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- Dear Abbot General emeritus Hermenegild Noyens, dear abbots, priors, provost, dear prioresses, dear members of the Chapter, dear experts, cooperators and technicians, dear guests and contributors, esteemed managers of the house: Let me greet you warmly with words from Psalm 122: "I rejoiced when they said to me: 'Let us go to the mountain of the Lord.'" A heartfelt welcome . . .
- . . . on the Cathedral hill of Freising, where from time immemorial, the Bishop's see of this Diocese of Freising was located, and later moved to Munich and renamed the Diocese of Munich-Freising
- . . . here, on the Cathedral hill, ;where the time-honoured Cathedral, from the times of the Romanesque, is set upon the summit of th etown as a sight visible from afar - the "city of God on the mountain." The Cathedral is being renovated at this very moment, and is, unfortunately, not able to be visited;
- . . . here in this Cardinal Döpfner House, which was named after the great Cardinal Julius Döpfner (who died in 1976) one of the four moderators of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965);
- . . . ere above the great city of Freising, which, together with the District of Freising, so hospitably received us and gave us such a warm welcome yesterday;
- . . . here, where we will live, work and celebrate together for two weeks, following our motto "Were our hearts not burning within us, while He spoke to us along the way, and while He opened the Scriptures to us;
I greet you all, and look forward to the numerous meetings with so many confreres and sisters from all our worldwide houses, and also to fruitful, lively and inspiring days together:
- Inspired by the local bishop, St. Otto of Freising (1112-1158), who in 1142 brought the Norbertines from Ursberg to Neustift, he who himself was a Cistercian and a great historian; (there is a statue of him outside in the courtyard);
- Inspired also by St. Corbinian (728-730), the famous patron of Freising [note 002], who is always depicted with the symbol of a bear, a symbol which Pope Benedict XVI, who was also Archbishop of Freising, integrated into his Papal Arms. We will also send our greetings from here to our Bavarian Pope Benedict!
- Inspired by the Holy Fathers of our Order, Saints Augustine and Norbert, and of course, the founder of the tradition of General vchapters and the first Abbot General, Blessed Hugh of Fosse (1089-1164)
2 Instructions, Intentions and the Goal of this Report: >>Return<<
3 The State of the Order: >>Return<<
3.1 Data about the Order-
A number of sources were available to me in composing this report. First, the annual statistics which are required by the Vatican, and prepared meticulously by the Procurator General of the Order. Moreover, numerous publications of the various houses and of the Order were available, as well as visitation reports (there will be a separate report on the visitations after this report); also available were the catalogues, first and foremost, the famous catalogue once considered impossible, printed in 2004, but backdated to 2000.
All sources are based on specifications made by the diverse houses, and are, therefore, dependent on the reliability of the material that was put together and sent to me.
3.1.1 Statistics, Numbers- >>Return<<
At present, the Order, as of December 31, 2005, consists of 1,356 male menbers in 37 independent canonries; there are also 40 regular canonesses in the three independent canonries of Bonlieu, Oosterhout, and Veerle. The Order is represented in all six inhabited continents, viz., Europe (12), Africa (4), North America (2), South America(3), Asia (1) and Australia (1).
In the last five years the numbers within the Order have declined slightly. A rough overview from about 25 years is of interest:
2005 1,356 (939) [71]: (4 bishops, 939 priests, 10 deacons, 141 professed clerics, 88 lay brothers, 102 novices, 71 aspirants) 2004 1,375 (947) [81]; (5 bishops, 947 priests, 10 deacons, 166 professed clerics, 88 lay brothers, 78 novices, 81 aspirants) 2003 1,388 (946) [96] 2002 1,399 (924) [100] 2001 1,355 (925) [45] 1999 1,378 (946) [50] 1995 1,330 - the next to last printed catalog [note 004] dated Jan. 1, 1995, includes 970 priests, 19 deacons, 112 professed clerics, 136 brothers, 93 novices, 374 sisters, of whom 336 were finally professed, 21 in temporary vows, and 17 novices, for a total of 1704. The Order was divided into 6 circaries, and 2 houses directly under Rome; no aspirants, postulants or bishops are included. 1994 1,482 (963) [147] 1993 1,462 (963) [131] 1992 1,437 (967) [104] 1991 1,433 (969) [104] 1990 1,433 (947) [83] 1989 1,311 - Catalog for the General Chapter in 1988 in Steinfeld, dated Jan. 1, 1989, inicludes 958 priests, 117 brothers, 164 clerics, 73 novices, 174 sisters (169, 3, 2) from 7 convents, for a total of 1,485, without aspirants or bishops. 1988 1,427 (986) [49] 1987 1,379 (970) [54] 1986 1,404 (970) [75] 1985 1,399 (978) [57] 1984 1,387 (993) [60] 1983 1,358 - Catalog for the General Chapter 1982 in Ostmalle, dated Jan. 1, 1983, includes 996 priests, 120 brothers, 114 professed clerics, 33 novices and 92 postulants, total of 1,355; 203 sisters (184, 9, 3, 7) from 7 convents (without Czechoslovakia or Hungary), for a total of 1,558, without aspirants or bishops. 1983 1,375 (993) [54] (6 bishops, 993 priests, 112 professed clerics, 137 brothers, 71 novices, 54 aspirants). 1982 1,358 (1008) [47]
In 1963, 1,730. The 1963 catalog, for the General Chapter of 1962 celebrated in Rome, lists 1,247 priests, 172 professed clerics, 174 brothers, 127 novices, 10 postulants - total 1,730; plus 261 sisters (176, 10, 3, 55, 4, 1, 112) from the "second Order" in 8 houses (Petropolis was still included), for a total of 1,991.
