Camp Hidden Lake is a retreat center and summer camp committed to facilitating encounters with Christ  in Georgia. Pictured is our own Fr. Ron with campers.

Bernard Holzer
Manila, July 2018

Letter to my Friends

Dear Friends,

Just a short notice to give you some news as I just celebrated my 70 years.

I passed this new step after a fifteen-day trip to Vietnam and during the annual retreat of the Assumptionists of the Philippines in Tagaytay. It is a day to thank God, my parents and my family, my brothers and sisters, and you my friends.

It's a new stage, an awaited moment, to pass the baton. Since July 1st, after 12 years as superior of the Adveniat community, the relay is taken by Cris, an ordained priest last May. Our two formation communities are now under the responsibility of Filipino brothers, both for animation and for finances.

Our community is becoming truly international with 6 Filipinos, 3 Vietnamese, 1 Guatemalan, 1 from Burkina Faso and myself.

In 18 months, on January 1st 2020, the Vicariate of Asia-Oceania will be in place. There too, the succession will be ensured. The coming months will be decisive in creating "a common soul and spirit" between the Assumptionists of Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines, not forgetting our two brothers from New Zealand, and giving new impetus to our collaborations. That will be one of my priorities.

Br. Daniele and Mr. Lino

(This summer two young American Assumptionists, Brothers Daniele and Brian, are spending time working at our new mission in Orizaba, Mexico, in the state of Veracruz. Recently they reflected on their experience. Here are some excerpts….)

from Br. Daniele Caglioni

I really do feel at home here. The concept of time, the pace of life, are SO different than they are back home. It has helped me in my desire to not be so perfectionistic.

Honestly, I'm starting to discern whether I can return here for my diaconate year. I know that this seems like a lightning bolt, and that's why I'm only saying "discern" for now, but... the family spirit, the simplicity of the people, their acknowledgment of God's centrality in their lives, this has really grown my desire to work with the poor. Before I left, Fr. Simon asked where I would like to be assigned in my first assignment after priesthood, and I said, "I want to work with the poor, mon pére." My experience in the Philippines was so life-changing. I treasure the opportunity to live in the midst of simplicity. The souls of these brothers and sisters here are like clear mirrors. You can sense their feelings, their thirst for God, their struggles, and joys. Being here has really strengthened my knowledge of my own charism: I am meant to be with people.

But I know what's most important is GOD'S will for me, not my own. So that's why I've chosen to frame this as "further discernment."