Fr. Provincial's Letter - 31st Dec 2011

31^st December, 2011

Dear Confreres and friends,

As this year draws to a close, I have been giving thanks for the many good things that have occurred in our Province over the past year. It seems to me that all too often we can focus on that which is deficient or lacking, and forget the positive aspects. I give thanks for the Professions and Ordinations which have taken place in the Province and the Region, for the confreres who have gone to God in sure hope and in faith, and above all for the terrific work being carried out by our brethren in all of our communities.

In Kinnoull we have been using the big Church for prayer, and it is the place where so many men made their Profession or were ordained. Being in that Church made me ask many questions about our vocation as Redemptorists, and about our present reality, as well as our future. It is easy to be pessimistic. And yet people continue to enquire about our life and see the wonder of our charism. From time to time I know that any of us can be a bit downhearted. Perhaps we feel that at this time we are only doing maintenance work in our ministries. However, I was reflecting that in the social climate in which we live, I really rejoice that we are able to do this. It requires great courage and faith to keep on working at ‘the coal face’ when, in the eyes of many, we are regarded as marginal or unnecessary.

At times I know that there can be a tendency to look back to the era of bigger numbers or of many younger confreres.  There can also be a tendency to wonder if there is any place for our charism in the post-modern world. However, I have to remind myself that the charism is not mine, or yours or the property of any individual. It is a gift to the Church and to the people of God. And our duty is first of all to live the charism, and also to continue to be willing to share it with others in all its richness.  And this is the challenge I believe which lies before us as we enter 2012.

I know that at the Province meeting we will be receiving input and having discussion on new ways of evangelising. We will also have time to reflect on the quality of our presence to one another when we look at our Apostolic Life Statutes which focus on our life in community. I am happy to inform you that Fr. Jacek Zdrzelek, the Coordinator for Europe, will be present from Monday until the end of the meeting. And may I remind you once again that we are asked to gather at Hawkstone for supper on the evening of Sunday, 22^nd January. It is anticipated that the meeting will end on Thursday which is set aside for Province business. The EPC will meet until Friday lunch time.

Our Canonical Visitation of the Province begins in Kinnoull on 4^th Jan and we will visit all the communities other than Chawton which will be visited at another time. It is our hope that we will be able to have some prayer with each community – a Eucharist where possible, a meeting and a meal. The Ordinary Provincial Council will also be available to meet with individual confreres. In addition, the Provincial Bursar will sign the financial records and the Mass books where appropriate, and where archives are kept, they will also be reviewed.  The Visitation in Kinnoull will be conducted by Fr. O’Mahony  and Fr. Richard Reid who is the first elected EPC member, since both Fr. Mulligan and I are members of this community. The Visitation in Hawkstone will be conducted by Fr. Mulligan and I for a similar reason. I enclose the Visitation timetable which was sent previously to each community. We very much look forward to meeting you all.

Fr. Martin Gay has returned to South Africa after a longish stay in the Province. Fr. Martin provided invaluable assistance over the months, both in the parish and in the community in Clapham, and on behalf of the Province, I express our gratitude.  Fr. Gerard McCabe, whose mother died two weeks ago, has written to thank us for the support he received in his time of bereavement. I spoke with Fr. Gerard today and he returns to South Africa on 2^nd January. Several confreres were present at the funeral Mass for Fr. Gerard’s mother on 20^th December in Stevenson.

Please remember in your prayers the confreres in Zimbabwe who will have a Visitation from the General Government at the end of January. The final meeting for the Units of Kenya/South Africa/Zimbabwe will take place in Harare in early February with Fr. General presiding.

Birthdays this month: Fr Joe Doherty, 4^th, Fr Jim Casey, 17^th, Fr George Webster, 26^th.

This year I shall begin to send electronic copies of my letter to those who indicate that they are happy to receive it in this form. Please let me know during the Visitation, the manner in which you wish the letter to be communicated.

As we say our Te Deum for this past year, may I wish all of you, and also our relatives, friends and benefactors, a very blessed and happy New Year. I also wish you a happy feast for the commemoration St. John Neumann on 5^th and Blessed Peter Donders on 14^th.

In Christ the Redeemer,

Ronald J. McAinsh, C.Ss.R.

Provincial Superior