3.1.2 Structure and Development- >>Return<<
Twenty five years ago, the State of the Order was nearly the same. Within this time frame, there was a boom, with its climax in 1987 (1,427), and in 1994, with 147 aspirants, with heavy fluctuations, and slumps at the beginning of the 1980s. This should be looked into a bit more closely. Perhaps these result from some influences of the late 1960s. Comparing numbers is problematic because of different kinds of statistics, e.g., aspirants and postulants are not included at all in the catalogues, but are listed in other material. One has to admit that the Order had the same number of members in 1983 as it had in 2004, i.e., exactly 1,375. But when I joined the Order in 1963, the Order had altogether 1,991 members (1,730 canons, 261 canonesses), which leaves us with a decreas of approximately 22% (males only) in 43 years.
As for the sisters, the new communities of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary were added since the fall of Communism. Comparing circaries reveals a slow shift from Europe to outside Europe.
After this numerical overview, I would like to say thanks as a second point. This is a special pleasure for me since I have been working together with confreres and sisters for many years, especially of course, since I moved to Rome. I will mention them now.
When I was elected Abbot General in 2003, I was able to take over a Definitory that was well known to me since 2000. It included Abbot Michael Pojezdny, Strahov; Abbot Ronald Rossi, Daylesford; Definitor Severin Lederhilger, Schlägl (recently Vicar General of Linz) - and I filled in the vacancy after consultation, by naming Abbot Piet Al, Berne. I can say here and now that I have cooperated gladly with the Definitors with great trust over the last six years. We met for a few days twice each year; once we visited Strahov, once Daylesford, and last year, Averbode. Many thanks for the hospitality and kind welcome. The language used at the Definitory was English and the communication was always cooperative and hearty. Thank you sincerely for bearing and caring together, and also for the required mobility and general reponsibility.
The Secretary, Cyril Caals
For many years, Cyril L. Calls, 66, the Procurator General, has been the secretary of the Definitory. He is a polyglot and skilled at issues of the law, liturgy and the history of our Order. He knows the Order best, through visitations, through his contributions to Commissions of the Order, through his activities as Rector of the Collegio San Norberto, and through his long lasting work with the Definitory. For several years, he has been commuting between Bois Seigneur Isaac, Frigolet and Rome. Many thanks for his competent preparation of the Latin minutes of Definitory meetings, including all translations as condensed versions.
3.2.2 The Curia in Rome- >>Return<<
a. Procurator. Cyril Caals is the Procurator General of the Order and thus, responsible for relations to the Holy See and all necessary Congregations. He deals with all juridical issues and cases. He is responsible for the annual statistics and would like more accuracy and more prompt responses concerning completion and sending of the forms required (from each canonry). He is also chair of the Juridical Commission, and wrote the juridical Vademecum, a helpful volume that should be on the desk of every Prelate, next to the Code of Canon Law. Cyril Caals is an indispensable cooperator and expert for the management of the Order, and that is why I express my deepest thanks to him for all his commitment and shared responsibility.
b. Postulator. After the retirement of the meritorious Postulator Donatien DeClerck, who was honored and retired befittingly during the presentation of the French Hagiologion (Book, of the Saints) in Mondaye, Fr. Dr. Gabriel Wolf from Windberg Abbey took over the role of Postulator of the Order. He first qualified himself adequately in rome, and he is also working as a pastor in the parish of Windberg. In the Curia in Rome, he is responsible for our cases for beatification and canonization. On Saturday, July 29th, he will present his works and future goals to us. Also to him, my deep thanks for his good beginning and his creative ideas. The Postulator is elected for a term of six years by the General Chapter, so he, therefore, is up again for election.
c. Provisor. Everyone in the Order knows the Provisor of our Order, Bob Finnegan, DePere, who is in charge of the Order's Financial Commission and who for many years - ever since the withdrawal of Abbot Florian Pröll, Schlägl - has fulfilled the task with care, expert knowledge and great commitment. The assets of the Order are very well taken care of by him, and the Order has been informed about all kinds of developments regularly and competently. Thanks to his excellent financial management, the annual fee from each canonry has been steady for years. The Provisor will present his general overview of the last six years on Saturday, July 29th. He is also up for re-election and or re-confirmation. Many thanks to you, Bob, for your tremendous commitment. One feels and knows about your love for the Order. Bob is supported by Father Gottfried Menne, Magdeburg, for issues dealing with the Euro. At this point, I would like to express my thanks for his commitment and co-administration to Fr. Gottfried. Both men get along well with each other, by the way.
3.2.3 The Generalate House in Rome >>Return<<
In these greetings, I would like also to include the confreres who live and work in Rome at the Curia in the Generalate House, and the Collegio San Norberto. Edward Van Geijsel, Averbode, officiates as economo for the Generalate. He is responsible for the finances of the house, as well as for logistics and guests.
As Rector, Steven Boyle, Orange, has been working for the well-being of 35 students, and for the smooth working of the entire Collegio San Norberto for many years. He is a tireless worker and superior of the house.
At the moment, 20 Nobertines live in the house in Rome, eight Juniors from Orange, two from Oradea/Magnovarad, four priests working on their doctoral dissertations (one from Orange, two from Jamtara and one from Mananthavady), and six confreres in the Curia. In addition to those already mentioned (Procurator, Economo, Rector and myself), the following also live and work in Rome: Bernard Ardura, Frigolet; along with his task in the Vatican as Secretary of the Papal Council for Culture, he works in the house library and the archives of the Order; Franz Daneels, Averbode (formerly Rector and Procurator for a time); along with his main task as the Promoter of Justice at the Signatura Apostolica, he serves as chaplain for our six Indian Sisters.
For all this presence, cooperation, and support, I express my thanks to the confreres. It is very important for us in Rome that this Norbertine community, which is not that small, be kept alive. We also say thanks to the houses that send confreres to Rome for studies or special tasks, which is not always easy or cheap. The house with its 20 students from all over the world lives from that base.
