Summary of basic elements that should be included in Formation

SUMMARY OF BASIC E _EMENTS
THAT SHOJLD BE INCL J DED IN
FORMATI ON
1. Goals and Purpose of ~ormation :
Personal Growth
Interpersonal Growt h
Christian Growth
Vocational and ministerial GRow ~h
REligious life and La Salette G1·owth
Ongoing Growth
2. Means:
Programs: goals, ~onditions,
Vocation program
Postulancy
Novitiate
Scholasticate
Post-novitiate program for Brothers
Ongoing Formation
Personnel:
vario~s levels of r~sponsibility
how apoointed
3. Admission of Candidates: who admits, c~nditions, duration,
effects,
Postulants
Novices
Temporary Commitment -
Perpetual Commitment
Oblates
Priesthood
vows and promises
4. Departures, Dispensations and Dismissals:
effects,
procedure, conditions
1.

Tota ] Re s ponses: '37
FORMATI ON
Dossier VI
France 3 I.H.M. - 25
s. D. - 15 M.Q. - 15
Brazil - 18 M.Q.of P. - 8
Swiss l Morondava - 12
Poland - comments
Constitutional Text
1. The goal of formation is to allow the individual who feels
called to follow Christ in the Congregation to progressively attain
his full maturity and to develop a personality which will enable
him to live up to the demands of a La Salette vocàtion. In
this sense formation is not limited t □ those _years preparatory
to religious life, nor to' the first years in this life, but it
is a long process which the Congregation should foster by a suitable
atmosphere and appropriate programs. ·
5 - 65 4 - 20 3 - l 2 - 3 l - l
"To allow" sounds verv passive - need something more active -
something concerning expectations and demands.
Add • "it is a life-l ong process" - not simply a long process.
Include idea that we are dealing with a voration that must
be discerned.
What i s said in the first three paragraphs of this chapter
seems true. Unfortunately, whereas rnany. of these texts are
detailed, absolutely nothing is said about learning self-denial.
Yet without training in this, forrnation is a farce.
It is necessary to clarify more what is the La Salette v □ cati □ n.
Suggested text: As mernbers of a religious - congregati □ n dedicated
to the apostolate, our forrnation is a lifelong
process in wh i ch we strive to becorne ever more
conscious of belonging to a La Salette comrnunity, engaged
in an apostolic rn i nistry proper to the spirit and charisrn
of our congregation.
************ ***
2. However, a specific t .crne wil l be consecrated to forrnation as
such, during which the a~pirant or young religious, with the
2 .

help of those in charge of his formation and his spiritual
director, should apply himself:
-a) to come to know himself more fully, become master
of himself and become capable of assuming responsibility;
-b) to develop in himself a solid sense of community, characterized
by the willingness and op~nness necessary for him
to understand others, to live in harmony with his brothers
and to work in cooperation with them;
-c) to progress by prayer and study in understanding the
mystery of Christ and in having his whole life imbued with
the Gospel spirit;
-d) to discover God's plan for his life and to arrive at the
conviction that he is called to serve the Church a 1 1d the world
as a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette;
-e) to understand the dignity and the demands of religious
life and to be animateci by the mystery of Reconciliation and
the relevance of the teachings contained in the event of
La Salette;
-f) to keep his mind open and attentive to the various and
changing needs of the Church and the world and to maintain
in himself a readiness to adapt and update his intellectual ,
religious and apostolic life.
5 - 59 4 - 21 3 - 2 2 - 7 1 - O
Change "consecrated" to "dedicateci" •
Instead of "formation as such" use term "initial formation" ••
Pastoral ministry should be mentioned .• also something about
the need to know the w□ rld he is going to serve ••••
Add another letter: g) integrate theory and practice,
faith and life, prayer and apostolic engagement.
Suggested text: In arder to develop and maintain a personality
which enables a member to live up to the demands of his
Salettine vocation, our Congregation pr~m □ tes and fosters
appropriate programs for all its members at the various
levels of their development andina suitable atmosphere.
***************
3. This formation involves both the individual himself and the
whole community; it requires an atmosphere of study, prayer and
sharing that is characteristic of an authentic formation community.
The formation will be carried out _through progressive stages
3.

