AJSC Newsletter

Newsletter # 9

Steyl – October 2008

SSpS / SVD / SSpSAP

"Precious is the Life Given for Mission."

Warmest greetings again from the Team of the Arnold Janssen Spirituality Center (AJSC) in Steyl: Emmie Vas, Franziska Carolina Rehbein SSpS, Peter McHugh and Mike Somers SVD.

We send you our special good wishes during the Centennial Year. May it continue to help you renew your missionary commitment and be a time of renewed interest in our saints, Arnold of Steyl and Joseph of Shantung, and recently beatified Mother Josepha.

Our Newsletter is coming to you a bit later than usual. So far we have been sending the AJSC Newsletter shortly after our biannual planning session (or Convivencia). This time it is delayed due to several programs which came immediately before and after our June Convivencia. But we would still very much like to keep up our contact with you in the provinces. So here we are, a bit late, but happy to be in touch with you.

OUR E-MAIL ADDRESS: ajscsteyl@gmail.com

Please use this address for communications to the AJSC.

In this bulletin:

1. Coming and Going

2. AJSC Team Activities

3. SSpS General Chapter

4. Beatification of Mother Josepha, 29 June 2008

5. The Arnold-Joseph Centennial Year

6. Keeping in Touch

7. Appendix 1 and 2

1. Coming and Going - Sr. Maria Cristina Avalos

In the January number of the AJSC Newsletter we introduced a new member of our AJSC Team, Sr. Maria Cristina Avalos. Sadly, in this number we have to say Goodbye to her. After her arrival in Steyl at the end of December 2007 Sr. Maria Cristina went for a German language course in Germany and then began work with the Team. Sr. Agada had asked her to be a translator at the SSpS General Chapter. It was in this capacity that the capitulars came to know her more closely. So it was no great surprise when she was elected to the CLT (Congregational Leadership Team or general council).

Her transfer is a big loss for our Team, though a clear gain for the Congregation as a whole. There is the added advantage that in her new position she can continue to promote spiritual animation throughout the Congregation. We wish Sr. Maria Cristina God's blessing on her important ministry.

One of the first decisions of the new CLT was to appoint Sr. Maria Cristina as the contact person between the CLT and the AJSC Team. For several years already a member of the SSpS and SVD general councils has acted as liaison between the generalates and our Team. The new superior general, Sr. Maria Theresia, fulfilled that role under Sr. Agada. Fr. Gregory Pinto is the SVD contact person.

2. AJSC Team Activities

- As part of the ongoing formation for the Team Sr. Mary Illich SSpS and Fr. Rudi Poehl SVD conducted a workshop on Bibliodrama. It was personally enriching for us just being participants.

- Besides conducting several contemplative retreats, Franziska was busy coordinating the translation of her book on the spiritual vision of our Founder as expressed in the art work in St. Michael's Church, Steyl. The input she gave during the Mission Week in St. Augustine's, Germany, will be published soon together with the other talks.

- Emmie collaborated with Franziska in giving the contemplative retreat in Spain. She also gave the SSpS region retreat.

- Peter and Mike participated in the commissions for the revision of the Vademecum, a revision mandated by the SVD Chapter. The Spanish version is ready. The English version took longer to finalize since the content is longer and because the chairman, Fr. Ignatius Thottappilly, was hospitalized. But it is now ready for printing.

- Mike is currently in the Philippines conducting a workshop on human relationships in each of the six convents of the Adoration Sisters over a three month period.

- Peter collaborated with Fr. Tony Pates in conducting the section of the SVD Formators' Course that was held in Steyl in May. There were 24 formators plus Fr. Thomas Malipurathu, the secretary of formation. During the Generalate workshop for new provincials Peter was asked to give input on the role of the provincial in spiritual animation. The provincials showed a lot of interest in the topic. It was also a good chance to meet them personally and to discuss possible future programs. An interesting comment from one of the provincials: "In my opinion the AJSC is the most creative thing that has happened in the SVD in the last twenty years."

