Assumptionist student residence

One of the apostolic activities of the Augustinians of the Assumption in Vietnam is the pastoral work for the youth. This apostolic activity is rooted in the spirit of the founder, Father Emmanuel d’Alzon. Formed under the auspices of the Assumptionists in Vietnam, young Assumptionists are trained having in mind and heart three (3) dimensions: faith, human life, and deeply rooted knowledge and relationship with God and the Church. Be always open to the times but do not lose thyself In one’s journey in life, young people face many difficulties in faith, social relations, understanding the different challenges brought about by mass communication. Bearing these challenges in formation, how are the young brothers in the congregation are called to live? «Be always open to the times but do not lose thyself». This is the topic shared by Bishop Joseph Tran Van Toan of the Diocese of Long Xuyen, during his meeting with young Assumptionists on January 8, 2019.

During the sharing, the Bishop spoke about the example of Pope John Paul II, who reminded the young that although they are men of their times, they ought not to lose themselves. The young should not forget that they are the bearer Christ’s name, John Paul II said. He also added: «Opening up to the times is not for us to have a mockery, scorn for problems that occur in society but that respect, live responsibility, have more accurate judgments. And more than ever, let us recognize ourselves in it». In opening oneself to the times, the Board of the Youth Pastoral stressed that the young, particularly the students, should have an understanding of religion.

Br. Milad, third form the right

February 9-23, 2019 – Ouagadougou

While he was visiting the Assumptionist community in the capital city of Burkina, Br. Milad Yacoub, the provincial treasurer of the Province of Europe, gave an interview with Br. Jovic Kouepou Kouepou, who is currently finishing his philosophy studies.

Q. Could you give us a short biographical sketch of your life as an Assumptionist?

A.  I first met the Assumptionist when I was living in the Assumptionist student residence in Juvisy sur-Orge, a suburb of Paris, from 2002 to 2004. Later, while I was working as a volunteer in the river barge community of Je Sers for the homeless and migrants on the Seine River that I met Fr. Nicolas Tarralle. It was my decision to enter the Assumptionists matured. At this time, I continued my studies in sociology and earned a doctorate. After a long postulancy I returned to Juvisy to complete my novitiate and pronounced my first vows in 2010. Afterward, I spent four more wonderful years with the barge community all the while pursuing theology studies on-line at the University of Strasbourg. I was then transferred to our youth hostel in Paris and, in 2017, the Provincial asked me to become the provincial treasurer.

Q. What has been your first impression here in Ouagadougou and what have you discovered?

A. I have been greatly impressed from the very beginning, by the warm welcome I received at the airport by Fr. Nicolas to that I have received from all the other brothers whom I am meeting for the first time. Wherever you go at the Assumption, you feel at home and feel that you have known your Assumptionist brothers for a long time, thanks to the spirit of warmth and hospitality. That’s important. I have been really touched by this community because among the young people there is a joie de vivre clearly present: conversations at table, prayer together, the way the brothers get along --- you can see it immediately. At the same time, everyone goes about his work seriously, whether that’s studies or apostolic work. It’s quite noteworthy. I’m very happy to far with my experience!

The last “Conversations at the Center” recently took place at the Assumptionist Center in Brighton and focused on such questions as: why even think about transformation vis-à-vis the Church, is it part of community, discipleship, and/or mission, or what leadership qualities does transformation call forth in and around Church?

The presenter and discussion facilitator was Dr. Eileen Daily, director of the Doctor of Ministry degree program in Transformational Leadership at Boston University’s School of Theology. Dr. Daily is especially interested in how technology can and should mediate theological and religious education.  Her other research interests are in interfaith religious education, public religious education and religious education through visual art.

Fr. Thierry recently returned to Rome from his visit to the United States, to resume his position of General Assistant and his responsibility for the North American Province and the Near Eastern Mission which encompasses Athens, Jerusalem, Bulgaria and more. He is also chairperson of the International Commission of the Lay/Religious Alliance.

Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo forty-nine years ago, Fr. Thierry spent the month of March in the U.S. to “see the faces of the people I have been charged with” and to learn English. Though officially residing in Pavel House while studying, Father was also able to attend the Council of the Province which met in Worcester and update the members on several recent developments in the congregation and was present for the discussion on future structures.

In addition to meeting folks in Brighton and Worcester, Fr. Thierry visited St. Anne and St. Patrick’s in Sturbridge and attended the funeral of Fr. Leo Brassard, A.A. Also of significance to him was to attend the parish Lay Assumptionists meeting one evening. Thanks to Fr. John Franck, A.A. who acted as translator, Fr. Thierry caught the “spirit” of the group through the sharing of information, discussion and prayer. When asked about the political conditions on the Congo, Father expressed his serious concerns about the violence and danger everyone is exposed to and the need to keep the people, especially the youth, and our Assumptionist brothers in our prayers.

“My life was abandoned from the time I joined the congregation”

“You must begin to fight against your own violence”

Sr Paul-Hélène Saint-Raymond

With those sentences pronounced by Sister Paul-Hélène, the silence enveloping the loss of so many women and men who have given their life for the cause of the Gospel is again united today with the silence of Peace and Communion of the Holy Martyrs.  Our brothers and sisters, who have gone before us in the faith, have passed along a difficult path of persecutions and of escapes, so as to live in the service of the Word and die as a witness: their testimony is that strength which transcends time.

Our memory proclaims the life, the mission and the death of many persons who have courageously done their best in an ordinary life, offering simple gestures in the service of human dignity.

A seed thrown on to Mother Earth, plunged in dampness and gratitude, begins silently and mysteriously to develop and to explode… and then an extraordinary, inexplicable and indescribable force, gives life to the depths of the earth …  The blood of the martyrs, fallen on the dry earth, moistens and soaks the life of so many persons who have shared their testimonies, their courage in life through many liberations.

To celebrate our martyrs of the Assumption family is to leave the latent memory of those simple people who, in their ordinary daily life, were living what was extraordinary in the faith; “To lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John, 15:13)

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It was a day of grand celebration for the Assumption Family on Easter Monday. At Old English Road, Fr. Dinh and the local community graciously welcomed their other local communities, Lay Assumptionists and guests to a lovely luncheon wherein all celebrated joyously.

At the same time in Brighton, the resident community at the Assumptionist Center hosted  an equally festive luncheon for the staff of the house. Later that evening, the Assumtionists and residents celebrated their Easter dinner together in their usual grand style, thanks to Michelle.  True to Assumptionist tradition, the family continues to celebrate the Octave of Jesus' Resurrection! Alleluia!

Greetings at Easter from the Assumptionists in the North American Province. Happy Easter!

Easter is the exclamation point, the definitive affirmation of the life shining forth from the Gospel accounts of Jesus. It gives the stamp of approval, the AMEN to a life given over to the humble service of others. In our world of bluster and self-promotion, Easter shows us the way to becoming more generous and more joyful. May its power insinuate itself into our hearts.

-Father Dennis Gallagher, A.A.