geared to the development and needs of the individual and wisely
integrateci to forma unified program. The program will make
use of practical experience and other means suitable for acquiring
the knowledge necessary to an apostolic vocation.
5 - 61 4 - 15 3 - 3 2 - 3 1 - "J.
Needtomething here concerning pastoral involvement under
supervision ••.
Need an atmosphere of
openness to the world and its problems.
Should s ay sòmething about a lifestyle of simplicity, lived
in solidarity with the poor.
An atmosphere of study and sharing rooted in prayer
Should make clear the phrase "make use of practical experience ••
*************
4. Major superiors are res ponsible for establishing a formation
program, overseeing its implementation and selecting competent
personnel for this important task, while at the same time providing
them with the opportunity to prepare themselves by means
of the studies and degrees required for their work.
5- 58 4 - 19 3 - 1 2 - 3 1 - 1
"overseeing i ts implementation" better to say, "animate,
revise and coordinate its implementation."
Instead of saying "degrees required" simply say,
format5. on necessary ".
Wouldl i ke to see another word used than "superior".
"the
Suggested text: As Major Superiors are the first responsible
for establishing and maintaining alt formation pr o­
grams, they call upon competent personnel and provide
them with the opportunity and the means of preparing
thems elves for the work required of them.
***************
5. Those involved in education s hould consider their task as a
real part of the apostolate: Christ himself prepared his dis-
4.

ciples. They give themselves wholly to this work, seeking to
live fully the ideals they advocate to others and striving to
achieve among themselves such union of thought and action as to
make their community a most effective means of formation.
5 - 63 4 - 16 3 - 4 - 2 - 3 1 - 1
Education is not the right term - those involved in "formation".
Formation personnel should be actively involved in the apostolate
even as they do their formation work •••• they should have
a good grasp of the world situation and be able to articulate
their insights. They should have made their option far the
poor and be committed to the world struggle for justice. Should
be men of prayer. Their own lives should be wel11.ntegrated
and they should have the ability to assist others in discernment
and in wholesome growth.
Drop
line related to Christ - nota good.comparison.
Suggested text: Those directly involved in formation consider
their task as an integral part of their apostolate
and give themselves wholly to this ministry while seeking
to live fully the ideals they advocate to others and strive
to achieve among themselves such union of thought and
action as to make their community living a most effective
means of formation.
**************
6. Eachmember of the Conqreqatjon should foster and develop
vocati □ ns. This he will do by prayer and the example of a religious
life which is generous, joyful and effective, as well as
by assisting the young to discover God's will in their life.
5 - 69 4 - 8 3 - 2 2 - 4 1 - 2
Assisting the "young" - not just the young - better to say
assisting the "individual person" ••.
Need a more direct text: e .g. "all the members of each province
are corresponsible far the awakening and developing
of vocations •••
Suggested text: Each member of the Congregation should
actively seek out possible candidates in whatever ministry
he is engaged and foster and develop vocations ••
5.

Fostering and developing vocations is a matter of facilitating
discernment • That should be clearly said
generous, joyful and effective - why these words? The kind
of religious life that facilitates discernment of vocations
is the kind that is about the "right thing", and that is,
to be IN the modern world and FOR the modern world, □ ne
that is not turned in on itself, but which is clearly involved
in the evangelizing and liberating task so urgently
needed by today's world make sure that the La Salette
way of living religious life is not irrelevant, but is
clearly where religious are most needed today, clearly at the
cutting edges of ministry today, clearly responding to the
needs of the Church •..
Suggested text: It is by prayer and the example of a religious
life which is generous, joyful and effective, as well as
by assisting the young to discover God's will in their
lives that all the members of the Congregation foster and
develop vocations to the La Salette Congregation.
**************
Capi tular Norms (those norms with few comments are not given
in their entirety, but reference is given to the
page number in the Dossier where the full text
may be found.)
47. Those responsible for formation should have a deep religious
and apostolic spirit, also be well acquainted with the history and
the life of the Congregation. As much as possible, they will have
had a certain pastoral experience and special training.
5- 60 4 - 17 3 - 1 2 - 6 1 - 1
11
Eliminate the word certain 11 and be more demanding in saying:
"They will have a pastoral experience of some depth •.• "
an indepth pastoral experience •...
11 CErtain 11 should be "some" and strike out "as much as possible".
They must also be well acquainted with the history of religious
life in the Church, history of one's own province, of its
vision and goals •... they also need to know well the world
for which they are preparing the candidates, including its unjust
structures and the widening gap between the rich and the
poor •.• the ability to guide the discernment of the candidates.
A warning should be mentioned ~bout not appointing newly or-
6.