3.2.4 Vicars of the Abbot General (Const. 238-241) >>Return<<
From Rome, back to world-wide concerns. The Order is made up of six circaries at this time, circaries that are organized according to language. I will pay special attention to the individual circaries later, but at this point. I would like to express my warmest thanks to the six vicars of the Abbot General and the delegate for Latin America for their willingness to function as representatives of the Abbot General in their circaries and fulfill their duties. Their main tasks are:
Visiting and contacting the individual communities;
Reporting about the situation and activities on a circary level every three years, before the Prelates' meeting and before the General chapter;
Moderating and mediating misunderstandings between the houses or conflicts in an individual house;
Representing the Abbot General at elections, celebrations, special occasions, when the Abbot General cannot attend.
At the end of a General Chapter, the Vicars are confirmed or appointed to the Office. Between Chapters, there is always the possibility of meeting at least twice, once at the end of the General Chapter, and once during the Prelates' Meeting. At the last meeting, we arranged for the Vicars to write a report for the Abbot General twice: before the Prelates' Meeting, and before the General Chapter.
The Vicars are:
Abbot emeritus Tom DeWane, De Pere/Jackson (English speaking Circary)
Abbot Thomas Bartal, Jasov (Bohemian and Slovakian Circary)
Abbot Marcel Lasters, Postel (Brabant Circary)
Abbot Bruno Dumcoulin, Leffe (French speaking Circary)
Abbot Martin Felhofer, Schlägl (German speaking Circary)
Abbot Edmund Horvath, Csorna (Hungarian Circary)
As Delegate to the Spanish and Portuguese confreres and sisters, Abbot emeritus Paul Meyfoot, Tongerlo/Leffe, now also Administrator of Montes Claros)
To all of you, my warmest thanks for your willingness, fraternal cooperation and, first and foremost, your steady care.
Roman Vanasse
At this point, I would like to express my thanks especially to one person for all his commitment to the Order, although he is not present: Roman Vanasse, De Pere, who had been Administrator of Queens Park until Dec. 31, 2005, and who asked to be relieved due to the state of his health. For his never-ending dedication, his numerous journeys and flights (frequent flier miles collector!), undertaken already as Administrator of Mananthavady, and for his long standing work as moderator in Orange and elsewhere, for his presence at many general chapters as interpreter and peritus, he deserves the greatest recognition. Unfortunately, we cannot reward him with an Academy Award, or it would be the Oscar for his life's work.
3.2.5 Commissions (Chairmen, Members) >>Return<<
At this point, I wish to thank all the confreres and sisters who performed the work of the Commissions of the Order. I know from my own experience that it is an honorable and pleasant task, but it is not always easy. Difficulties of language, distance, appointments and other obligations complicate the work. Because of that, I thank you especially for all the work, ideas, and cooperation, and for all the results and impulses, for all the minutes and final reports.
First and foremost, this gratitude is directed to the chairmen of the commissions, and they are here named in appreciation for their work:
Abbot emeritus Jean Regis Harmel, Mondaye, and Abbot emeritus Paul Meyfroot, Tongerlo and current Administrator of Montes Claros: Commission for the Sisters
Ulrich Leinsle, Schlägl: Historical Commission
Cyril L. Caals, Averbode: Juridical Commission
Marc Fierens, Averbode: Liturgical Commission
Bob Finnegan, De Pere: Finance Commission
In the name of the Order, I would like to express my appreciation to all the confreres and sisters for all their travels and meetings. This work in the commissions is an important expression and instrument of our worldwide cooperation and shared identity, along with other discussions and official Order meetings.
At one visitation, a suggestion was made to re-establish the Commission for Justice and Peace. This commission existed previously, but was disbanded because of difficulties concerning its content, and the differences in various locales were too great. The Chapter has the right to debate this issue and make a decision.
3.2.6 Office of the Secretariate for the Preparation of the General Chapter >>Return<<
At the end of the Chapter, there will be an opportunity to thank the Secretariate, but at this point, I do not want the work of this office to go unmentioned. For many years, the office, in cooperation with the Abbot General and the Definitory, has been concerned with the preparation of this Chapter. There were many meetings and working sessions in order to get everything just right. For their commitment, and especially for the work of the Sisters at Oosterhout, and for all the logistics underlying the preparation, my warmest thanks. Every printed page of every paper distributed comes from Oosterhout. Dear Sisters, thank you very much.
3.3 Reports from the Circaries >>Return<<
As has been mentioned, the various circaries each send their own report concerting the "State of the Circary" to Rome, and the visitation reports are sent as well. This does not produce "double data" but it is done to provide another perspective. The interplay of circary level issues and the relations among the houses and their relationship to the existing social and political framework are important. India's social milieu is quite different from that in South America, Europe, and South Africa.
3.3.1 Evaluation of the Circary Reports >>Return<<
Circaries [note-005], a Norbertine specialty, have existed since the beginning of the Order. They are loose unions of canonries within a region, a country or a language group. In former times, each had its own visitator for the circary and a vicar of the Abbot General. Affiliation to a circary sometimes changed, according to the political or ecclesiastical situations. Reading the statisitcs once again, the following structures are in place:
If you look again at the present structure of our Circaries, the question arises of whether a new kind of division would better balance the situation more realistically. Mananthavady, for example, is still - due to historical reasons - placed within the German speaking Circary, as is Itinga, a dependent priory of geras. Jau, Kinshasa, Montes Claros do nto belong to any Circary. That is why I suggest a new concept concerning Circaries on our agenda:
To establish an Indian Circary (Jamtara, Mananthavady); the proportional share of Indians in the Order is approximately 20%.
To establish a Latin American (pro)Circary (Jau, Montes Claros, with guest status for Itinga as well as for Requinoa/Chile); the proportional share of Brazilians, plus Chile, in the Order is approximately 10%.
To integrate Kinshasa into the French speaking Circary, despite its historical relationship to Postel; French speaking share in the Order with Kinshasa is approximately 25%.
These are just some facts to think about. The General Chapter could initiate a discussion and instruct the new Definitory about the new structuring, or we could vote on the issue at the Chapter.