- Emmie, Franziska and Peter gave a two-week seminar on our spirituality and on the Founding Generation to the SSpS renewal course in Steyl. The beatification of Mother Josepha occurred just in the middle of it, so the group received plenty of inspiration from the celebrations and mixing with the SSpS pilgrims. As usual the SVD renewal group spent almost three weeks in Steyl too, for which we were responsible.

3. SSpS General Chapter

(a) The 13^th General Chapter was held in Steyl 27 April - 1 June. Three of our Team were involved throughout: Emmie and Mike for the daily Eucharistic liturgies, and Maria Cristina as translator from English into Spanish.

(b) AJSC Report to the Chapter.

Emmie, as co-director, presented the AJSC Report (2002-2008) to the Chapter. The Report is attached to this AJSC Newsletter as appendix.

The capitulars then discussed in small groups: "Is the AJSC relevant to the provinces in its present form and way of functioning?" The feedback in plenum was positive. The minutes briefly report: "Most of us felt that the AJSC is still relevant. However the local teams (SATs) could work toward more contact with the Center." "We appreciate the Center, the Team strengthens the local teams; the materials produced are valuable." "We find the intensified sense of belonging that results from the AJSC's efforts very helpful. However we agree that we need a new mode of working for the Team to animate our spirituality more effectively."

Time was limited and the discussion could not go very deep. For us just giving the Team a voice to the Chapter was a clear message from the CLT of the importance of spiritual animation. Later in our Conviviencia we discussed the significance of the Chapter for the SSpS and the AJSC. Some points:

- To continue deepening our spirituality and charism in today's context, taking into account the Chapter's focus, with topics such as: being God-centered women disciples, communion, non-violent communication, life, creation, and witness to the Risen Lord.

- Fostering ongoing formation at a personal and communal level.

- The value of personalized retreats of 7-8 days.

- The importance of personal and communal transformation and internalization. Help the Sisters to be more person-oriented than work-oriented. Integrate the human and spiritual.

- The practice of discernment at the personal and communal level.

4. Beatification of Mother Josepha, 29 June 2008

The beatification took place here in Steyl-Tegelen in the Doolhof, a semi-open-air theater. This theater stands on what was once part of St. Anne's Farm which Arnold Janssen bought to help support the SVD Mission House. Fr. Arnold planted many trees and they have grown as mature trees to form a very beautiful park. The beatification and the celebrations in Steyl and Issum, Mother Josepha's birthplace, have been reported elsewhere. We asked several SSpS and lay associates what it meant for them. A few of their responses.

Sr. Preethi (India) Knowing of the small beginnings of Mother Josepha's endeavors, it was for me an astounding sight on the day of beatification. There were people from all over, both laity and religious. All understood the one language of LOVE. When we were seated in the open theatre I recalled with admiration the weaver woman Mother Josepha whose efforts have born abundant fruit. The theatre looked like an elegant multicolored woven pattern of peoples from all the continents. I wondered whether this spectacular sight did not make many people pledge for an interweaving of human relationships in their life style. Such was the experience of this event. The enthusiastic participation of the lay people spells out how much they look for authentic Christian models in life. Does this not leave us with a question for ourselves?

Isabel de los Santos (SSpS-A, Philippines) Three events were significant. The arrival of delegates in the SSpS Mother House was a coming together of Arnoldus family members from different parts of the world. Happy faces and joyful greetings were everywhere. Language was no barrier; a smile was the common language - the language of love. Our hearts were ready to proclaim God's unconditional love across races and cultures. Therefore, for me there is no need to fear to go on mission to foreign countries because the Triune God, who dwells in me, is always leading me and providing me with the graces I need to proclaim Him to all people; I felt God's love through the loving care of the SSpS community. Second, the beautiful and meaningful Vigil liturgy. It depicted joy and gratitude for Bl. Josepha's intercession for the growth of the SSpS mission and the entire Arnoldus Family. Her dedication in preparing missionaries and caring for them in mission through frequent communication was high-lighted. Third, the visit to Issum and Goch. It was a renewing experience for me to witness the parish of Issum and nearby parishes celebrating their joy and gratitude, and expressing the inspiration of Bl. Josepha's life. The visit to Goch was a coming home experience, like refueling my lamp for a quiet and lasting light. I feel inspired and ready to spread the Trinitarian spirituality and help it grow especially among the poor in the Philippines. The Holy Spirit will help us regain and uphold the dignity of Filipinos who are deprived and oppressed.