dained to director's roles in formation programs. Unfair
to both the newly ordained as well as students in for~ation.
Suggested text:Those responsible ••.. should have themselves
a tried and proven religious spirit, a knowledge of the
history and life of the Congregation. As much as possible
they will have had some pastoral experience and special
training particularly in the education (formation) of
future religious or in the fundamentals of spirituality
(of discernment) , the history of religious life and
consciousness of the world and its needs.
**************
48.(Provincial superior
and their associates)
5 - 61 4- 16
appoints master of novices, directors
p. 6
2 - 4 1 - O
Should also be consultation of Co11 s ultative Body or education
commission .•
Simply add -
"after suitable consultation" •.•
Suggestion of canbining 48 and 49 :
Each Province has a provincial coordinator of formation
and studies who, along with masters of novices, directors
and associates in the various formation programs,
is appointed by the Provincial Superior with the deliberative
vote of his Council.
Keep some element of consultation and discernment.
***************
49. ( Provincial coordinator of formation .•. ) p. 6
5- 61 4 - 16 3 - 5 2 - 2 1 - O
Join 49 and 50, which gives the functions ;of the coordinator.
Give a list of the responsibilities and powers of the
coordinator.
***************
50. (program of formation to be drawn up) p. 6.
5 - 55 4- 20 3- 4 2 - 3 1 - O
7.

Eliminate the need far approbation by the General Council.
Add something like "revise, reexamines" Draws up a plan
gives the impression that continually we draw up a new plan
with new ideas .••
Approved by Provincial chapters? P~ovincials and Council?
****************
51. (Reports to be sent to Provincial) p. 6
5 - 61 4 - 18 3 - 4 2 - 3 1 - O
How does the "province" determine this? Chapter?
Put in Statutes? -
Council?
*****************
Vocations
52. (a vocation director in each province and role) p. 7
5 - 57 4 - 21 3 - 4 2 - 3 1 - O
Use a more active phrase than "fostering" .•. each actively
invites others to join us.
Say "clerical" instead of "priestly vocations".
Put in here the responsibility of each to help facilitate
the discernment of vocations in the people with whom he is
in contact ..• vocation director to coordinate these efforts
of individuals and communties .•• programs to help discern
vocations to any and all ministries in the Church.
End or, !sed by a Provincial Chapter.
*******************
53. (different categories and programs for vocations) p. 7
5 - 60 4 - 18 3 - 4 2 - 1 1 - O
"In order that the pastoral care of vocations may reach out
to the different categories of adults as well as to the young,
each province . . . • •
11
" •.. to different categories of young people and adults ••• 11
8.

****************
54. Each member will be mindful ofthe prime importance of prayer
in the work of vocations and will make this work □ art of his
concern in his different apostolic activities.
5 - 59 4 - 15 3 - 2 2 - 5 1 - 2
Should underline the part that joy in being a priest and
religious plays as a witness drawing vocations .•.
It simply repeats paragraph 6 of the Const. Text.
Instead of "work" of vocati □ ns,
vocati □ ns ..•
sav the "discernment" of
Each member "and the communitv~ to which he belongs ••• 11
A number said thelJ liked better the explanation of the norm
than the norm itself:
The spiritual realitv of a v □ cation lerds itself in a
special wav to praying that hearts mav be touched and
attracted to serve the Church within our C□ ngregation.
Each member should also feel responsible to extend to
others the invitation to j □ in us and also to promote
care and concern for vocations among the people he
serves.
***************
55. The postulancv is intended to give the candidate an
opportunitv to know the Congregation, to become familiar with
its works and to learn progressivlev and realisticallv what
the religious life is. It als □ gives the communitlj a chance
to make an initial judgment regarding the extent of the
candidate's knowledge of religi □ us subjects and also his capacitv
to progress towards fuller maturitv.
5 - 60 4- 19 3 - 3 2 - 3 1 -O
The "initial judgment" could also be the "final" □ ne - just
sav "judgment. 11
SimpliflJ: "to learn progressivelv and realistically about
religious life."
Want to make a judgment not on his "knowledge of religi □ us
subjects" but rather on "the quality and depth of his faith
and the seriousness of his journev to the Father and the
authenticity of his search for-the meaning of Christian dis-
9.