In this context, I would like to refer to a key word from our Constitutions in connection with the Circaries and the worldwide net of our Order, with all its cooperative links and bonds, which I highlight under the heading of "Mutual Aid". [note-006] This gives me the possibility of underlying the generous acts of help and support in material, personnel and spiritual ways, and to give a heartfelt thanks to all the houses, the individual Prelates and the confreres and sisters. What is being achieved here in silence or openly is really "lived communio," carried out with "one heart and one mind." We can be proud of all these shining moments in our Order. These are true signs of communio, which honor us and give us hope:
This aid specifically includes:
Hosting a confrere (temporarily or by transitus,
Borrowing confreres for a certain task and period of time (novice master, treasurer, pastor in a parish),
Assumption of administration, the position of Prior or Abbot in another house,
Help in educational matters (lectures, instructions),
Directing spiritual exercises, recollections, talks,
Forms of supervision and moderation of Chapters,
All kinds of financial and material help,
Exchange and sending of literature, magazines and minutes,
All kinds of fraternal guidance, "correptio fraternal"
All kinds of hospitality, accommodation, visits.
Making available officials for the Order at the Generalate House,
Sending students to the Collegio San Norberto.
Especially since we are a decentralised Order, I am and we are dependent on many types of cooperation and assistance, on generous personnel and financial help. I thank all for the support and help. I am amazed at the magnanimity and generosity of houses and individual confreres who follow a call and put there own interests last, possibly disregarding one's own plans for life. These too are brilliant moments in our Order.
At this point, I can only ask those in charge in our Order not to weaken this mutual aid and to cultivate the spirit of our Order. The view beyond the roof of one's own house also puts into perspective the problems of one's own community. Looking ahead, we need confreres for the administration of the Order who are willing to live and work in Rome for the sake of the Order.
It is also part of mutual aid to include confreres who live secluded or very isolated, and bring them more strongly into the communication network and include them in visits. Statements such as "We feel left alone; we feel isolated; we are not noticed by the Order" are actually alerts, cries for help which should not be allowed to die, be unseen or unheard. How can we build up relationships beyond the principle of filiation [note-007], some sort of partnership, or a sense of sponsorship? The General Chapter could be a place to relate to one another and to encounter one another, to encourage one another.
3.3.3 Dealing with Dying Houses >>Return<<
It is quite obvious that several communities are struggling to survive. What can be done? Our houses are primarily autonomous and responsible for their own existence. But, given subsidiarity, a higher authority could be called in such a case in order to seek help and assistance of some kind. The first level in such a case would be the Circary [note-008], with the Vicar of the Abbot General at the head. It must be said, however, that he lacks judicial competence, but does have great authority (based on 'fraternal unification'). There are situations in the Order in which this has been managed very well, e.g., by two Prelates who took on a kind of "godparenthhood" or supervision in order to advise a house in all sorts of issues, and when necessary, to accompany it in the process of dying. In such a case, even more is needed and more imagination is required to accompany houses or let the confreres or sisters feel out solidarity and compassion.
3.3.4 What is Going Well at the Level of Circaries, and What is Not. >>Return<<
a. First of all there is need to mention Circary meetings:
Brabant: they are surely the most intensive and frequent; four times yearly,
English: once every six years before a General Chapter,
German: meeting once a year, alternating houses,
Czech/Slovak and Hungary: similar to the circaries in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary,
French: one meeting in Leffe, May, 2006,
Latin America: two Prelates' meetings - 2004, 2006.
There are good reports of these meetings, along with good inspiration, as well as fraternal dialog and exchange about parallel problems and actions to be taken.
b. Initiatives to be mentioned (no claim to a complete list):
For Hungary: a common study house for Juniors studying in Budapest,
For Brabant: AGRIPO, the great long-term project of common studies, and the establishment of annual "Spirituality Days"; also great help for the former missions in Latin America, Africa and India,
For the German speaking: the exemplary "Chant Breviary,"
For the English speaking: personal and financial aid within the whole Order and the house of studies in Chicago,
For Latin America: their presence on the internet and their first joint meetings; the house of philosophical studies in Itinga.
c. Further activities within the Circaries include:
Joint meetings of novice masters (Brabant and German),
Joint meetings of Juniors (Brabant, German),
Circary Commissions, e.g., the German liturgical commission for the publication of liturgical books (lectionaries and Mass texts for the Saints of the Order); common study weeks, great activities in the historical field,
Annual Contact Days for interested participants, Premonstratensian AG, participation in CERP,
Mentioned once again and not to be underestimated is the great project of AGRIPO, the joint study project in Brabant, where at this time, there are four abbeys who school their Juniors in philosophy and theology. Qualifying several confreres as professors in this respect is a most important task and one of the greatest benefits. This is the first year that theology is not taught.
d. Problems:
Not to be neglected are those questions that still remain unanswered in the Circaries, and these reflect the problems of the single houses; the great spatial differences, and with that, the problem of communication, different mentalities (see later for some suggestions about this), and the need of intensifying communication within the Circaries,
Some financial problems and burdens,
Related closely to the above is the sexual abuse problem, which we will deal with on the morning of July 7,
One canonry having split twice in the last years, there is the issue of dealing with conflicts and conflict management,
A lack of income and financial resources,
A lack of charisma as spiritual centers,
The aging, and the resulting lack of youth.
3.4 Signs of Vitality - Positive Examples >>Return<<
Much has already been said about the key phrase "signs of vitality." They are the best facets of our Order. I already referred to the basis for this in my Christmas Letter; it comes from a presentation made to the Union of Superiors General, the assembly of Order Generals in Rome.[note-009] We were told to look consciously for these signs, since usually, only the negative aspects come to our attention. What is going well in our houses, our Circiaries, our Order?
3.4.1 Areas of Growth >>Return<<
The so-called areas of growth in our Order become apparent in India, in Kinshasa, in California, and to some extent in the Czech Republic (Strahov), and in Brazil. In these places, fortunately, there is new blood and a continuous increase of new vocations. This is a great blessing, although it is also a great responsibility and challenge for the young communities to finance the education of the young, to qualify the young confreres adequately, and to find places for them to minister. In these places, there are positive examples of support from single canonries to finance specific educational programs for these young communities.
