“We work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.” 2 Cor. 1:24.

This is the theme the brothers chose to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of their presence in the Philippines. They invite you to join them in a prayer of thanksgiving to God, especially on the 20-21 July, 2019.

The Brothers of Saint John founded a priory in Cebu in 1994, at the invitation of His Eminence, Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, who wanted the brothers to witness to their religious life and charism, to help in the formation of future priests at the seminary and to work with young people.

The brothers moved to Banawa, Guadalupe, in Cebu city, where they built their convent. They very quickly started up a number of missions: activities for young people, a programme of study scholarships and ministry to families, always with a priority for the poorest people living in the region. They also started to teach philosophy in a number of seminaries and institutions.

In 1995 the priory was blessed and in 1999 the church was consecrated. In 2008, a noviciate house was opened to serve the vocations coming from the Philippines and other Asiatic countries. The Brothers of Saint John now have ten Filipino brothers, the majority of whom are still in formation.

Some major projects have been started, motivated by a vision of the city in which there is a space for communion beyond the barriers that seperate people; a space in which people can encounter God, where hope brings forth joy and help to those who most have need. Inspired by this vision, the Brothers want to establish a new house for the mission of the Brothers of Saint John in Cebu.

Our Lady of Mercy

Another anniversary was also recently celebrated in Cebu. Two years ago, on 17 June, 2017, the statue of Our Lady of Mercy was blessed. The brothers offer thanks for the presence of Mary, who is always with them.

It has not been the many power cuts that have prevented the brothers in Addis Ababa from keeping up with communications and letting everyone know about all their work and apostolic activity! They coordinate youth ministry, run a School of Life in the Saint John Centre, organise the pastoral care of the francophone community, run a house of formation for professed brothers and are building a church… all of this forms a great deal of mission: the brothers are deeply engaged and very proud of their work.

Watch the presentation below (in French) of their vision for the priory in Addis Ababa.

From 8-10 June the Apostolic Sisters and Brothers of Saint John, as well as the Oblates and friends of the Family of Saint John, gathered together at Paray-le-Monial in France to celebrate Pentecost. The theme of the weekend was “The Spirit of truth, who comes from the Father” (Jn 15:26).

Together we shared in the joy of witnessing the many commitments made over the weekend: four sisters and four brothers made their perpetual profession, and three lay people became oblates. Here is the message given by Br François-Xavier, Prior General of the Brothers of Saint John, to the new oblates:

“I would simply like to read an excerpt from Evangelii nuntiandi, the apostolic exhortation given by Pope Paul VI, which you know is a foundational text for the Community. It is an excerpt taken from number 70, which can be found among the many notes that provide a commentary to this beauty phrase taken from our Rule of Life:

“So  it is that, whilst seeking a life hidden with Christ in God (27), through Mary (28), they might be, in the world today, witnesses to the love of God for man and witnesses to the truth (29) that surpasses man’s heart, for it is the very Truth of God (30).”

And here is the passage from Evangelii nuntiandi:

“Lay people, whose particular vocation places them in the midst of the world and in charge of the most varied temporal tasks, must for this very reason exercise a very special form of evangelization.

Their primary and immediate task is not to establish and develop the ecclesial community- this is the specific role of the pastors- but to put to use every Christian and evangelical possibility latent but already present and active in the affairs of the world. Their own field of evangelizing activity is the vast and complicated world of politics, society and economics, but also the world of culture, of the sciences and the arts, of international life, of the mass media. It also includes other realities which are open to evangelization, such as human love, the family, the education of children and adolescents, professional work, suffering. The more Gospel-inspired lay people there are engaged in these realities, clearly involved in them, competent to promote them and conscious that they must exercise to the full their Christian powers which are often buried and suffocated, the more these realities will be at the service of the kingdom of God and therefore of salvation in Jesus Christ, without in any way losing or sacrificing their human content but rather pointing to a transcendent dimension which is often disregarded.”

This is the idea I would like you to take to heart: the world awaits your “Christian powers which are often buried and suffocated”. St Paul VI did not live at a time when augmented reality existed, but we could nevertheless say that the first augmented reality is brought about by faith. Faith enables us to discern in the reality that surrounds us “a transcendent dimension which is often disregarded”. But just as one needs a smartphone with an extreme zoom in order to see augmented reality, we too must attend to the most interior aspects of ourselves, the innermost depths of our soul in which resides the hidden presence of God. Before you engage in the world with your “Christian powers which are often buried and suffocated”, you must engage these powers in your own heart. This is the reason you consecrate yourselves to God alongside a religious community. As you engage in this work, we, your brothers and sisters, recognise that we are called to be servants of this work.”