Sr. Dinah O. (Ghana) What became most significant for me was the beauty and richness of our international and multicultural living which was at its best throughout the meaningful liturgy. The joyful participation of all present and the expression of love shared during and after the celebration of the holy Eucharist manifested the unity in diversity of the Church. Yes, we can be proud of the precious heritage entrusted to us by our founding generation. With that language of love all felt at home and welcome. It was really a celebration of life and love and I am much inspired to continue my religious-missionary life with renewed joy and strength. It is a great challenge to live my vocation day by day with passion and become a source of blessing for others.

Sr. Miriam (Chile) Most important was the opportunity to connect myself with my own roots. To reflect and pray about Mother Josepha's life has helped me to appreciate my own life and my religious missionary vocation which, I believe, is also a part of her dream. I discovered and enjoyed the beauty of God's love, a love which has no frontiers and connects us as people from all corners of the world in one family. I felt the challenge to open our hearts to the new changes within a globalized world, especially to the call to be sensitive to the minorities whose voices are unheard and are dying in the growing process of exclusion. This reality challenges and invites us to a constant conversion; from the peace and kindness of our heart will spring peace for the world. Mother Josepha had weaved her little dream and it continues to grow through God's grace in each of us, her daughters. Indeed, "our mission is to open all hearts to love."

5. The Arnold-Joseph Centennial Year

a) Bimonthly Reflections.

The Team continue to publish bimonthly reflections on our two Saints. Four have been sent out by the generalates: No. 1. "The Love of God Shines in Our Hearts in Rainbow Colors" by Peter McHugh. No. 2. "Joseph Freinademetz: A Man of Love, Faith and Prayer" by Peter Irsara. No. 3: "The Eucharist in the Life of Arnold Janssen" by Sr. Franziska C. Rehbein. No. 4. "Arnold Janssen and the Parable of the Kingdom" by Leo Kleden. The others will appear in coming months. They are also posted in the <Centennial> section in the special generalates' website: www.arnold-joseph-100.net

b) Opening Celebration for the Centennial Year

Several provinces have described the opening celebrations. Some have been reported elsewhere. Most provinces seem to have followed the generalates' recommendation to make it a joint celebration, SSpS and SVD, and SSpSAP if possible, and also with the laity. In the USA the Centenary Committee published a booklet with Readings for Morning Prayer or for Evening Prayer on the nine days preceding the Opening. In January the SVD Theologate in Pune, India, celebrated its Golden Jubilee with the motto: "Inspired by the Word to Inspire the World." So the celebration was doubly memorable. The SVD German Province combined the Centennial Year with a year of more intensive prayer for vocations with the motto: Berufung Leben – eine Mission mit Sinn (Alive in One's Vocation – a Meaningful Mission).