New Vocations
These entries are a great blessing, and at the same time, a great challenge for a house. One confrere said recently: "We have new vocations, but we cannot keep them." In other houses, there were confreres who left because the education was not good or there were no companions, or because no one was able to give them support for their issues or crises. Strictly speaking, we cannot afford such losses any longer.
Ordinations
It is a custom in our Order to send invitations to solemn professions and ordinations to all the other houses. This is a good thing. Afterwards, the young confreres begin their pastoral work. What happens then? Years later, a large number of young priests leave, transfer to a diocese, or leave the priesthood altogether. There are many reasons for this. But one reason that should never exist is that we cared too little for the young confreres in his priesthood and ministry, for their struggles, problems, spiritual growth. We must give them our special care and attention.
3.4.2 Building-Up Activities >>Return<<
"Building and Repairing" - our treasurers can tell us a thing or two about this. With all its burdens, building and repairing are always signs of vitality and life, and are courageous investments in the future. Buidl with Trust/Confidence was the motto of Berne when they built a new monastery. We cannot list all the activities in this area, but we mention the great reconstruction and renovation of Daylesford, the revitalization of Pernegg, the step-by-step renovation of Speinshart, the renovation of Doksany, the school buildings in Gödöllö, the current restoration of abbey buildings in Jamtara after earthquake damages, the guilding of the Monastery in Requinoa, Chile, the extension and new concepts in Park, the great investments in Roggenburg, the anticipated new building ofa great library at St. Norbert College in De Pere.
There is hardly a house where noting is being done. I would like to mention here the houses in the Czech Republic and Hungary, where, after the fall of the Iron Curtain, buildings have been adapted and renovated with great effort. I remind you of the great projects such as the building of a whole new monastery which is in the planning stages in Orange, as well as the efforts of the Sisters of Tehachepi to build a new Monastery.
We all know that these big buildings are an enormous burden but they are also a heritage to preserve, a legacy to care for. We are not the personal owners, only the administrators. As a community, we have been handed this heritage and we have to pass it on to the following generation undamaged.
3.4.3 Additional Signs of Hope can be found in new initiatives, which are, in order: >>Return<<
a. Pastoral / Theological fields:
"Subsidiaris," a welfare organization for church and society, Magdeburg,
"Institute for Applied Theological Ethics," in the new "cella" Bendorf/Sayn, a former Norbertine monastery near Koblenz, run by Hamborn Abbey;
Some new initiatives by so-called parish priories, by Kinshasa for the dioceses of Tod, with three confreres;
b. On the economic level:
- The new "herb production" in Postel Abbey,
- A vineyard in Storrington,
- Investments in shops, e.g., in Averbode and Postel, and newly established in Geras, Tongerlo, Roggenburg, Wilten and Windberg;
c. Liturgy:
- Efforts for a common breviary in the American houses (comparable to the German Circary), also in Brazilian houses,
- Liturgical continuing education and inspiration between De Pere and Daylesford;
d. Miscellaneous:
- Cooperation with other Orders (study weeks about Norbert, Augustine, 2001, 2005),
- Common Order-wide study weeks for novices and Juniors (German, Latin American Circaries, Indian houses)
3.5 Special Events Within The Order >>Return<<
There are celebrations all the time within the Order. This could not be changed, due to over 850 years of history of hundreds of houses and up to 1,500 confreres and sisters.
This year, on March 21, Sr. Anne-Marie Dispensa died in Bonlieu, shortly before her 100th birthday. She could not celebrate this anniversary.l She was born on July 29, 1906 in Bizerte, Tunisia, and was a Sister of Bonlieu since May 1, 1937. She was looking forward to celebrating 70 years in the Order next year. But the Lord has called her; may He be her life and her peace.
Anniversaries
It is impossible to list all the Order and Canonry anniversaries. But we can mention the two 850 year anniversaries of the foundations of Tongerlo and Magnovarad in Oradea. In Tongerlo, there were many great celebrations during the entire year; the abbey has also bee honored during other events in the Order, e.g., the meeting of novice masters, the Spirituality Days, commission meetings, etc. In Oradea, the visitation and the Hungarian Circary meeting took place in the context of the anniversary.
Celebrations bring people together, such as:
- 825 years since the foundation of Csorna,
- 750 years since the foundation of Gottstadt Abbey, Switzerland (June 5, 2005),
- 600 years of the "blood miracle" in Bois-Seigneur-Isaac (2005),
- 100 years in Feile, Denmark (2004),
- 50 years of the diocese of Jabalpur (2004),
- 50 years for the sisters in Veerle (June 26, 2005),
- 50 years of the Sister Regina Apostolorum in the Generalate (2005),
- 25 years of Mananthavady (2004).
Conferences
At this point, I will not deal with official meetings, which will be dealt with separately, but I would like to mention the regular conferences, conventions and special events, such as:
- CERP held its 32nd conference; the 31st was in Loir-et-Cher with the topic: Premonstratensian Hagiography (September 24-25, 2005), the 30th was in Bellelay Swizerland in 2004,
- Every two years there is a German meeting of historians of the "PremonstratensiaAG", this year in Oberzell, Würzburg, October 6-8, 2006, it was held on October 8-10, 2004 in Maria Englport.
- The annual "Contact Days" in Brabant, held this year for the 16th time in the "Oude Abdij Dongen" on May 20, 2006, on April 16, 2004 it was held in Tongerlo with the topic "Norbertines and Pastoral Care."
- The study conference in Tepla on "Saints and their Culture in the Middle Ages" with a special focus on Blessed Hroznata, September 8-10, 2005.
3.6 The Deceased in Our Order over the Last Six Years
3.6.1 Our Deceased Confreres and Sisters >>Return<<
Looking through the directories of the last six years, 120 sisters and confreres passed away since the last General Chapter - since August 13, 2000.[note-010] It is uncertain whether the lists are complete; one is not always informed on deaths.
