Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance (Trappists)
INFORMATION BULLETIN 150
Pentecost 2004
I) -- Monasteries :
II -- Various notices :
III -- Called by the Lord :
Maria Frieden [31*] : On the 15th January, 2004, the Community of Maria Frieden elected Mother Justina LUMCER as Abbess for a six year term.
Mother Justina was born in Czechoslovakia in 1942 and entered Maria Frieden in 1978. She made her first profession in 1981 and her Solemn profession in 1984. Mother Justina was Superior ad nutum of Maria Frieden from 1984 until 1987 when she was elected Abbess for a six year term until 1993. At the time of her election, Mother Justina was Sub-prior and Infirmarian for the Community. (She is a medical doctor.)Tamié [12] : On the 26th of January, 2004, the solemnity of our Holy Founders, the monks of the Abbey of Our Lady of Tamié, in the Archdiocese of Chambéry, in France, have elected as abbot for un indetermined term, the Reverend Father Dom Victor Bourdeau, monk of Mokoto.
Dom Victor BOURDEAU had been Prior of the Monastery Mokoto in Rwanda until the election of Dom Vedaste in 2002. He was born in 1936, entered the monastery of Tamié in 1955 and made his solemn profession in 1961. Ordained in 1968, he has been novice master, sub-prior and prior, before leaving for Mokoto. He served his community of Tamié as superior ad nutum since March 26 th, 2003.Avila [33*] : On January 30th, 2004, Madre María Luisa GÓMEZ was re-elected Abbess of the Monasterio de Santa Ana in Ávila, (Spain) for a six year term.
Miraflores [78] : On 30th January, 2004, the Community of Miraflores in Rancagua, Chile, postulated as their Prior, Padre Jesús DIEZ-CABALLERO SANZ. Since Padre Jesús has not been solemn professed for the required seven years, it was necessary to request a Rescript from the Holy See. It was very late of the thirtieth before the Holy See responded. Dom Bernardo accepted the postulation and gave the approval which was sent to Chile. The new Prior was installed in office on 31st January, by Dom Damien Thompson, Abbot of Gethsemani and Father Immediate of Miraflores.
Padre Jesús Diez-Caballero Sanz was born in El Ciego, Spain, on December 5th, 1947. His Seminary studies were done in Spain and he was ordained priest on July 30th, 1972, for the missionary apostolate. Padre Jesús joined the Community of Miraflores on November 4th, 1993 and professed his Solemn vows on November 20th, 1999. At the time of the election, Padre Jesús was Master of Juniors.
Benaguacil [34*] : Mother Maria Pilar PISONERO, profess of Tulebras, has finished her service of superior ad nutum of Benaguacil.
On March 31st, 2004, M. Maria Encarnación LLUCH MENDIETA, profess of Benaguacil, has been appointed superior ad nutum by Dom Marcos, abbot of Cardeña and Father immediate. M. Maria Encarnación was born on July 10th , 1973, she entered Benaguacil on July 20th, 1992, and made solemn profession on June 7th, 1998. At the moment of her appointment, Mother Encarnación was cantress and sub-mistress of novices.Bellefontaine [06] : Dom Etienne BAUDRY presented to the Abbot General his demand to renunce to his charge of abbot of Notre-Dame de Bellefontaine, (France) service that he assured since 1987. With the consent of his Council, the Abbot General accepted this demand. Dom Etienne has finished his service effectively on April 17th, 2004.
On May 3rd, 2004, the Community of Bellefontaine, elected as abbot, for an indetermined term Father Jean-Marc CHÉNÉ. Dom Jean-Marc was born on August 25th, 1959. He joined the Community of Bellefontaine on September 1986 and professed his Solemn vows on June 20th, 1994. He was ordained a priest on July 8th, 1997. At the time of the election, Dom Jean-Marc was prior, since July 2003.Kopua [69] : On March 27th, 2004, Dom Brian KEOGH was reelected Abbot of Our Lady of Southern Star Abbey, Kopua (New Zealand), for a second term of six years.
Oita [87] : On May 7th, 2004, Dom Charles Robilliard, Father Immediate of Phare and so in this time of the sede vacante at the Motherhouse of Oita the acting Father Immediate of Oita, has appointed Brother Franciscus YOSHIMOTO KUNIHIKO, superior ad nutum of the monastery of the Annunciation at Oita.
Brother Franciscus was born in 1958 and entered the novitiate at Oita in 1988. He made his solemn Profession in 1993. He has been sub–master of Novices and cook in the Community. Recently, Brother has been studying for the priesthood.Holy Spirit [57] : Dom Francis STITELER was elected on May 20th, 2004 as seventh abbot of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery, Conyers, Georgia. He was confirmed in this election for a six-year term by the Abbot General Dom Bernardo Olivera, and was installed as abbot the same day.
