September 2011...

Dear Confreres and Friends,

This past month saw the First Profession in Kinnoull of Br Gerry, Br Charles and Br. Peter. It was a lovely celebration. I thank the Kinnoull community in particular for their kind hospitality to the families and friends of our newly professed confreres. The three new students begin the next phase of their Redemptorist journey tomorrow, when they arrive at Clapham to prepare for their formal academic studies at Heythrop College. We wish them, and Fr. Corrigan the Prefect of Students, every blessing.

-

This month Fr. Dickinson also celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of his First Profession. I did write to and speak with Fr. Dickie and I know that he has received many congratulations. Sixty years of Redemptorist life is an extraordinary milestone, and I would like to publicly thank Fr. Dickie for his Redemptorist life and ministry, and for his ongoing service in the parish in Erdington. Ad multos Annos.

-

I also once again offer best wishes to Fr. Michael Henesy, Fr. Philip Jones and Fr. Kevin McEwan who celebrate the Golden Jubilee of their First Profession 3rd September.

-

The OPC meet yesterday and continued to evaluate the situation in the Province. We are conscious that the EPC will have a two day meeting in September where an in-depth evaluation will take place. However, the OPC members feel that some source of encouragement for a renewed apostolic thrust in our Redemptorist missionary work would be helpful. I am therefore sending to each community a complete copy of the Lineamenta on the New Evangelization. A summary of this document is available from Jim McManus at Clapham. We in the OPC, feel that this is a document worth reading and studying in community. However, we will await the EPC deliberations before making any concrete suggestions.

-

There is little news from the communities, since August appears to have been a holiday month. Sadly Brother William fell down the stairs and sustained a broken ankle and also a sprain on the other ankle and has been in hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery. Fr. Michael McGreevy remains very positive, although gets tired from time to time. We remember Fr. Michael as his treatment continues. Fr. Kevin McEwan is making a good recover from his heart bypass surgery.

-

On Saturday I go to Zimbabwe for a pastoral visit and will be away for ten days, although I hope to be able to receive email. Fr. Gerry will be on holiday at that time. Fr. Maurice will remain in Hawkstone, so any urgent matters should be referred to him.

-

Fr. William Guri and Brother Benjamin have just returned from Nairobi where they participated in the Conference of Africa meeting. Fr. William has sent the latest Community list of members of the Region, and asked me to send it round the communities. I will enclose it separately. He, and all the confreres there, send warm wishes to all.

-

The EPC will meet in Clapham on 26th and 27th September.

-

The Finance Committee and the RPTC will also meet this month.

-

Birthdays in September are: Fr. Jimmy Corrigan on 3rd, Fr. Jack Clancy on 4th, Fr. Michael Duxbury on 5th, Fr. Frank Allinson on 8th, Fr. Tim Buckley on 19th and Fr. Kevin McEwan on 28th. Congratulations to all.

-

With best wishes,

In Christ the Redeemer,

Ronald J McAinsh, C.Ss.R.

Provincial Superior