Church and rectory at Yuanling and Chihkiang. Even in these two places part of the house is occupied by the reform society that has been appointed by the government to “arrange church matters and business.”

Arrangements had been made and instructions given out by the Internuncio and the Bishops concerning the administration of the Sacraments in these times of trial and persecution. In some cases and places these have proved effective and helpful to the native clergy. But as the foreign Fathers are not allowed to approach the Christians and, more so, as most of the Christians fear to come near the foreign Fathers save in a few instances, it seems inevitable that we shall have to leave. What work can be done will be carried on by the native clergy, whenever and wherever it is possible.

In the past we have seen the Church established in China at the cost of great sacrifices of men and money. At the present time we see a great portion of the material assets of the Church being confiscated and used for profane purposes. But we can thank God that the spiritual asset of the Church—the Faith—has not been lost, although at times and places it has been hidden in the hearts of the fearful faithful. The future is in the Hands of God and He will use these sparks of Faith to rekindle a light that will show even the enemies of the Church the Way and the Truth and the Life. The Passionists in China have tried to keep this Faith alive since 1922 and, please God, will continue to do this as long as we are able and allowed. We are grateful to our Crucified Saviour, to our Sorrowful Mother Mary and to our Holy Founder for the vocation that is ours of praying and laboring that these heathens may “know Christ and Him Crucified.”

I wish to convey to the Venerable Chapter the wishes and greetings of all the Fathers in China. We hope and ask and plead that “sitting in pagan darkness in this forgotten byway of the world,” we will be remembered in your prayers and Masses and will be able to extend the Kingdom of God in this distant land.

Sincerely and humbly in J. X. P.
Linus, C.P.

The reading of the suggestions submitted to Father Provincial then took place. After this, Father General asked the Capitular Fathers for further suggestions. After all suggestions had been received, Most Reverend Father President appointed various committees to consider the particular proposals and to report on the same.

SECOND TO SIXTH SESSIONS, Inclusive

All preliminary matters having been duly arranged, the Most Reverend Father President announced that the next duty of the Venerable Capitular Fathers would be to discuss the merits of those eligible for canonical office. When all had taken the oath to hold sacred and inviolable the knowledge acquired during the ensuing discussion, the Father President gave a short and earnest exhortation. He urged the Fathers to forgive and forget injuries, real or imaginary; to keep an open mind until all had had an opportunity to speak, and then to weigh the testimony by the same objective standards by which they themselves would wish to be judged. He then detailed the qualities we have a right to expect in a Superior. He further warned against the mistake, sometimes made, of considering election to office a reward for virtue, or a recognition of services rendered. This part of the discourse was concluded with the words: “You must have the conviction that each man for whom you vote has the CAPACITY TO RULE and that that quality is joined to the indispensable virtues of prudence, fidelity to our Observance, disinterested service to the community, and loyalty to the Congregation.”

In conclusion, the Father President warned against factions, reminding his hearers that that particular menace had nearly wrecked the Church itself in the early days of Christianity and many times since and that the least tendency in that direction, or even the appearance of it, must be eliminated in order to insure the spiritual health of the Province. He insisted on our fundamental ONENESS as Christians and as Passionists and that the first and essential loyalty of each of us is to the Congregation and to the Province and not to our particular friends.

Before the discussion of merits began Very Reverend Father Ernest of the Cross renounced his passive voice. By unanimous vote of the Capitular Fathers, he was requested to reconsider this action. Because the members of the Chapter knew the reasons for his decision, he stated he was willing to leave everything in their hands, again expressing his preference not to be considered for any office.

The discussion of merits of possible Superiors now took place and continued throughout the remainder of the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Sessions.

Immediately after Vespers on Wednesday, July 8, the Capitular Fathers, together with the whole Community, were addressed in choir by the Very Reverend Leonard of the Most Holy Family, Rector of Our Mother of Sorrows Monastery, West Springfield, Mass., on the importance of the duty facing the electors. He spoke in part as follows:

QUALIFICATIONS OF A RELIGIOUS SUPERIOR

After emphasizing the importance of the approaching elections, as indicated by the canons of Church Law and the words of Our Holy Founder, Fr. Leonard said: “The great and lasting consequences of these elections place a tremendous responsibility upon the electors. Men will be put in offices where they will have authority over our lives, our bodies and even our souls. They will be placed in positions where, to use the words of our Holy Rule, they are to be considered ‘as chosen by God to direct us in the way of religious perfection.’ They will be placed in positions where they can make it easier or more difficult for us to save our souls, and where, let it never be forgotten, for every ten souls within the Congregation influenced by their decisions and actions, there may be ten thousand souls outside the Congregation so influenced.”