Dom Francis Stiteler was born in 1950 and entered Holy Spirit Abbey in 1974. He made his solemn profession in1980 and was ordained in 1983. He has served the community as novice master, prior, junior master, and director of monastic studies. Recently he has served the community as Superior ad nutum for one year before being elected as abbot.Phare [44] : On May 23rd, 2004, Dom Charles Robilliard, Father Immediate of Phare appointed Father Paul TAKAHASHI SHIGEYUKI superior ad nutum of the monastery of Our Lady of Phare (Japan).
Dom Paul was born in 1932 and entered the monastery of Phare in 1948. He made his solemn Profession in 1956, and was ordained priest in 1959. He has helped his community as sub–prior, prior and novice master. At the moment of his appointment, Dom Paul was prior of his community.Mellifont [56]: On May 27 th, 2004 the Community of Mellifont in Ireland elected as their abbot, for a six year term, Father Augustine McGREGOR . Dom Augustine was born in 1940 and he entered Mellifont in 1964. He professed solemn vows in 1969 and was ordained priest in 1974. Dom Augustine had been chaplain at Tautra in Norway.
Le Rivet [08*] : On May 31st, 2004 the Community of Rivet elected as abbess for an undetermined term, Mother Christine VILMAIN. Mother Christine was born in 1955 and she entered Grâce-Dieu in 1978. Mother Christine professed her solemn vows in 1984. She has been Superior ad nutum at N.-D. du Rivet since July 2003.
The community of Klaarland informs :
« Our Community project for a Foundation [in Lebanon] has been clarified by choosing the option to assist the Lebanese Sisters who for some years have wanted to be officially integrated into the Order. As we foresee the development, some of us will spend longer or shorter periods of time with the Community in Lebanon. We hope to strengthen their life in the present place, to support their monastic life and to assist in their formation. At the same time they will establish a stronger contact with our Community. We dare to count on your support, your prayer and if possible, also your financial aid.
Thank you ! »
Approval of the changes to our Constitutions :
In early July of 2003, the documentation was presented to the Congregation for the Institutes for Consecrated Life and Societies of the Apostolic Life, requesting their approval for the changes to our Constitutions voted and approved by the General Chapter of Monks and the General Chapter of the Nuns in September of 2002. The presentation was approved by the Congregation on December fourth 2003. The document is signed by Bishop Piergiogio Silvano Nesti, C.P, Secretary of the Congregation and Jesús Torres C.M.F. Sub-Secretary. The document granting the approval was only made available to us on the fifth of January, 2004.
Commission of Mutual Assistance :
The Commission of Mutual Assistance of the Order will hold its second meeting from the 25 th to the 29 of June at the Generalate in Rome. The Commission will study the requests that have been made and will respond to these according to the financial means made available through the contributions from the houses of the Order. The Commission takes this opportunity to thank the houses that have responded so generously to the fund.
For the new superiors, we recalled who are the members of this Commission :
- Dom Simon Carrère : President
- Dom Bernard Johnson : Vice- president
- Mother Geneviève-Marie : Campénéac : Secretary.
Attention is called to the notice in the Information Bulletin 149 (December 2003) on the manner of making out checks : « Commission d’Aide –Trappisti » (french + italian).
A Study on the Twentieth Century :
At the MGM of 2002, during the 22nd Session (cf. Minutes p. 112, 22.2.2), Dom Bernardo offered to the participants the idea of compiling a program of studies on the Twentieth Century, similar to the program done with the Exordium and Observantiae, to make available a more complete presentation of our Cistercian history and a tool for formation. Such a study at this time would be assisted by the presence of many persons who experienced the life of the Order during these last forty years.
Dom Bernardo gave the project to the Italian Region -- RIM – to establish a precise project and to coordinate the work. The Commission doing the work has met several times, and persons involved have sent their contributions or will send them. The project has begun.
Beatification of Father Marie-Joseph CASSANT :
On Friday May 14 th, a letter from the Vatican Secretary of State announced the date planned for the beatification ceremony of Father Marie-Joseph CASSANT as
Sunday, October 3rd, 2004, in Saint Peter’s Square, Rome.
At the same celebration, the following will be beatified :
- Anne-Catherine Emmerich,
- Sister Ludovica de Angelis,
- Charles of Austria,
- Father Pierre Vigne.
Program for Monastic Formators : MFP – 2005 :
This program especially designed for Formators has been held in Rome each year since 2002. This year, ten monks of our Order have participated and found the experience profitable (but there were no OCSO nuns!). Now is the time to register for the 2005 session. This course is given only in English and is directed to the Monks and Nuns who are actively involved in formation or preparing to exercise a responsibility in that area.
