Interview with Herman Gomes sscc, Provincial of the US Province.
"Being present at the 39th General Chapter
renewed my appreciation
of the members of the Congregation"
* Can I ask if you were able to organise anything to promote the General Chapter?
Yes. We are planning a systematic method to read, study, and discuss the main documents that were created during the General Chapter 2018. This will give the members of the Province a unified way to know the mind of the Chapter, to internalize and hopefully to implement the mandates of the General Chapter.
* In what ways do you think the Chapter Documents can help to strengthen the “inner life” of the brothers?
The one document above the others seems to challenge the brothers to a conversion of heart, mind, and spirit. I am referring to: "Our inner self is being renewed day by day". Among other things, the document addresses our inner life, zeal for the mission, support and commitment to the community, and adoration. I do believe that a sincere reflection of this document will motivate the brothers to a personal re-commitment to the life and work of the Sacred Hearts.
* And personally, how has the General Chapter affected you in relation to your own "inner life"?
My work in the context of my priesthood and the church has been very important to me. I recently celebrated 40 years as a priest. I can sometime overlook my first commitment and that is to the Congregation. The reason we exist, of course, is to serve God and his people, but we cannot forget that charity begins in the home - with our brothers and sisters who bear the title SSCC I have found a renewed appreciation for the members of the Congregation and consequently a renewed dedication to religious life.
12/31/2018