Fr. Leonard pointed out that while, usually, the qualifications of religious superiors are determined mainly by the nature of the offices themselves, there have been crises in the history of the Church when the temper of the times has had a large part in determining these qualifications. We are witnessing just such a crisis. How often we hear our day compared with the critical days of the Church in her infancy—days of persecution, days of agonizing anxiety and fear, days when the Prince of Darkness and his allies, the world and the flesh, seemed about to prevail. In recent years, Our Holy Father, Pope Pius XII, has frequently urged us to turn our attention to those distant days, in many respects identically like our own, and to learn their lessons. On the occasion of this Chapter, we would do well to ask what qualifications Jesus demanded in the first superiors of the religious society He founded, the first governors of the souls for whom He suffered and died, the first guides of His beloved flock.”

Father Leonard called attention to Our Blessed Saviour’s training of His Apostle, Peter, citing several incidents revealing Peter’s great faith, hope and charity, and associating these incidents with Our Blessed Saviour’s prediction of Peter’s elevation to the highest office in the Church. After asking the Capitulars to elect “men who, like Peter, possess the fundamental virtues of faith, hope and charity in an eminent degree,” he continued: “Faith makes for right order in a religious community. It has been called a deifying light. Next to the clear vision of God, faith allows the fullest participation of divine wisdom. The religious superior with a great faith will always see in his subjects children of God, souls bought with the blood of the Saviour, bodies that are temples of the Holy Ghost. He will see more real and lasting worth in the least of his brethren than in the biggest and best-made monastery—Furthermore, he will constantly encourage them, by word and example, to use the proper and indispensable safeguards of the religious life, prayer, solitude, study, detachment from the things of earth, self-denial and devotion to duty… Hope makes for strength and security in a religious community. The religious superior with a great hope will put complete and unconquerable confidence in these words of the Divine Saviour: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His justice, and all these other things shall be added unto you”. He will depend upon prayer and the sacraments and other spiritual aids for the strength and the courage adequate to his difficult task. He will teach his brethren to live by the Holy Rule, and his best defense of wisdom and goodness and power of this hallowed way of life will be his own faithful observance of it… Charity makes for peace and happiness in a religious community… As Passionists we aim unusually high. We have chosen to go up to Calvary and keep company with Jesus on His Cross and with Him to be crucified to the world. Superiors see all too many of us lose our early enthusiasm for Calvary, the cross and the companionship of Jesus and His Mother of Sorrows; and they note that this unfortunate change is present among the young and the old. But the superior with a great love for God and his brethren bravely attaches himself more closely to the cross and Christ, that, come what may, he will be found by the brethren more understanding, more sympathetic, more forgiving, more patient, more kind, in a word, more Christ-like, ever striving with all his mind and heart and soul and strength to maintain among the brethren the peace of Christ.”

SEVENTH SESSION

Being deeply impressed by Father Leonard’s discourse, the Fathers repaired once more to the Chapter Room to continue the discussion of merits. At the conclusion of this important work, the Seventh Session came to a close at a relatively late hour of the evening.

EIGHTH SESSION

On Thursday morning at 8 o’clock, Very Reverend Father Paul Francis of the Blessed Sacrament, Fourth General Consultor, assisted by Very Reverend Father Canisius of the Mother of Holy Hope and Very Reverend Father Gabriel of the Most Sacred Heart, celebrated the Solemn Mass of the Holy Ghost pro re gravi in the presence of the entire Community. Then, at 9:30 A.M., Father President, carrying the crucifix, led the procession to the Chapter Room, all singing the Vexilla Regis. The Brethren not participating in the Chapter were then dismissed and the ritual prayers were recited by the Capitular Fathers.

As the time for the election had now arrived, the Most Reverend President addressed the assembled Capitular Fathers in the following words:

My dear Fathers:

We have now reached the most solemn moment of this Provincial Chapter of 1953, for upon this decision rests to a great extent the prosperity spiritual and material, as well as the happiness and peace of mind, of all the Religious of the Province.

It is to be hoped that each of you has enlightened himself as fully as possible by listening with an open mind to those capable of giving an intelligent and unbiased opinion; and especially is it to be hoped that all have invoked in priestly as well as in community prayer the light and guidance of the Holy Ghost.

“The arm of the Lord is not shortened,” and “the Providence of God worketh from end to end mightily.” We are guided and supported by His grace.

