Latinamerican News

Reflection

provided by a pupil from Stella Maris College

The season of Advent invites us to renew our "Yes" to God. Christmas is the Church Feast that best expresses God´s tenderness and the confidence God has placed in us creatures. Celebrating Christmas means allowing our hearts to be touched by this kindness and transformed.

God´s presence is felt at Christmas, as the God who comes to meet us. Our hearts are filled by the message of the Angels: "Fear not, I bring you joyful news, the Saviour, who is Christ the Lord has been born in Bethlehem." (Lk.2.10-11.)

Advent is a time to prepare for Christmas; an opportunity which the Lord gives us to allow us to open our hearts, to imitate Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and say "yes" to the Father. This "yes" to God ought not be hurried as we so often utter many a yes and no. To answer "yes" can be evangelical but a "no" can also be a "yes" to life, a yes to God´s fidelity.

So our answer demands some thought. God has no need of puppets; God´s plan will be fulfilled by our free and willing participation. Let us cultivate that attitude in our homes so that on Christmas night we can commit ourselves before the crib with a firm "yes" capable of following in the footsteps of Jesus who is born in order to be with us.

Newman College

As in former years the Blessed Edmund Rice missionary group are preparing for the summer mission since September. One hundred and ten pupils are involved in the mission which takes place in Azul, in the Province of Buenos Aires for a fortnight in January. On the 2nd November the pupils taking part in Social Action Groups -Homeless People, Cosechando Alegría, The Marín Asylum, Maximiliano Kolbe and The Arch Homes - met with Brother Paul and their parents to pray and share the experience of the year.

Third Year pupils prepared the Mass of Thanksgiving for the end of the school year. Seventh Grade pupils will prepare a special liturgy for Agustín Macklin, the pupil who died in an accident.

Sports Day included obstacle races, high and long jump and family members joined in the fun.

The Staff had three sessions dedicated to providing personal attention conducted by Diego Tiphaine, Gustavo López Espinosa and Guadalupe Ojea Quintana. The members of the Board (see photo) had a mornings reflection on team work and unity which was conducted by Juan Pablo Berra in a retreat house.

Newman Community

Two Irish priests, members of the Society of Charles de Foucauld who had attended a conference in San Pablo visited. One is parish priest in Slane, Jim Doherty´s home town. Fr. Casanova sdb gave the last talk of the year on Religious Life followed by a Holy Hour for vocations. We celebrated Nicky´s birthday on 6th December. The new Irish Ambassador presented the prizes to the Senior Students. The presence of Cribs around the college reminds one that Christmas is on the way. (Hubert).

Chimbote

Seán, Vincent and I wish you all the joy and peace of Christmas. The Advent wreath with an eco spirituality dimension occupies a central place in our chapel. There is a hectic amount of activities just now. We had John Casey with us on a pastoral visit which coincided with thanksgiving which was celebrated in the Dominican Sisters house. Brs Hugh O Neill, Leader ERCBNA, Brian Walsh and Vincent McNally also spent some time with us. The Associates to Blessed Edmund Rice had their annual retreat and made their promises on the 17th November. Chimbote celebrates its century with many cultural events including a Photographic Exhibition in the library in Las Palmas organized by the Social Justice Committee. (Eddie)

Canto Grande

The school year is quickly coming to an end, and Christmas is approaching just as quickly. The Canto Grande community was joined by the Novitiate community and Ruben, an associate and teacher at Fe y Alegría for an international celebration of Thanksgiving Day. Dinner with all the trimmings was prepared by Magdalena, our excellent cook. Dessert topped off the meal and was the gift of the Novitiate community.

The community is saying good-bye to Saúl and Alberto who will be transferred and we are preparing to welcome Carlos and Elmer. When Carlos arrives in Carlos Grande, he will join with his brother novices to profess first vows.

Moy Hitchen was with us for two days and he presented the community with a description of what the Congregation is doing and proposes concerning the environment. His presentation gave us much to bring to prayer and reflection.

Merry Christmas, Peter Martin.

Cochabamba Community

Bruno, Carlos and Xavier have finished the school year in San Francisco College. The Lord Mayor of Cochabamba, Gonzalo " Charly" Terceros was the patron of the Senior pupils on the 25th November. Likewise tuition has ended in Las Golondrinas for Carlos, Bruno and Xavier.

Dermot continues helping the children in the streets, NATs; he is being helped by Br. Oswaldo and Br. Carlos a Marist. Our monthly retreat was led by Tom Henehan in the grounds of Maryknoll. Henry Garnique y Rafael Inga called in on their return to Lima from Asunción. (Xavier)

Asunción - Paraguay

Brs. Jack Casey Chuck Fitzsimmons, and postulants Rafael Inga and Henry Garnique, visited the Yguazú Falls in Argentina and Brazil (see photo) to celebrate what has been an eventful year. Many days of hard work went into fixing the new house to the expense of our "day out" but the beauty and grandeur of the Falls repaid the loss.

Henry and Rafa then had First Communions in both chapels in the Bañado. Paul Keohane came from Buenos Aires to conduct the postulants` retreat in Caacupé, and he met old many friends here.

Jack is happy with the progress in the local communities as they celebrate "Christmas in the Family". Chuck visits the juvenile delinquents in jail and those who have been released. Michael O Loingsigh had his visit home. All the community were present in Caacupé, the National Shrine to Our Lady for 8th December.

Michael, Jack and Chuck accompanied Henry and Rafa to the Bus to see them off to Peru after an unforgettable year with ministry, prayer and an experience of Brotherhood. We hope their trip across the Chaco will be uneventful and not like some former adventures. (Chuck)

Novitiate - Las Flores

The novices retreat was directed by a Benedictine Sister, hermit, Evelin Blosch for eight days in a retreat house outside Lima. Hugo and Mike O´Donnell joined them. After that spiritual experience it was back to painting the house and getting ready for Christmas and helping the Youth Groups.

The visit by Hugh O´Neill, Brian Walsh and Vicente McNally helped strengthen the bonds with the northern Province. Ever Cieza celebrated his birthday on December 5th with his family and the community from Canto Grande. We have two cribs one inside and the other one outside in the garden which delights the children who pass by. Lucía Saavedra, our cook is still undergoing chemotherapy but is in good spirits. Please remember her in your prayers.

Upcoming Events;

First Vows 6th January, Lima

Saúl Velásquez, Bruno Rodríguez Carlos Flores

Formators Meet in Lima

from 8th to 10th of January

The Holy Name of Jesus January 20th

(Reception of the Papal Brief, 1822.)