Two longer reports:

(i) Centennial Year 2008-2009 Corneliu Berea, Romania

Date	Theme	Day	Liturgical Season
28.01	Opening of the Centennial Year	Monday	3rd Week of Year St. Thomas Aquinas
28.02	JF: Our Missionary Vocation	Thursday	3^rd Week of Lent
28.03	JF: The Meaning of Suffering in Our Mission Work	Friday	Easter Octave
28.04	JF: Prayer in Our Mission Work	Monday	6^th Week of Easter
28.05	JF: Knowledge of Local Culture in Our Mission Work	Wednesday	8^th Week of Year
28.06	JF: Importance of the Laity in Our Mission Work	Saturday	12^th Week of Year St. Ireneus
15.07	AJ: Spirituality and the Blessed Trinity	Tuesday	15^th Week of Year St. Bonaventure
14.08	AJ: Spirituality and the Incarnate Word	Thursday	19th Week of Year St. Maximilian Kolbe
15.09	AJ: Devotion to the Holy Spirit	Monday	24th Week of Year Sorrowful Mother
15.10	AJ: Formation for Mission	Wednesday	28th Week of Year St. Theresa of Avila
15.11	AJ: The SVD Priest in the Mind of the Founder	Saturday	32nd Week of Year St. Albert the Great
15.12	AJ: The SVD Brother in the Mind of the Founder	Monday	3^rd Week of Advent
15.01	Closing of the Centennial Year	Thursday	St. Arnold Janssen.

Each celebration will last about 30 minutes. The aim is to get to know the lives and spirituality of the Saints. For further information: Fr. Rector Corneliu Berea, SVD, Misionarii Verbiti, Str. Spiru Haret 17-19, Roman 611129 Neamt, Romania

(ii) Slovakia: Together for the First Time by Sr. Laura Vlcakova SSpS

January 29, the Feast of St. Joseph Freinademetz and the opening of the Centennial Year, was a very special day for Slovakia. For the first time all three Congregations celebrated together. This year the Pink Sisters will open a new convent. So Sr. Maria Magdalena, the new superior, and Sr.Maria Faustina from Berlin came to join us in this celebration.

The SAT Team with the provincials prepared the program, involving the members of each congregation in the services. Our celebration started with a procession with the Holy Gospel and cutting of the ribbon in our chapel by the three superiors and the singing of the Prologue. In his reflection Fr. Peter Dusiska encouraged us to continue in ongoing formation, to be open to learn again and again. St. Joseph of Shantung was open to learn his whole life; he never stopped. It was not just language, culture, traditions he learned; it was more: to listen, to understand, to value each person and each situation. He learned the wisdom of the heart and the language of love.

Two „blue sisters", one pink sister and two SVDs recited part of Psalm 148 in different languages: "Let them praise the name of the Lord for he alone is exalted.

He exalts the strength of his people.

He is the praise of all his saints, of the people to whom he comes close."

Sr. Laura performed a short pantomime in the role of Fu Shen Fu. While reading a letter from Joseph in heaven, addressed to the Arnoldus family, she expressed in gestures its message for all. Then time for quiet Adoration, followed by a common lunch as one big family. In the afternoon we celebrated a Solemn Mass in the SVD parish in Nitra Kalvaria, followed by an agape. Many lay people and other religious joined us.

We hope to continue our centennial celebrations together as one Arnoldus family with a common mission, perhaps with the closing celebration already in the new Pink convent.

6. Keeping in Touch

We are continuing to put articles in the AJSC Folder which is in the Public Area on the SVD website: http://www.svdcuria.org Click on Site Map/Mapa del sitio, then click on AJSC–CEAJ. The Sisters can access the same by going to the SSpS website www.worldssps.org click Other Links then click AJSC

You can read and download the material.

If you have material (articles or program modules) that could be useful in the work of spiritual animation, please send it to us and we can post it on the internet, so that others can have access to it. Send such material and also other news of your province in the field of animation to the following address: ajscsteyl@gmail.com

We look forward to hearing from you.

With best wishes for your work,

Franziska Carolina, Emmie, Peter, Michael.

The AJSC Newsletter is sent out in five language versions: English, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Indonesian.

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Appendix

2008 Programs (2^nd semester)

No.