Humans can make mistakes, but God will not be harsh with us if those mistakes are made after doing our best to avoid them. What God will NOT too readily forgive is carelessness or indifference in our choice. To fulfill our duty here, we must forget personal injuries, real or imaginary; we must forget favors received or hoped for. Only one standard of judgment is acceptable to God and the Church. “Has this Father for whom I intend to vote the necessary qualities of mind and soul, together with sufficient health and strength, to undertake the arduous duties of Superiorship? Does he put the interests of the Province and Congregation ahead of his own? Has he the instincts of a spiritual father?”

I exhort you to make your decisions on these unshakeable principles, which you need never be ashamed to account for to God or to your brethren.

Do not seek office!—Do not flee from it!

The Most Reverend Father President then directed the temporary Seccretary to call the roll of those entitled to participate in the Chapter and elections, and the following Fathers responded:

Most Reverend Father Malcolm of Mary, Superior General
Very Reverend Father Paul Francis of the Blessed Sacrament, Fourth General Consultor
Very Reverend Father Ernest of the Cross, Provincial
Very Reverend Father Canisius of the Mother of Holy Hope, First Provincial Consultor
Very Reverend Father Gabriel of the Most Sacred Heart, Second Provincial Consultor
Very Reverend Father Gregory of the Infant Jesus, Rector of St. Paul’s Retreat
Very Reverend Father Egbert of the Holy Family, Rector of St. Mary’s Retreat
Very Reverend Father Cornelius of Our Lady of the Eucharist, Rector of St. Michael’s Retreat
Very Reverend Father Colman of the Cross, (in absentia propter infirmitatem) Rector of St. Joseph’s Retreat
Very Reverend Father Hubert Mary of the Holy Family, Rector of St. Ann’s Retreat
Very Reverend Father Dennis of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Rector of St. Gabriel’s Retreat
Very Reverend Father Carrol of Mary Immaculate, Rector of Holy Cross Retreat
Very Reverend Father Leonard of the Holy Family, Rector of Our Mother of Sorrows Retreat
Very Reverend Father Berchmans of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Rector of Immaculate Conception Retreat
Very Reverend Father Thaddeus of the Holy Family, Rector of Holy Family Retreat
Very Reverend Father Felix of the Sorrowful Mother, Rector of St. Gabriel’s Retreat (Toronto, Canada)
Very Reverend Father Ronald of Mary, Master of Novices

The Most Reverend Father President then asked the Capitular Fathers whether they recognized the Chapter as having been legitimately convened, and all answered in the affirmative. The customary acts of humility were then performed and the ad cautelam Absolution from Censures was given by Father President who, in turn, received it from Father Provincial. The Capitular Fathers then signified their surrender of office by coming forward, one by one, and depositing their seals of office and Letters Patent on the altar.

The Chapter next proceeded to the election of a permanent Secretary and of the Scrutineers. In the secret ballot, Very Reverend Father Gregory of the Infant Jesus was elected permanent Secretary, and Very Reverend Father Egbert of the Holy Family and Very Reverend Father Cornelius of Our Lady of the Eucharist were elected as Scrutineers. The Scrutineers, together with Father President, took the prescribed oath. Then all the Capitulars, before proceeding with the election of the Provincial, took a solemn oath to choose as head of the Province the man whom, before God, they judged ought to be elected. Balloting then followed.

On the sixth ballot, Very Reverend Father Ernest of the Cross was re-elected Provincial. Father Ernest thanked the Capitulars for their confidence and accepted the office as the will of God.

On the sixth ballot, Very Reverend Father Canisius of the Mother of Holy Hope was re-elected First Provincial Consultor. Father Canisius, thanking the Chapter for this confidence in him, accepted this office.

Balloting was now continued for the election of a Second Consultor. Before securing a result, the session was closed. The community was called in and the choice of Provincial announced. Then the entire Capitular body and community offered their congratulations and made their obedience to Father Ernest, the Provincial.

The Te Deum was then solemnly sung in choir and Solemn Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament imparted by Father Provincial.

NINTH SESSION

When balloting for the office of Second Consultor was resumed in the afternoon session, Very Reverend Father Gabriel asked to address the Capitular Fathers. Permission being granted, Father Gabriel stated that it was his earnest wish that he be not considered for this or any other office.

On the 14th ballot, Very Reverend Father Carrol of Mary Immaculate was elected to this office. Father Carrol, in accepting the office, pledged himself to the best interests of the Province.