Since 2015 the Brothers of Saint John in Kara, Togo, have run a project of formation, of sharing and of seeking the truth in a magnificent setting, with the goal of increasing the trust, communion and profound equilibrium of the person. In cooperation with the Church in Kara and several civil authorities, the project offers a light-filled hope for a creative and profound future, especially to young people. The light they offer is an inner light that guides their formation, whether in their work, their mutual exchanges, their contemplation of nature or their search for truth. Lived in this way, these experiences lead the participants in the project to a renewed trust, to hope and to communion, as well as a deeper cooperation between nature, technology, the human person and God. Concretely speaking, the project involves three main aspects: forming a centre in which entrepreneurs might be nurtured; building a place in which the brothers might live; creating a centre that offers spiritual nourishment in a setting that takes one’s breath away.

Fr Etienne, who started the project, tells us: “Young people here never cease to amaze me! Honestly, after all the years I have spent working in Togo, I have to admit that once again I underestimated the capacity young people have for work, not just in terms of their efforts but also the quality of their work. You can judge for yourselves if you take a look at their building work on the chapel, which began at the end of January, 2019. Many entrepreneurs in our ancient Europe can only dream of having workers like this with such team spirit. I could sum up by simply saying, what joy! As Bernanos said, “The fever of youth is what maintains the rest of the world at a normal temperature.” The youth are one of the great treasures of the African continent, which faces so many challenges, challenges that, rather than provoking fear, should instead be met with numerous initiatives!”

Jacques, Patrick, Ginette and Michèle give their testimony on how they came to Lumen Valley: After leaving Senegal in 2014, we came to Togo for formation with the TypHAS association. Discovering this otherworldly haven of peace was magnificent. It was also a period of intense activity, a time of discovery working with a team of outstanding and very promising young Togolese people. Despite the heat and the fatigue, there was so much enthusiasm, fraternal joy and commitment in this new and demanding professional venture. What we have taken away from the two weeks of formation in which we participated are memories of beautiful, warm and authentic exchanges and the satisfaction of successful communication, thanks to the commitment of everyone taking part, most especially the eleven young people on placement. They have our full confidence in continuing the work we started together. It was a great joy to participate in this ambitious project, which is so full of meaning in a world where meaning is often hard to find.

25 years of priesthood

On the occasion of the 25^th anniversary of Fr Etienne’s ordination to the priesthood, the young people of Lomé put on a musical called “Lumen Valley”, and with just three weeks preparation. The musical was written and interpreted by students from the university parish. The theme of the musical was the presentation of Lumen Valley. The Agora Seghor hall was full and there was a hymn about Lumen Valley specially composed for the occasion. Those who would like to hear it can listen on the Youtube channel. The highlight of the festivities was, of course, the celebration of the Eucharist.

The leitmotif for Fr Etienne over the last few months can be summed up in these words: “A new youthfulness is on the horizon in Togo, progressively distancing itself from the old dialectics and bringing in a new era that is presenting its own vision”. Fr Jean-Maximilien added: “The young people surprise us and have so many qualities, and yet one can easily pass them by without noticing them. Why is this? Perhaps because they are a little like rough diamonds, which need work in order to reveal all their beauty and the richness of their hidden potential.” The Brothers of Saint John’s mission in Togo consists in enabling the greatest number of young people to seize the moment, their moment, and therefore their history.

Visit Lumen Valley website

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As part of their permanent formation, all the brothers from the vicariate of central France (around 45 brothers) came together for two days of reflection on integral ecology in May of this year. The formation they received was prepared by Br Benoît-Charbel with the help of someone who works for the French recycling agency, Cèdre.

A number of presentations were given on the history of integral ecology, including its foundations in the spiritual life (a presentation on this subject was given by a Franciscan) and its economic possibilities (Blue Economy, for example), as well as its concrete implications (the propositions given by Cèdre on this subject).

