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."

On July 5, 2018, the Religious of the Assumption, gathered in general chapter in Lourdes, France, elected Sr. Rehka M .Chennattu superior general. Born on May 31, 1963, currently provincial of India, she has also been involved in the formation of young sisters for the past 10 years. Professor of Biblical Studies at the Pontifical Atheneum in Pune (India), she participated in the synod of bishops for the new evangelization in October 2012. A member of the Federation of the Conference of Asian bishops for theological questions, she has made presentations on many topics including religious life, women’s leadership, Biblical exegesis, theology and spirituality. Sr. Rehka has published many works both in India and abroad.

Father of all nations and ages, we recall the day when our country claimed its place among the family of nations; for what has been achieved we give you thanks, for the work that still remains we ask your help, and as you have called us from many peoples to be one nation, grant that, under your providence, our country may share your blessings with all the peoples of the earth.

Amen.

(Weekday Mass for Independence Day-Collect)

(This article first appeared in the newsletter of the Assumptionist Region of Mexico, Venga tu Reino.)

Aurora “Bollo” Maltos Díaz has been a lay Assumptionist for many years. She has been actively involved in the coordination of Assumptionist missions in the state of Veracruz which she has continued doing year after year. From the moment we took over the parish of Santiago Apóstol de Tlilapan near Orizaba, together with her husband Rafael Martínez Guizar, and their colleague, Maricarmen Martínez Álvarez, she has graciously offered to our parishioners excellent training workshops in various fields. The editorial team of Venga tu Reino asked her to say a few words about her experience as a lay Assumptionist. Here’s what she said.

Aurora “Bollo” Maltos Díaz

Since the very beginning of my teaching years at the University in the field of design, in all these years it has struck me that being a teacher means updating oneself continually, finding new ways every year to prepare my classes, to fill my students with passion, to complete the best projects with them, to shape them, and to help them discover their potential. Thus there rises the great desire that your teaching form them deeply and that your experience be a gift you place at their service; in a way you become an “evangelizer” in the classroom. What a task! I, a teacher, in the image of my true Teacher of Life, Jesus Christ! He is the One who, through the Assumptionist charism which touched my heart and which changed my life forever, transformed me from top to bottom.