cipleship ..• and his potential for growth and his willingness
to embark on that adventure. "
Should have some indication that this is a formal period of
preparation and not simply someone who is "living 1n
• Il ••••
*************
56. (Length, time, place, admission to postulancy.) p. 8.
5- 49 4 - 24 3 - 4 2 - 6 1 - O
Simply state: " i t will be at least six months and
may be extended up to two years ••• "
Provincial acts alone or wi th his council in the call·•and
dismissal?
Call should be made with recommendation of the vocation director
•..
Length based on provincial education polici.y •••
Local community to receive postulant should also be consulted
••.•
****************
Admission of Candidates
57.(Admissions and calls to various levels) p. 9
5- 52 4 - 22 3 - 5 2 - 6 1 - O
Completely opposed to confirmation of Superior General
for perpetuals, diaconate, or priesthood •••• see it as
an unwarranted violation of the principle of subsidiarity
resulting in an unwarranted expenditure ot money, energy
and time ••• just rubber stamping a decision.
Many suggested that. promises be dropped and only have vows.
O thers
suggested that there be just promises before vows.
Confirm call to permanent diaconate, but not transiti □nal •••
Why must the candidate novice state his intention of being
priest or brother? All are called to religious life and simply
serve it in different ways •••.
10.

****************
58. (Process undergone for admissi □ n to vows and priesthood).p.10.
5- 57 4 - 15 3 - 2 2 - 5 1 - O
Instead of word "occasion", use word "opportunity" •••
Admission also to minstries?
In a) add -"either in a community meeting or individually" ••
preserve the idea of consulation being done in a community
meeting.
If anyone wants to remain anonymous and has sanething to mention
regarding the proposed candidate he should be privileged
to do so. But these facts must be carefully investigated
and the candidate should be approached as to what was revealed
"in camera" - to get his explanation and determine if the
allegations are really true.
In "d" - put "a clear expression of the m9jority and minority
opinions with their supporting reasons. 11
11
Add: a candidate should be made aware of his local communities
decisions, reports, votes, etc ••• in a spirit offraternal
dialogue and openness ••• "
Change "assistants" ·· to "associates "· ••
********************
59. (Information sent to Prov. Council also to Gen. Council) 10.
5 - 31 4 - 16 3 - 4 2-1 . 1-1
This norm should be dropped. Gneral Council should n □ t have
to do this - should be freed of the need to maintain an
elaborate bureaucracy which serves no □ ne but consumes needlessly
a lot of time , energy and money
******************
The Novitiate
60. (The purpose of the novitiate) p. 11
5 - 55 4 - 18 3 - 7 2 - 4 1 - 1
Ideas are correct, but the norm remains totally inadequate
ll.

because nothing is said about self-denial.
Should enumerate in the text all. the objectives such as:
spirituality, affectivity, studies, community, apostolate, etc.
Strong objection to 11 apostolic spirit 11 ••• cannot take place
in an ivory tower, but must take place in the context of
actual ministerial involvement which is done "under superv1s1on
and with evaluations and possibilites for discernment. 11
This must be done "in the field."
Add something about the growth in learning to live in harmony
and fraternal charity = to develop a growing sense of commitment
tG the other members of the community through mutual
respect, appreciation and effective communication ••••
**************
51. (Program of the novit1ate) p. 11
5- 51 4 - 20 3 - O 2 - O 1 - 1
Drop and rework - too academic - must put emphasis on the
lived experience •••• the novitiate is not to be an academic
experience •••• lived experience and reflection on that in
the light of the Bible and of what the literature oh an
active spirituality has to tel1 us •..
Add: study of condition of the Church in his country -
reality of the Church ••••
A certain apostolique involvment during novitiate is necessary.
****************
52. (Apostolic activities during novitiate) p • 12
5- 53 4 - 19 3 - 2 1 - 2 1 - 1
Drop this norm involvment in the apostolate is not the
exception, has to be the rule ••• the verv stuff of the
novitiate is this involvement along with prayer and reflecti □n
on lived experience in the light of one's praver •.••
I don't think the novitiate training should involve ap □ stolic
activities. There is plentv of time for that later.
12.