On the sixth ballot, Very Reverend Father Gregory of the Child Jesus was elected Master of Novices. Father Gregory, realizing the supreme importance of this office, promised to do his best to fulfill this charge.

Discussion now took place concerning the order of filling the various Rectorships. It was arranged as follows:

1. Holy Cross Seminary, Dunkirk, N.Y.
2. St. Paul’s Monastery, Pittsburgh, Pa.
3. St. Michael’s Monastery, Union City, N.J.
4. Immaculate Conception Monastery, Jamaica, N.Y.
5. St. Gabriel’s Monastery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
6. St. Ann’s Monastery, Scranton, Pa.
7. St. Gabriel’s Monastery, Brighton, Mass.
8. Holy Family Monastery, Farmington, Conn.
9. Our Lady of Sorrows Monastery, W. Springfield, Mass.
10. St. Joseph’s Monastery, Baltimore, Md.
11. St. Mary’s Monastery, Dunkirk, N.Y.

Balloting was then continued for the Rectorship of Holy Cross Seminary, Dunkirk, N.Y. On the sixth ballot, Reverend Father Boniface of the Precious Blood was elected. Upon being reached by phone, Father Boniface graciously and humbly accepted.

On the fourth ballot, Father Cuthbert of Mary Immaculate was elected Rector of St. Paul’s Monastery, Pittsburgh, Pa. On being contacted by phone, Father Cuthbert asked some time for consideration. When he called later, he was prevailed upon to accept.

TENTH SESSION

The Fathers re-assembled at 8 P.M. to resume voting for the remaining houses. On the seventh ballot, Very Reverend Father Berchmans of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was elected to the Rectorship of St. Michael’s Monastery, Union City, N.J. Father Berchmans humbly accepted the office.

On the 10th ballot, Very Reverend Father Cornelius of Our Lady of the Eucharist was elected Rector of Immaculate Conception Monastery, Jamaica, N.Y. Father Cornelius graciously accepted.

Balloting was now continued for the Rectorship of our new foundation in Toronto. After the eighth ballot, Very Reverend Father Ronald of Mary asked the Fathers to discontinue voting for him for this or any other Rectorship. On the tenth ballot, Reverend Father Connell of St. Ann was elected Rector of St. Gabriel’s Monastery, Toronto, Canada. Father Connell was notified by phone and acquiesced in the decision of the Capitulars.

ELEVENTH SESSION

The Capitular Fathers assembled once more at 8:30 on the morning of July 10th to continue the balloting for the remaining Rectorships. On the 12th ballot, Very Reverend Father Felix of the Sorrowful Mother was elected Rector of St. Ann’s Monastery, Scranton, Pa. He accepted the decision of the Chapter.

On the fifth ballot, Very Reverend Father Dennis of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was elected Rector of St. Gabriel’s Monastery, Brighton, Mass. Father Dennis graciously accepted the office.

On the third ballot, Very Reverend Father Thaddeus of the Holy Family was elected Rector of Holy Family Monastery, Farmington, Conn. Father Thaddeus humbly acceded to the will of the Chapter.

On the tenth ballot, Father Luke of the Sorrowful Virgin was elected Rector of Our Mother of Sorrows Monastery in West Springfield, Mass. Father Luke was reached by phone and, with some misgiving, accepted the office.

TWELFTH SESSION

Immediately after dinner, the Fathers reconvened. Balloting was continued for St. Joseph’s Monastery, Baltimore, Md. On the eighth ballot, Father Clement of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was elected Rector of that monastery. Reached by phone, he accepted the responsibility.

On the eighth ballot, Father Rupert of the Sacred Heart was elected Rector of St. Mary’s Monastery, Dunkirk, N.Y. Reached by phone, Father Rupert, though hesitant, was prevailed upon to accept.

The community was then called to the Chapter Room, and Father Cornelius, the Second Scrutineer, read the results of the elections to the assembled group. Most Reverend Father President declared for the Capitulars and Community the rest of the day free. Telegrams were then sent to all the houses of the Province, as well as to the Provincial of Holy Cross Province.

THIRTEENTH, FOURTEENTH AND FIFTEENTH SESSIONS

At these sessions, the various committees made their reports and recommendations. These committees were the following: l) On Finances; 2) On Studies and Vocation; 3) On Regular Observance; 4) On Missions and Retreats; 5) On General Matters. Likewise the Directorium for Students was reviewed in detail.

As a result of these reports and the detailed discussions on these agenda, the following recommendations and decrees were formulated:

RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Venerable Chapter recommends that:

1) Father Vicar, in the absence of Father Rector, hold Moral Cases, as well as Examens and Friday Chapters.