For information and registration in the program, address: Dom Brendan Thomas, OSB, Monastic Formators Program, Belmont Abbey, Hereford HR2 9RZ, Great Britain. Tel: [44] 1432 374 734; Fax: [44] 1432 374 711. E-mail: dombrendan@aol.com . The internet site of the program is: http://www.belmontabbey.org.uk/mfp/
- Nunraw [29] On November 23, 2003, Father Michael Sherry; who was born at Bolton in 1909, entered Roscrea in 1926 and professed his solemn vows in 1931. He was ordained a priest in 1934. At the time of the Foundation of Nunraw in 1946, Father was the Superior. After the election of Dom Columban, Father Michael was the Prior until 1960. Until Father Michael was called by the Lord he was an excellent Community member.
- Caldey [51] On November 23, 2003, Brother John Lyon; born in London in 1912. He had been a Redemptorist and in1960 joined the Community of Caldey. As a Lay Brother, John was the servant of his Brothers, worked in the chocolate production and for the upkeep of Caldey Island.
- Blauvac [05*] On December 17, 2003, Mother Geneviève Amauric du Chaffaut ; who was born in Avignon in 1923. She entered la Trappe at Maubec in 1948 and professed her solemn vows in 1953. Mother Geneviève was first novice mistress then Prioress and was elected abbess in 1956. She continued as Abbess until 1984. After her resignation, Mother Geneviève was Prioress and helped in the transfer of Maubec to Blauvac in 1991. Burdened with a degenerative sickness, Mother Geneviève continued to radiate joy even when totally dependent during the last three months of her life.
- Benaguacil [34*] On December 20, 2003, Sister Julita Fernández de Zañartu who was born January 28, 1926 and entered Benaguacil in 1954. Sister Julita made her solemn profession in 1960.
- Acey [28] On December 21, 2003, Father Augustin Dodane; who was born in 1919 in Pontarlier. He entered Our Lady of Dombes in 1938 and professed his solemn vows in 1944. Father Augustine was ordained in 1945. At the time of the closing of the Community of Dombes, Father Augustine rejoined Acey.
- Spencer [26] On December 23, 2003, Father Pius Rivera-Martinez; who was born in Porto Rico in 1909. He entered Our Lady of the Valley in 1942 and made solemn profession in 1948. He was ordained priest in 1953. Father Pius was among the founders of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1948. Father was a visitor in various Communities of the Order and spent some years at Scourmont. He returned to Spencer in 1995.
- Tilburg [30] On December 30, 2003, Dom Cyprian van den Bogaard; who was born in Holland in 1913. He entered Tilburg in 1928 and made his solemn profession in 1934. He was ordained in 1937. Dom Cyprian was named Superior ad nutum of Tilburg in 1966 and was elected Abbot in 1969. Dom Cyprian resigned in 1989.
- Echourgnac [09*] On 31 December, 2003, Sister Thérèse Le Berre; who was born in 1921 and received the habit at Echourgnac in 1944. She made her temporary profession in 1945. Sister then suffered a very long time with a sickness that even medical specialists could not diagnose. She was the admiration of all, mysteriously radiant and lively until the completion of her commitment to follow the path of Christ.
- Vina [71] January 3, 2004, Brother Joseph Matthew ; born in 1924, he entered Gethsemani as a Lay Brother in 1952. His solemn profession was in 1957 and he was sent to the foundation of Vina in 1958. His Italian origins made it possible for him to be on the staff of Monte Cistello from 1960 until 1965.
- Mont-des-Cats [11] January 4, 2004, Father Robert de Wauthier; who was born in Belgium in 1920 and was originally a monk of Mont-César, and ordained a priest in 1946. He entered Mont-des-Cats in 1955 and made solemn profession in 1957. He was sent with the founders of Maromby in 1958 and remained there until 1973. Father Robert was assistant chaplain at Fille-Dieu and then chaplain at La Maigrauge. He returned to Mont-des-Cats in 1999 and died while at prayer in the Church the night of the solemnity of the Epiphany.
- Saint-Sixte [13] January 13, 2004, Father Bert Baert; who was born in Belgium in 1918. He entered Westmalle in 1936 and professed his solemn vows in 1941 and was ordained a priest in 1944. He changed stability to Saint Sixte in 1967.
- Melleray [04] January 16, 2004, Brother Arsène Mercier; who was born in 1919 and entered Melleray in 1959. He professed his solemn vows in 1965.
- Consolation [34] January 17, 2004, Father Gratien Zhong; who was born in China in 1921 and entered the monastery in 1937. He was ordained a priest in 1950. In the midst of the political persecution, he faithfully lived his vocation and was able to witness a marvelous fruitfulness of new life before his death.