The brothers visited a bio-farm in Pellevoisin, which showed them that changes can be made in agriculture in a common sense way by choosing a simpler and thriftier lifestyle. So that the brothers did not pollute the planet, they all travelled to the farm by foot across the fields, of course!

The session was an occasion for many of the brothers to gain greater awareness of the integral aspect needed for an ecological approach: “We cannot simply try to separate out our waste for recycling; we must also speak of Creation in our teaching and reflect upon our own habits of personal and community consumption.” For some, the idea of a sort of “ecological conversion” emerged.

‘Young man, I say to you, arise!’ Luke 7:14

Brother François-Xavier, Prior General, the Brothers of St John in Monterrey and the families of the brothers are delighted to announce the simple profession of brothers

Gabriel Prieto Prieto and José Luis Hernández Hernández.

They invite you to take part in, or to be united in prayer with, the Mass of profession which will be celebrated on the Solemnity of Pentecost, Sunday 9^th June at midday at the San José monastery.

After Mass, you are warmly invited to a meal of thanksgiving.

Convento San José

Brasil 100 col. Rincón de la Sierra, Guadalupe, N.L.

Tel. (81) 8361-2153

info@sanjuanmty.org.mx

www.sanjuanmty.org.mx

Brother Gabriel

Brother José Luis

First Session, 30 April — 10 May, 2019

The first session of the General Chapter of the Congregation of the Brothers of Saint John was held from 30 April to 10 May, 2019, in Saint-Jodard, France. The Chapter was convened with a view to the elections of the Prior General, the Master of Studies and the counselors to the Prior General. It brought together 51 participants from all over the world: Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific.

The General Chapter opened on a serious note, owing to the difficult moment the Community is experiencing. It was marked by genuine fraternity, which enabled constructive and authentic dialogue to be undertaken in a prayerful atmosphere throughout the many days spent together.

The first two days of the Chapter were led by two laypeople. So as to allow the Holy Spirit to bring about an openness of heart and mind among the participating brothers, each brother was able to express and share his observations, fears and expectations. A strong unity emerged in the brothers’ will to continue the work of reform and enable the Community to fully express its charism in the Church, at the service of all.

***

We recall that the painful realisation of the need for rectification and reform took place in stages, supported and approved by the authorities of the Church. In 2013, the work of reform reached a crucial moment, when the Prior General revealed details of sexual abuse committed by Fr Marie-Dominique Philippe.

At the request of Brother Thomas, Prior General from 2010 to 2019, the Commission SOS Abuse, which was created in 2015, submitted and presented the first report of its proceedings. The report outlines and quantifies the grave evil of abuse committed and indicates the areas that must be addressed during the second session of the General Chapter if we are to continue along the path of purification. Given the challenge at hand, the General Chapter voted in favour of disseminating the report. The Chapter requests that the government of the Community provides special support to the brothers’ in their reception of this document, to facilitate a greater collective awareness of the situation and Community reform.

The entire General Chapter unambiguously condemns the acts of sexual abuse committed by Fr Marie-Dominique Philippe and certain brothers of the Community.

We are dismayed by this part of our history. For several years now we have been engaged in a work of truth concerning these issues, which has primarily centered on our founder and his teachings. The Chapter understands that it must also take into account the channels of influence that may have favored manipulation and abuse in our Community. It must also consider the fact that sexual abuse was often accompanied or preceded by abuses of conscience and power.

The testimonies given by victims that the Commission SOS Abuse has heard have helped us to understand the extent of the victims’ suffering and the gravity of the acts committed. Thanks to the persistence of the victims, we have come to realize that at times we have inadequately dealt with their complaints and that this has added to the harm done to them. We thank them for their courage and perseverance.

Aware of the irremediable harm inflicted by abuse, the General Chapter asks forgiveness from the brothers, sisters and lay people who have been victims of abuse committed by brothers of the Community and by Fr Marie-Dominique Philippe. We also ask forgiveness for the times when, through lack of understanding, we did not listen properly to the victims or receive their testimonies in the way we should have. Lastly, we want to extend this request for forgiveness to all those who are close to our communities, especially the oblates of the community and our families, who feel hurt or betrayed by these revelations.

