Sept 2001 TexLaMex page 2

The seven provincials of the English speaking provinces in North America met recently in the East. Also known as The Magnificent Seven, they shared their reflections on their provinces.

Brother Donald Gibbs of the Midwest Province shared how the new candidates for his province are beginning their formation with the Indiana Candidates at the Old College Program. It has been an exciting and rewarding experience for all the candidates there.

The meeting started in tasteful New Rochelle, where Brother George Schmitz hosted us. The following morning, we formed a liturgical procession and traveled to Bridgeport, CT where Father Bud Colgan hosted us.

One of the things we talked about was helping our religious to reflect on some common themes. For instance, we thought about formation. We usually tend to think of formation as that time and process when our newer and younger members are introduced to religious life. We speak of the "men in formation" who live in "formation houses." But really the process of formation is something that should go on throughout all of our lives. God continues to call us to ever deeper union with Him, and we are constantly challenged by "many lights contrary to the Gospel." We will all be sending a common letter to all the religious in our provinces.

A bit of history took place at St. Ignatius Martyr Church in Austin, TX on Sunday, September 7.

Sister Bernarda who had served Holy Cross and the Church in Central Texas for 62 years will be leaving Texas and going to reside at St. Mary's College at Notre Dame, IN. There were many former students, well-wishers, friends, and community members who came to say good-bye. Thank you for your many years of faithful service! May God bless you and watch over you.!!

Our "man in Ghana" (Father Bob Gilmour) tells us of some of the recent events over there:

Greetings and peace - from Butumagyebu, Ghana.

The Pre-Novitiate group for 2001-2002 began their stay at Moreau House on 6th September 2001. The day did not begin as originally planned because the Diocesan family of Sekondi-Takoradi gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady Star of the Sea for the funeral of Msgr. John Mary Akono and the pre-novitiate group joined with them.

Later that day the Pre-Novices and luggage made their way from St. Joseph Hall at St. John's School, Sekondi to Moreau House sitting atop one of the hills at Butumagyebu. Unloading their luggage they entered Moreau House and along with myself joined around the Chapel altar to thank God for all his gifts, their life, the call they are pursuing and asking God's blessing upon their new home, His protection, His guidance during their stay at the Pre-Novitiate. After prayer they chose their rooms by lot.

That evening all gathered for a welcoming party and spent the evening chating over some ice cream, cookies and soft drinks. The party ended with night prayer and an early retirement after a full day of moving and settling in.

The Pre-Novitiate for 2001-2002 is underway. Keep all of us in your prayers and know that you will be fondly remembered in the prayers of the Moreau House Pre-Novitiate Community at Butumagyebu.