- Alloz [22*] January 19, 2004, Mother Celina Noguera Olcoz; who was born at Villava in Spain in 1914. She entered Alloz in 1943 and made solemn profession in 1946. Mother Celina was superior of Benaguacil from 1959 until 1965.
- Aiguebelle [07] January 22, 2004, Dom Jean de la Croix Przyluski; who was born in Paris in 1919. He entered Sainte Marie du Désert in 1942 and professed his solemn vows in 1948. He was postulated abbot of Désert at the age of 29. After the death of Dom Gabriel Sortais and the election of Dom Ignace of Aiguebelle as Abbot General, Aiguebelle which had as a daughter house Désert, elected the abbot of Désert, Dom Jean de la Croix as abbot in1964. In the mist of his abbatial ministry he strongly supported the continuation of the Atlas Community and favored the transfer of Koutaba to its present location. In 1977 Dom Jean de la Croix gave his resignation. His successor sent him as superior to Atlas where he remained superior until the election of Dom Christian de Chergé, in 1984. Dom Jean de la Croix went to the Community at Fès before his return to Aiguebelle in 1998. At Aiguebelle he served as Novice Master for two years.
- Timadeuc [17] January 22, 2004, Brother Maurice Duault; who was born in 1925 and entered Timadeuc in 1949. He professed his solemn vows in 1955. His devotion was without compare among his Brothers. This was obvious in his work with the chickens and in the garage where he worked until the day before his death.
- Phare [44] January 31, 2004, Dom Maur Tagashi Masayoshi; who was born in Japan in 1928. He entered Tobetsu in 1946 and professed his solemn vows in 1953. He was ordained a priest in 1957. He was Sub prior, prior and then Novice Master before being elected abbot in 1986. He continued in the abbatial service until his death.
- Laval [2*] February 3, 2004, Mother Véronique Delebarre; who was born in Lillers in 1922 and entered La Coudre in 1950. Her solemn profession was made in 1952. In 1955 Mother Véronique began serving the Community as Cellarer and she was elected abbess in 1965. Mother was President of the North-Europe Region from 1969 until 1984. She remained abbess until 1988. Then Mother Véronique retired to the annex Community of Jassonneix where she was Superior from 1996 until 2003.
- Bon Conseil [16*] February 22, 2004, Sister Rose-Anne Pressé; who was born at Québec in 1906. She entered Saint Romuald in 1929 and professed her solemn vows in 1934. Sister was the Cellarer of the Community for many years.
- Tenshien [15*] March 1, 2004, Sister Paulina Ishigami Tugi; who in 1915 was born in Japan. She entered Tenshien in 1940 and professed her solemn vows in 1948.
- La Fille-Dieu [17*] March 4, 2004, Sister Marie-Angèle Fragnière; who was born in Switzerland in 1922. She entered Fille-Dieu in 1945 and made her solemn profession in 1951. She served the community for many years as the gardener.
- San Isidoro [41] March 18, 2004, Brother M. Sixto Santiago Cruz; who was born 1922 and entered San Isidoro in 1987. He professed his solemn vows in 1993 and was sent as a founder of Na. Sra. del Paraiso (Equator) in 1997.
- Nasu [35*] March 28 2004, Mother Dominica Yamada; who was born in Japan in 1928. She entered Nishinomiya in 1953 and changed her stability to Nasu in 1957. Mother Dominica professed her solemn vows in 1959. She was Prioress of Nasu in 1965 and 1966 and postulated abbess in 1966. Mother Dominica continued as abbess until 1975.
- Campénéac [19*] April 1, 2004, Sister Gabrielle Abélard; who was born in 1909. She entered Saint Anne d’Auray on the same day, 11 October 1932, with her own sister, Sister Rose Abélard. Sister Gabrielle professed her solemn vows in 1937. Sister was the senior of the community of Campénéac and now the senior of the community is Sister Rose.
- Oka [31] April 14, 2004, Brother Casimir Boily; who was born in Baie St. Paul, Québec. He entered Oka in 1933 and made his solemn profession in 1939.
- Nazareth [28*] April 26, 2004, Sister Marie-Pierre Belet; who was born at Borgloon in 1919. Sister entered Soleilmont in 1945 and professed her solemn vows in 1947. Sister Marie-Pierre was one in the group of thirteen Sisters who founded Nazareth in 1950.
- Whitland [18*]May 20, 2004, Ascension Day, Sister Veronica Adams; who was born in 1917. She entered Stapehill in 1951 and professed her solemn vows in 1956. For seventeen years, because of a chronic sickness, Sister was cared for by the Augustinian Sisters.
We recommend each one of them to the prayers of all the brothers and sisters of the Order.
Return to: What's new...? ocsoroma@ocso.org