We are very much aware that asking for forgiveness will not make amends for the evil committed. Beyond the actions the Commission has already undertaken, the General Chapter wishes to further its reflection on how best to accompany victims and bring about reparation, and to do so in accordance with what is being done by the episcopal conferences, in accordance with the instructions of the Holy See and in conformity with civil law. The Chapter is likewise aware that one of the best ways to render justice to victims is to make every effort to combat abuse and the factors that enable it to take place. The General Chapter is fully and determinedly engaged in this effort, in accordance with the motu proprio of Pope Francis, Vos estis lux mundi, published 9 May, 2019.

***

The report given by the outgoing Prior General left a deep impression on the Chapter, enabling us to proceed with particular lucidity to the election of our new Prior General, Br François-Xavier. The first words he spoke at the end of Mass expressed his desire “to place himself at the service of the Community in a moment in which it has particular need to renew its faith in the mercy of God towards it.” It is in this way that the Community will be able “to bring the truth of the past to light and to courageously and boldly bring about justice.” Mgr. Rivière, who in his capacity as ordinary bishop presided over the election, also spoke words of great significance, encouraging us in our work for truth and reform, highlighting the good we are doing and encouraging us to welcome vocations with confidence.

Following this was the re-election of Br François-Frédéric as Master of Studies. His desire to place a strong accent on human formation and to continue to discern the doctrinal content of the formation given within the Community, with the help of external aids, was very favorably received.

The first session of the Chapter finished with the election of the counselors to the Prior General: Br Benedict (UK), Br Geoffroy-Marie (France), Br Ignaz-Maria (Austria), Br Jean-Philippe D. (Senegal), Be John Michael Paul (USA), Br Justin (Hong Kong, China), Br Luc (France and Germany), Br Marie-Elie (France) and Br Renaud-Marie (France). The Prior General nominated Br Honorat (France) as the tenth counselor.

***

We are now preparing the second session of the General Chapter, which shall take place from Tuesday 22 October to Friday 1 November 2019. The participating brothers have chosen the principal themes they will address during the second session to be as follows: abuse, the relationship of the Community to Fr Marie-Dominique Philippe, the decentralization of Community governance, the Community’s charism and formation.

***

We give thanks for the work of the Holy Spirit, who was a source of mutual and benevolent listening and who enveloped the work of our General Chapter. Despite having to face the abuse committed in our Community, we maintain hope. By God’s grace may the evil be uprooted and the good increase, and may the work we are to undertake bear abundant fruit for our religious family at the service of evangelization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Tuesday, 7th May 2019, in St Jodard in the presence of Mgr Rivière, Bishop of Autun and Ordinary of the Brothers of St John, the General Chapter of the Brothers of St John elected Brother François Xavier Cazali as Prior General, with a majority of two-thirds of the vote, for a mandate of six years, according to the Constitutions of the Congregation.

Brother François-Xavier, aged 45 from France, spent many years in Lithuania, where he was superior. Since 2016 he was Vicar General of the Community and member of the Commission treating cases of abuse, in which he showed determination to tackle abuse.

The General Chapter, made up of about fifty delegates, will continue the process of elections until 10th May. It will elect a Master of Studies and Councillors of the Prior General.

The election of the new Prior General was preceded by several days of work during which the Brothers looked together at the truth of the history of the Community, its relationship to the founder and the report given by the Commission treating cases of abuse.

In this context and in a united, fraternal climate, each brother expressed what he identified as the challenges and priorities of the Community for the years ahead.

These questions will nourish the second session of the General Chapter, which will take place from 22nd to 30th October 2019. The brothers at the chapter will need to give orientations for the years ahead, so that the Community will always put its charism at the service of humanity and of the Church and continue the reforms already begun.

The Community of the Brothers of St John includes around 500 brothers (of which 270 are priests), who come from 34 countries and who are spread out in about fifty priories on five continents.

Contact brother for the media: Brother Jean-Yves, contact.presse@stjean.com

The chapel of St Jean-Louis Bonnard in St Jodard was full on Laetare Sunday, as the friends and families of the novice brothers gathered to celebrate their clothing. The brothers also received new names during the ceremony.  Thus it was that Br Baudouin-Marie, Br Raphaël, Br Jean-Baptiste of the Lamb and Br Pacifique said goodbye to the melotte and received the habit of the brothers of St John.

Following the ceremony, the community assembled to give thanks during the Laetare Sunday Mass. Fr Thomas spoke in his homily about the mystery of the logic of gift.

A celebratory meal brought the day to a joyful close.