During this General Chapter, we want to celebrate a memorial service for our dear brothers and sisters. They were a part of our life and our community, a part of our history and our commitment. They are where our way is leading us. They may be intercessors for us and a reminder of our conscious and lively aspirations.
3.6.2 Acknowledgement of Several Well-Known Confreres of our Order >>Return<<
It would surely be appropriate to mention all the numerous confreres and sisters, but this is not possible in the short time we have. They do, however, well deserve it. Let me mention some names here anyway, names of confreres who gained recognition beyond the boundaries of our Order, and/or worked for the Order in a special way.
Astrik Ladislaus Gabriel (1907-2003) - died at the age of 96 and was buried at Daylesford. Born on Dec. 10, 1907 in Pécs (Hungary, Fünfkirchen), joined the Order September 11, 1926 in Gödöllö (founded in 1923 by Jasov as a domus formata), ordained in 1931, was pontifical titular provost of St. Michael in Budapest, professor of medieval studies and founder and chairman of the Institute for Medieval Studies at Notre Dame University in Indiana, with many memberships were scientific organizations, uncountable awards and foundational publications; a member of the historical commission of the order.
Werenfried van Straaten (1913-2003) "They called him Speckpater" - died at the age of 90 on January 31, 2003, and was buried in Königstein. Born January 17, 1913, in Dutch Mijdrecht; joined the Order in Tongerlo 1934; ordained 1940; founded the welfare organization "Ostpriesterhilfe" in 1947 - which was placed directly under the supervision of the Holy See in 1964. In 1953, he established the "building order," and began publishing the paper "Echo of Love" monthly in 1958. In 1966, he founded the Institute "Daughters of the Resurrection" in Bukavu, Zaire, with Mother Hardewych. In 1969, the welfare organization changed its name to "Church in Need/Ostpriesterhilfe." From 1975, the organization was headquartered in Königstein. Made a transitus to the Canonry of Orange; other global activities and projects.
Herman Josef Weidinger (1918-2004) - died March 21, 2004. Born January 16, 1918 in Riegersburg; joined the Order in Geras in 1954, ordained in 1949, and was parish priest in Harth from 1955. He was vice postualtor for the cause of James Kern, especially in austria; known as the "Herb Priest", many publications, articles and daily columns in the Kronenzeitung spokesman and chairman of "friends of Herbs," widespread activities as advisor and lecturer in Austria, freeman of Macao (today China); deputy at the General Chapter, 1976 in De Pere; for many years, served on the Abbot's Council; a committed supporter of the cult of James Kern.
Boniface Luykx (1915-2004) - died Easter, April 11, 2004, in Hasselt. Born February 6, 1925 in Lobbel, Belgium, joined the Order October 9, 1934, ordained July 25, 1940; professor of theology and liturgy; missionary in Congo 1960-1961, laid the foundation for the canonry of Notre Dame de l'Assumption in 1966, taught theology in the U.S. Founder and abbot (1984) of the Mount Tabor monastery in the Byzantine tradition in Redwood Valley, California, made archimandrite in 1988, returned to Postal in 2000. He was fundamentally involved in establishing the Zairean liturgy; chairman of the Liturgical Commission of the Congo, consultor for liturgy in preparation for Vatican Council II.
Abbot Ulrik Geniets (1939-2005) - died suddenly November 13, 2005 in Averbode. Born in Ekeren June 5, 1939, joined the Order September 12, 1957, ordained March 14, 1964; alumnus of Rome, novice master and subprior, elected at 51st Abbot of Averbode May 1, 1987, delegate of the Abbot General for Latin America 1988-1994; Vicar of the Abbot General for Brabant since 2000; Definitor of the General Chapter in Rome, 2000.
Abbot Benjamin Thomas Mackin (1930-2005) - died December 20, 2005 in De Pere; born December 15, 1930 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, joined De Pere Abbey August 28, 1950, ordained 1956, studied Canon Law and earned a doctorate in Rome, alumnus of Collegio San Norberto; deputy headmaster, parish priest, college chaplain; fourth Abbot of De Pere 1982-1994. During his prelacy, he founded two houses (in Albuquerque New Mexico, U.S.A. and in Jackson/Raymond, Mississippi, U.S.A.) second Definitor 1982-2000, and Administrator of the Order, chaired the General Chapter of 1994 in Untermarchtal due to the illness of Abbot General van de Ven, and after the resignation of the latter, also chaired the Chapter of election in 1996 in Monte Cucco, Rome. He was a member of the juridical commission of the Order.
Abbot Joost Boel (1919-2006) - died February 7, 2006 in Tongerlo. Born February 2, 1919 in Geel, joined the Order September 15, 1938, ordained July, 1944, prior under Abbot Stalmans (+1953), elected 59th Prelate of Tongerlo in 1953, and served 28 years as Abbot until 1981. He was a priest for 61 years, abbot for 53 years. At the general Chapter in De Pere in 1976, he was secretary; he inspired the Colloquium Continentale.
Augustin Kurt Huber (1912-2005) "This lot of being a displaced person" - died October 11 2005 in Bad Homburg. Born June 26, 1912 in Alsattle, West Bohemia, joined Tepla Abbey, studied in Prague, Leitmetz, Salzburg; ordained 1935; novice master in Speinshart; assistant to Abbot General Noots and Postulator of the Order 1947-1954; diploma in paleography and archive studies 1950; lecturer, later professor of Church History in Königstein established the Institute for Church History of Bohemia, and the history of thought in the Sudetenland (later the Institute for Church History of Bohemian, Moravia, Salesia), many publications, commemorative volume for 70th anniverary of ordination in 2005, after the closure of Obermedlingen, he went to the Diocese of Limburg.
3.6.3 An Obituary of the Order Since 1900 >>Return<<
I would like to close the subject of commemorating our dear deceased brothers and sisters with a suggestion. It would be my desire if someone in the Order could manage to put together a list of all deceased members over the last years - in my mind, the 20th ceentury, and to place this list as a download on the internet. There are some models for that. Besides, the obituaries of other Orders and dioceses, Tongerlo, for example, has an obituary which begins with 1838, the year the abbey was re-established after secularization. Every house has its own obituary; the annual liturgical directory includes the dead of the past year. All that is needed is someone who would put all these bits of information together in order to publish it on the internet for inter-Order use. Such an obituary would be a valuable reference, a commemorative honoring of all members who lived and ministered before us, a song of esteem and admiration. I would like to suggest and underline this by suggesting an application.