2) In conformity with paragraph #79 of our Regulations and the practice followed throughout the Congregation, the evening Angelus should be said after supper. The little bell need not be rung for the Angelus, since this is not necessary for gaining the indulgence.

3) The Provincial Curia make a selection of General Chapter Decrees to be read at Friday Chapters along with the Provincial Chapter Decrees.

4) Rectors send to Father Provincial a list of those Benefactors among the Clergy and Religious Communities who deserve special consideration when requesting the services of our missionaries.

5) In view of the increased burdens of administration placed on Father Provincial, there be appointed a competent priest as Director to assist in the making of appointments for Missions and Retreats under the direction of Father Provincial.

6) The Provincial Curia investigate the advisability of accepting a new foreign mission field and of extending our work among the Colored in the South.

7) The present mission leaflet be changed to incorporate the Stations of the Cross in a form approved by the Curia.

8) The Refresher Course be continued and developed so as to encourage greater participation by the priests of the Province.

9) The notification of the death of our Religious be sent to the Monasteries by telephone or telegram in order that Masses may be offered for the deceased as soon as possible.

10) The Provincial Curia continue the effort to arrange affiliation with neighboring universities in order to obtain degrees for our Students.

11) Any qualified applicant, regardless of race or color, may be admitted to our Congregation.

DECREES:

The Venerable Chapter made the following Decrees:

1) In conformity with Decree #13 of the 36th General Chapter, it is decreed that the “benedicite” on leaving the Provincial House or returning to it, is to be asked only of the local superior.

2) Number 29 of the Provincial Chapter Decrees is amended as follows: “Our Lay Brothers should not ordinarily be transferred from the Novitiate or the Monastery where special training is being provided, until after Final Profession.”

3) Our Brothers shall wear the Christian-Brother type collar or black tie. Brothers professed later than 1940 shall not wear the Roman collar.

4) The Venerable Chapter decrees THE DIRECTORIUM FOR STUDENTS AND JUNIOR BROTHERS is the official and authoritative rule of conduct, discipline, and external direction for the Students and Junior Brothers.

In addition to these Decrees and Recommendations, many other serious matters came up for prolonged discussion and were finally remanded to the vigilance and care of the Provincial Curia.

SIXTEENTH AND FINAL SESSION

The final session was held on Sunday, July 12, 4 P.M. At this session, the Acts of the Chapter were read by the Secretary and, after some emendations, were finally accepted as read.

At this point, the Venerable Chapter expressed its regret that a serious illness prevented the attendance of Very Reverend Father Colman of the Cross, Rector of St. Joseph’s Retreat in Baltimore. Cognizant of the splendid work accomplished during his term and of the contribution he would have made to the deliberations of this Chapter, the Capitular Fathers extended their sympathy to Father Colman and expressed their hope that his recovery will be rapid and complete.

Recognizing the vital and essential contribution made to the welfare of the Province by its members in the various fields of our apostolic endeavor, the Venerable Chapter wishes to pay tribute to all.

a) It singles out for a special word of commendation our missionaries, who have established such an excellent reputation for the effective conducting of spiritual exercises for clergy, religious, and the laity.

b) The members of The Sign Staff deserve great credit for their diligent efforts which have achieved an ever-increasing recognition of the preeminence of this superior publication.

c) Although our Military Chaplains are removed from the sustaining support of monastic life, they are a credit to our Province and the Congregation.

d) Mindful of those heroic Passionists languishing in Communist prisons in China or prevented by these enemies of the Church from exercising their apostolic ministry, the Venerable Chapter voiced its sincere admiration for their Christlike work and heroic patience during this period of spiritual trial and material adversity. To all of them, but especially to their intrepid Shepherd, the Most Reverend Cuthbert O’Gara, C.P., the Venerable Chapter pledges the continued spiritual and material support of this Province.

e) Our priests in Mexico merit congratulations for their splendid accomplishments in this newly established foundation.

f) The Venerable Chapter also commends highly those self-sacrificing priests of our Province who are laboring so zealously amongst the Colored in the South. Their work is truly missionary work of the highest degree, and much grace comes to the Province as a whole because of their wonderful work for the poorest of the poor in this country.

g) No spiritual movement has been more phenomenal in recent years than the Laymen’s Retreat Movement, and no community has been more successful in fostering this Movement than the Passionists. The Venerable Chapter, therefore, expresses its sincere appreciation to the Retreat Directors, the Assistant Retreat Directors and Retreat Masters for their important contribution to this great modern apostolate.

