The Third Provincial Chapter of the United States is taking place at St. Anthony Retreat Center, Honolulu, Hawaii. It began on Tuesday; 14 November 2017 with a Eucharistic celebration presided by Richard Danyluk. After a welcome note by Johnathan Hurrell, the Provincial, there were the introductions of Martin O’Loghlen as the Facilitator for the Chapter, and of the secretaries for the Chapter. The appointment of the Steering Committee followed. There were 22 participants in total. Also attending were Felipe Lazcano, representing the General Government, and Regina Mary Jenkins, the Superior Delegate of SSCC Sisters Asia-Pacific Zone.
The Chapter continued with various reports. Felipe shared a concise report on overall situation of the Congregation beginning with the mission statements, and Johnathan presented a comprehensive Provincial report. Then it was time for Richard Danyluk, the US West Regional Superior. The first day ended with Sudhir Nayak, the Regional Superior of India, who presented a Ten Year Strategic Plan of the Region and proposal of becoming a Vice-Province in 2020.
On the second day, Cindy Epperson, the new accountant of US Province, gave the financial report as well as challenging ideas towards better financial management. She stated that the next provincial government would face many challenges. Martin O’Loghlen, the Provincial Econome, added an emphasis on the role of each brother’s participation in income generating activities for the Province.
The Development Director and the Assistant, Margaret and Soane Uiagalelei, reported on the Development Office; its inception, functions, activities and the plan for 2018. The Provincial Archivist, Stuart W. H. Ching, followed by giving an interesting presentation on administration, grant management, collections processing and public access to the SSCC Archives. Richard McNally, the Initial Formation Coordinator, presented the last report of the day.
The third day began as usual with Adoration followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. It marked a very important day as the brothers were in prayer and discernment to elect the new Provincial Leadership. As a result, Herman Gomes was elected as Provincial, which was confirmed by Javier Álvarez-Ossorio, the General Superior. The elected Vicar Provincial is Richard McNally, and the councilors are Stephen Banjare, Richard Danyluk, and Martin Gomes.
The rest of the Chapter will continue with the reading of all the Chapter proposals and open discussions on each of them.
11/16/2017