2011 U.S. Regional Assembly

2011 U.S. Regional Assembly (Tuesday Morning Session)

After Morning Prayer, Regional Superior Father Mike Duggan greeted the members. He asked the seminarians and Brother candidates from Chicago who are attending the Assembly to introduce themselves. Father Paul Masson from the general council shared a word of welcome and said our Centenary is more a time for humility and gratitude, rather than triumphalism.

Brother Wayne Fitzpatrick introduced our facilitator: Mr. Larry LeNoir, originally from the diocese of Raleigh, N.C. He was the director of spiritual formation in Irvine, TX. He is currently the department chair of pastoral studies at Catholic University.

After a review of the week's schedule, Mike Duggan gave his state of the Region address. Mike underscored the uniqueness of the U.S. Region: it is the largest region of Maryknoll and its members come with experiences from all over the Maryknoll world. Sixty-two of the 70 men in the Region are attending.

From his room at St. Theresa's, Vicar General Father José Arámburu has asked for continued prayers and visits as he facing his life-threatening illness.

Mike addressed the "elephant in the room" because "It is correct to mention Roy's decision to follow his conscience, since it profoundly affected the Region and certainly the morale of the men in the house." Mike said Roy's situation is still under discussion and has not yet been resolved. Mike said the main Assembly session wasn't the proper place to discuss Roy and his actions, but the members were free to raise this as a topic for group discussion later in the day or throughout the week.

Mike reviewed the various events for the Centenary. He explained the background to the Missa ad Gentes, by Michael Joncas (Blogger's note: four tracts are viewable on YouTube. Search: Maryknoll Mass.)

On July 17th there will be a celebration at the Center just for Society members. All Fathers & Brothers are invited.

A Middle Management group of some 14 members has come together to assist the General Council in its discussion-making process, by giving as much input from the. Offices and departments as possible. This came up, in part, from a general perception that we need to "take back the decision-making power" (ostensibly from lay employees to whom Maryknoll has willingly or not ceded authority.)

At this point, Roy's situation again surfaced as a prime example of a major decision being made without any consultation, either with the Council or with the membership.

Another member suggested that when we discuss our identity as a Region, we might widen it to include our identity in a Church that is moving away from the spirit of Vatican II.

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