WHEN

WHAT

WHERE

WHO

24 June

Vortrag

Sankt Augustin

Franziska

23 June -5 July

SSpS Renewal: Spirituality

Steyl

Peter / Emmie / Franziska

July- Sept

6 SSpSAP Seminars

Philippines

Mike

06-13 July

New SVD Provincials

Nemi

Peter

29 July – 4 Aug

SVD/SSpS retreat

Austria

Peter

05 -14 Aug

SSpS Renewal: retreat

Steyl

Franziska/ Peter/ Emmie

18 Aug – 04 Sept

SVD Renewal

Steyl

Peter / Emmie / Franziska

27 Aug -26 Sept

30 day contemplat. retreat

Steyl

Franziska

21- -27 Sept

SVD Retreat for Rome

Nemi

Peter

06-15 October

Contemplative retreat

Wahlwiller

Franziska

6-16 October

Retreat/Seminar

Cuba

Emmie

05 Oct – 05 Nov

Retreats

Flores, Indonesia

Peter

09-29 November

SVD Renewal/Dei Verbum retreats

Nemi

Mike / Emmie / Ma. Cristina

14 – 23 Nov

Contempl. Retreat: SVD- SSpS reflection group

Laupheim

Franziska

24 – 27 Nov

Coordinators' Meeting

Munich

Franziska

January 2009

Convivencia

Steyl

Team

Appendix 2:

ARNOLD JANSSEN SPIRITUALITY CENTER (AJSC)

Report to the XIII SSpS General Chapter - April 2008

I. Beginnings and Development

1. The Official Opening of the AJSC took place on 15 January 1990 in St. Michael's, Steyl, as a venture of the three congregations. It came from the SVD XIII General Chapter Resolution in 1988 that the Generalate establish at Steyl a center both for research into the spiritual heritage of Arnold Janssen and the Society and for the spiritual animation of the members. The Chapter also invited the cooperation of the SSpS and SSpSAP, and received a positive response.

2. Present Members

Co-directors: Peter McHugh (England) and Emmie Vas (India)

Franziska C. Rehbein (Germany), Maria Cristina Avalos (Argentina), Michael Somers (Ireland)

3. Objectives of the AJSC, as determined by the SVD-SSPS Generalates:

(1) To animate and assist the members in living out our missionary spirituality, in the light of the present cultural and ecclesial context;

(2) To encourage and coordinate the efforts of local communities in research on our roots;

(3) To help lay people live out our missionary spirituality;

(4) To promote the study of our spiritual heritage.

4. AJSC Vision – Mission Statement

OUR VISION: The Arnoldus Family as a communion of communities in the Church, nourished by God's presence in each person, in the community and in our world, sharing in Jesus' mission in frontier situations today, and witnessing in the power of the Spirit to the Reign of God, especially to its universal inclusiveness and openness to diversity through life-giving relationships in dialogue.

OUR MISSION: To live the values of our Vision and, through prayerful reflection and animation, to be at the service of the Spirit in empowering others to live out their call.

SPIRITUAL ANIMATION: Each person, community and Congregation is touched uniquely by a God experience to which they respond in the challenges of everyday life. Spiritual animation is to facilitate a listening to and prayerful contemplation of that God experience, to let it energize us to a greater commitment and creativity in meeting contemporary needs. To do this authentically we also listen with a discerning heart to the reality of our world to hear the Word of the Lord and the groaning of the Spirit within it. Spiritual Animation is mutual and life-long. We become more aware of living in Christ and being led by His Spirit.

5. Contact with the General Councils: Two SSpS/SVD general councilors serve as contact persons and attend our planning session each December. We appreciate both their and the Council members' interest in our work and for their supportive presence. We are at the service of our Congregation; therefore our planning is in consultation with the General administration.

II. Evaluation since the last General Chapter

1. Looking IN

(a) Signs of Growth

¨ There is a deeper awareness and growing sense of the importance and value of spiritual animation for our congregations. This encourages us to continue giving our best in this service.

¨ The knowledge about the Founding Generation and their spirituality, regularly coming in touch with the significant places in Steyl, and the study of our Chapter documents constantly challe