3.7 Communication Within the Order >>Return<<
Despite computers, internet and cyberspace, communication within the Order is a big concern. It took nine years before we could publish a catalog (1996-2005), although almost every Circary has a printed version, or at least the individual houses. Certainly, there are a number of reasons for that, for example, the internet commission had problems right from the beginning and was paralyzed by resignations. That is why we should work even harder on the establishment of a new internet commission, and supply it with good material. We will hear a report of the commission later on, put together by Raphael Beuthner. I appointed him temporary chair until this Chapter.
3.7.1 Magazines - An Important Task >>Return<<
The publication of magazines and news regarding the Order is very pleasant and well received. In the first place is the Analecta Praemonstratensia, which is the responsibility of the Historical Commission, and is published with great diligence. Then there are various Circary publications:
- The Communicator, presently up to cumulative issue 45 (vol XXIII, number 2, cumulative issue 44),
- Pro Nostris, inactive at this time, but to be reactivated in the near future,
House Publications - nearly every house has its own publication. I want to mention especially the latest productions, e.g.:
- First Fruits by the Sisters of Tehachepi,
- Revista de Canonici Regolari Premonstratensi by Miasino,
- Allanca/Alianza, an internet newspaper by the Latin American Circary (with great help and effort by Abbot emeritus Paul Meyfroot),
- Ricvera Letters, an internet newspaper about the Sisters, publish by the Sisters of Hierden/Mariengaard.
For the great work done and the pieces sent to Rome, I am very grateful. This is surely one of the most important means of information and contact among the houses. I am also grateful for the mainlining of these circulars from abbots, e.g., Abbatialia from Averbode, and Informations by Frigolet.
While visiting the houses, I observed that not all the houses receive these publications. In some instances, one can re-order or re-subscribe. These magazines are especially important for the dependent houses.
3.7.2 News About Important Events >>Return<<
The same can be said about news from the individual houses, especially death notices. Sometimes, in some cases, such communication is not working. One could deem important communications about elections, ordinations, and anniversaries. I already mentioned the welcome custom of sending announcements about solemn professions and ordinations. In many communities, these are remembered in the General Intercessions and in the Eucharist. That is an exceptional, intensive and important way of expressing solidarity. In the Czech and Slovak Circary, they pray for the superiors and needs of other houses, an example worth following.
We live in the time of the internet, and nearly all the houses have acess to computers and the internet, which are available for many confreres. Today, it is almost impossible to proceed without such devices. Many houses have begun to establish a website and to make themselves known and available on the internet. There are some very good examples. Contact with youth is realized in many of our houses through the internet; their first contact is the internet. Afterwards, their first decisions are made, whether to continue searching or bookmark one of our sites, whether one is attracted or is bored and moves on. There is a great competition in this area, and we need not fear it. On the one hand, all the others also have limitations, and on the other hand, we can be proud of some fields in which we excel. In this area, professional management and care are well worth the investment, and provide more than just advertising and other print material.
Besides the websites, our Order also enjoys the competency of Ed Weeden, U.S.A., and, for the German houses, Uwe Becker's work on the Norbert Travel Guide at http://www.praemonstratenser.de
It will be the task of the internet commission to work on optimizing cooperation with these experts, and to continue establishing and enhancing sites. Following a suggestion from the English speaking Circary, a further task for the commission could also be the development of a broader list of English literature concerning the Order, by including book and other literature references, and by special articles published on the internet.
3.7.4 Catalogue, Circary Catalogue, House Catalogue >>Return<<
I shared my wish with many confreres that an updated catalogue would be published and printed, with a register , appropriate email addresses, cell phone and fax information. The way the last catalogue was printed in Berne has given us a model. It was printed on lightweight paper. At any rate, I sincerely request that the catalogue be uploaded to the internet under a coded number, known only within the Order, and that a date be fixed for this to be done, e.g., the end of the year.
This should not be a huge problem, since catalogues are available everywhere. The catalogues of the German and Brabant Circaries are available, as are the latest internet catalogues of the Spanish and Portuguese speaking confreres and sisters. Berne, for instance, also has its own house catalogue.
Many thanks to the confreres who worked so hard on the last catalogue. I mention explicitely the preparations of Fr. Altfried Kutsch and Raphael Beuthner, both of Hamborn, and also Tom Rossi and Ted Antry, both of Daylesford. I will make a request under the topic "Catalogue of the Order," and I ask for a speedy posting of the data be prepared even now.
My request concerning this topic is to have every single house noticed and notified. With all the possibilities and technologies in various media, it is also true that personal contact by email, telephone and face-to-face visits remain essential. This is the most important contribution, especially in the English speaking Circary, in order to better relate to one another and to the formation of deeper relationships: regular visits, meetings at festivities, inicluding sad occasions. These two way visits and other contacts have always been means of great hospitality within the Order. This should be first and foremost true of our confreres.
3.8 Tasks for the Future >>Return<<
After this long overview, I want to present a couple of ideas and expectations for the future. First, it is our task together to hold this General Chapter and to trust the momentum of such an event. The Spirit will guide and inspire us in these days.
But there are also some tasks which seem important to me, and which demand attention even now:
3.8.1 Prelates' Meeting in 2009 and General Chapter of 2012 >>Return<<
The first big meeting after this general Chapter will be the meeting of the Prelates in 2009. Traditionally, it has been held in Rome (1991, 1997, 2003). At the last meeting, Pope John Paul II welcomed us on September 29, and that touched us very deeply. It is our task to begin the preparations for the next meeting, preferably soon.