h) Although the work of Parish Priests is not the essential work of our Congregation, our priests have been engaged in this form of the ministry from the earliest days of our Province. Therefore, the Venerable Chapter wishes to acknowledge the valuable contribution to Christian living among the laity made by those priests assigned to this important work through obedience.

i) Aware that the monastic observance is the strongest support of our way of life, the Venerable Chapter expresses its appreciation to those members of the Province whose devotion to the duties of their particular state insures the continuance of our monastic life. In particular, the Venerable Chapter commends the unselfish devotion of our Directors, Lectors, Students and Brothers, without whose sustaining help the other works of our Province would be less productive of enduring success.

j) To the Directors of the various Chapters of the Confraternity of the Passion throughout the Province, the Venerable Chapter expresses its appreciation for their efforts to promote devotion to Christ Crucified.

After the Capitular Fathers had approved the above commendations, the Very Reverend Father Ernest addressed the Most Reverend President of the Chapter as follows:

Most Reverend Father President: Now that we have completed the work of the Chapter, I wish, first of all, to express to Your Paternity my own personal debt of gratitude for your advice and assistance to me. However, I am sure that I am expressing the sentiments of all the Capitular Fathers when I say we are deeply grateful to you for the patience, charity, and prudence you exercised during every session of this Chapter.

We realize your assignment was no easy one. We want you to know that we appreciate the effort you made to understand us and our problems by permitting full freedom of discussion and avoiding even the appearance of rushing us. We have good reason to feel that these deliberations over which you presided so efficiently will help in no small way to promote the welfare of the Province as a whole and the best interests of each of its members.

For these reasons, all the members of the Province must be deeply grateful also. May we all prove our gratitude by our wholehearted cooperation with Your Paternity, our fidelity to our Holy Rule, and our loyalty to our mother the Congregation.”

Most Reverend Father General responded by expressing his thanks for the hospitality extended him since his arrival in this country. He deeply appreciated the solicitude for his comfort and convenience, evidenced at Union City by Father Provincial and the local Superiors, and also at Brighton where Father Rector and Father Vicar were most attentive and considerate.

Also he stated that he had been most impressed from the very beginning of the Chapter by the serious concern of the Capitulars for the welfare of the Province and their endeavors to cooperate with him in promoting its best interests. He reiterated his high esteem for the Province of St. Paul of the Cross and assured the Capitulars he would continue to be deeply interested in its welfare.

Then Father General inquired if any other matters were to be brought before the Chapter. The response being negative, the Most Reverend President declared the 31st Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Paul of the Cross formally closed.

The Capitular Fathers expressed their thanks to Father Gregory for acting as Secretary of the Chapter.

The Reverend Father Leo Joseph was then asked to come to the Chapter Room and was thanked for the faithful performance of his duties as Guardian. Also Father Walter, the Vicar, was called to the Chapter Room to receive the expression of sincere gratitude for the extraordinary hospitality extended to each member of the Chapter.

Then the Acts of the Chapter were signed by each Capitular, and the other canonical formalities were observed. Finally, the Most Reverend Father President confirmed the Decrees and the elections of the Rectors and Master of Novices. The last session was closed with the usual prayer.

The Capitular Fathers of the 31st Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Paul of the Cross appended their signatures as follows:

Malcolm of Mary, Superior General and President
Paul Francis of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 4th General Consultor
Ernest of the Cross, Provincial
Canisius of Our Mother of Holy Hope, First Consultor
Gabriel of the Most Sacred Heart, Second Consultor
Gregory of the Child Jesus, Rector of St. Paul’s Retreat
Egbert of the Holy Family, Rector of St. Mary’s Retreat
Cornelius of Our Lady of the Eucharist, Rector of St. Michael’s Retreat
Hubert of the Holy Family, Rector of St. Ann’s Retreat
Dennis of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Rector of St. Gabriel’s Retreat
Carrol of Mary Immaculate, Rector of Holy Cross Retreat
Leonard of the Most Holy Family, Rector of Our Mother of Sorrows Retreat
Berchmans of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Rector of Immaculate Conception Retreat
Thaddeus of the Holy Family, Rector of Holy Family Retreat
Felix of the Sorrowful Mother, Rector of St. Gabriel’s Retreat in Canada
Ronald of Mary, Master of Novices

St. Gabriel’s Retreat,
Boston, Massachusetts
July 12, 1953.

Gregory of the Child Jesus,
Secretary.