After the experience of preparing for this Chapter, it seems appropriate to set up now a preparatory commission for the General Chapter of 2012. Parallel to the General Chapter office, stressing organization and practical matters, the preparatory commission should pay special attention to contents and emphases. We should begin thinking about where to hold the next General Chapter. Until now, we have two suggestions: India and De Pere, U.S.A., where the General Chapter took place 30 years ago. We should talk about this in the coming days and make the decision at the next Prelates' Meeting.
3.8.2 Problems of Representation >>Return<<
It is consistent with what I said previously that we abolish the Eurocentric focus in our Order and put the rest of the world in a better and more positive perspective. This could affect the choice of the place for the next General Chapter, for instance, the membership of the Order Definitory, and the formation of the commissions of the order.[note-011] We should follow the Episcopal Church here, for the Pope has called Asia "the continent of the millenium." Along the same lines, surely we should think of a new alignment of our Circaries, to give more representation and importance to the countries outside Europe. Abbot Ulrich Geniets made a suggestion just before his death to install a Delegate of the Abbot General for India, and he himself was willing to do just that.
3.8.3 New Constitutions in the Spirituality Section - Chapters 1, 2, 3 >>Return<<
As I already indicated in a letter to the Brabant Circary after the death of Abbot Ulrich [note-012], this was for him a main goal about which he spoke to me a few days before his death, i.e., to rewrite the first part of the Constitutions, dealing with spirituality, so that numbers 1-92 might be restated.
This suggestion surely has something to do with the personal history of Abbot Ulrich, but it is also based on some facts. Our Constitutions date from the reform chapters of 1968-1970, with the goal to put the goals of Vatican Council II into practice for all Orders. This was done with great commitment and the result was good. Our Constitutions reflect this reality and spirit. But now, nearly 40 years have passed, and thus, a whole generation has further developed many things, both in the world and in society in general, in both politics and life styles, and in the Church and in theology. Events such as 9/11, the catastrophic Tsunami, etc. have changed our way of thinking and feeling. There have also been new breakthroughs in the theology of religious life, e.g., the text of Vita Consecrata from 11 years ago, the great Congress of Religious "Passion for God, Passion for People" held in 2004 in Rome, the Religious Order Conference "Forty Years of Perfecta Caritatis." A new theology of religious life with a strong approach based on the Holy Trinity is discussed everywhere and much has been published about this.
In the Order itself, there has been research in many areas about our own sources (think of the Hagiologion), about our own tradition which is hardly mentioned in the present Constitutions. There has been a good deal of research about our founder, St. Norbert, especially in the 1980s. Our present experience is a rediscovery in the science of history (think of Helvetica Sacra, Germania Sacra).
We could and should put the Order in the spotlight in this matter. We should use the best brains in the Order and assign a small group of qualified experts with the task of a new edition (of the first part of the Constitutions).
Another point to be mentioned at this juncture, referred to already earlier in my talk, is a realignment of the circaries. I have received the following suggestions and ideas from the various Vicars:
- Better description of the tasks of the Vicars (a more precise interpretation of #238),
- A realignment of the Circaries, as mentioned before,
- Partition of the English Circary into diverse zones, e.g.:
- In the future, India may be a Circary by itself, to include Jamtara, and Mananthavady, or at least a zone with its own Delegate of the Abbot General, and with its own proper meetings,
- In the European area, Kilnacrott, Manchester and Storrington,
- In the Australian-American area, Orange, De Pere, Daylesford, Bayview, Queen's Park, with meetings on the local level, which makes more sense, is less expensive, and is more effective,
3.8.5 Open Questions for the Chapter and Beyond >>Return<<
In conclusion, I would like to add to this point, "tasks for tomorrow," some thoughts and ideas which came out of visits and visitations and in talks with confreres. They are at least worthy considering as inspirations for discussion:
- During the preparations for this General Chapter, the question was raised whether or not it is necessary for the Prelate of a canonry to send a report to the Abbot General three months before the General Chapter, as stated in Constitutiones 200, p2. Nearly no one has done this (with notable exceptions). Thus, I suggest that for the 2012 Chapter, the paragraph might be interpreted:
- It be included as a hint in the invitation to the General Chapter;
- The report should be written from the personal viewpoint of the Prelate about his own administration, his goals and visions, his term of office, and his bid for executives within his own community, etc.#
- To estgablish Park as a house of studies for students worldwide, both from the Order and beyond, who would study in Leuven - and which would create a certain competition to AGRIPO and the Collegio San Norberto.
- To supply more mutual financial help, and to take better and more centralized control of our financial efforts. The main obstacle to such centralization is the way we are currently structured. At any rate, the question remains unanswered until now.
- What about the presence of our Order in non-European countries ("Third World")? How will Norbertine life develop in the future (Abbot emeritus Gilbert Vogt). The question of how our profile will look in the future is interesting (permanent extrapolation of our vision statement).
- Our Order is not centralized, and seems to have no strategy for the future. we are not concerned with questions of how we want to distribute the Order in the future, or where to create a strategic focus. Every house makes its own plans. It would be interesting to think together about an "Order push" when dealing with new initiatives.
4 Conclusion: "Were Not Our Hearts Burning Within Us?" >>Return<<
I have the following expectations for this General Chapter:
- That it brings us more closely together,
- That we have good meetings and conversations,
- That we experience a lively communio,
- That we manage to encourage and support one another,
- That a new beginning may be transported from the Chapter to the Order,
- That we may even formulate a clear message to the Order of "what we have seen and heard."
- That we go home with a new vision for the Order,
- That we begin to think more strategically and goal-oriented, though a General Chapter can only initiate; the practice is left to the communities.
Our motto should help us with all this. Were not our hearts burning within us, while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures for us? Were not our hearts burning while we sat together with him at the evening meal in Emmaus, and he broke the bread for us? Were not our hearts burning within us while we were talking about ourselves, about our grief and fear, about our hopes and experiences, and how he suddenly went with us, talked to us and held a meal with us? That he may be with us in these days, so that we are allowed to go to this Chapter together with him -- that is my greatest wish.