****************
63. (Length and established place of novitiate) p. 12
5- 59 4 - 22 3 - 1 2 - 2 1 - 1
Add "or Superiors of the North Prnerican Provinces" in view
of the interprovincial novitiate in -the U.S.A. and its ruling
board.
Superior General should have nothing to do with this - a waste
of his and the Council's valuable time ••• "established by
decree of the Moderator •.• "
**********>!<***
64. (Habit of novices) p. 12
5 - 55 4 - 16 3 - 6 2 - 1 + - 7
Does this have to be in the Constitutions???
Anachronistic - who wears a habit anymore?
****************
Temporary commitment
65. (definition and purpose and effect of temp. commit. )p.12-3
5- 52 4 - 23 3 - 4 2 - 5 1 - 1
We have substantially modified Norm 60 by' applying i ts content
to all temporary commitment. Why?
Many are not in accorci with having promises.
Rewrite in a more life-giving manner- it is an invit ation
to UVE!
Changer Superiors to directors ••••
*******************
66. (Definition and effects of promise) p. 13
5- 52 4 - 21 3 - 3 2 - 7 1 - 3
No need for promises.
13.

l\lot clear at all thi.s idea of vows to God and pr □mises to
the Congregation.
Is it useful to keep promises? The important thing is to
commit oneself with the spirit of not turning back.
The practical consequences of this ,for the religious should
be spelled out.
****************
67. (Length of temporary commitment - addition that promises
will be followed by two years of vows before perpetuals.) p.13
5- 51 4 - 20 3 - 2 2 - 7 1 - 4
A number disagree with two years of vows before perpetuals
some ask that there be just promises before perpetuals •••
*****************
68. (The form of profes9ion) p. 14
5- 66 4 - 18 3 - 2 2 - 1 1 -O
Sane want a common form f'or all the Congregation.
It would seem that public commitment should be the same for
everyone - at least at this time. Perhaps in the future
we might be able to set up provinces of "strict observance"
with additional commitments.
*****************
69. (Those authorized to receive the com~1tments.) p. 14-15
'
5- 57 4 - 25 3 - 3 2 - 1 1 - O
Vows and promises should be received the competent superior.
Vows showed be received by the first □ ne on the list that is
present at the time to demonstrate that the candidate is
incorporateci into the congregation as such and not so much
to a house or Province .•..
Drop last category - oldest présent according to profession
and ase - unnecessary.
14.

**************
Perpetual Profession
70. (New norm - defines perpetual profession ). p. 15
5 - 65 4 - 17 3 - 2 2 - O l - O
Add the word "freelv" -
commits himself.
bv which the religious freelv
Text is ambiguous - agree that it is defintive consecration
to God in religious life .••• definitive consecration in
the congregation, in principle ves ; and yet there is the
possibility of going to a more perfect institute (Chartreuse).
************ ~*****
71. (Preparation before perpetual profession . .) p. 15
5 - 63 4 - 19 3- 4 2 - O 1 - O
******************
72. (Perpetuals necessary before priesthood.) p. 15
5- 68 4- 17 3 - 3 2 - O 1 - O
Question - are there quidelines regarding installation t □
'ministries" which should be included in a Pr □ vince's
formation program or statutes?
*****************
Sch □ lastics
73. (Purpose of scholastic pr □ gram) p. 15
5- 64 4 - 19 3 - 4 2 - O l - 1
Add: " •• a solid religi □ us, priestly and past □ ral f □ rmati □ n •• 11
Replace "disciplinary" by "past □ ral".
Change "priestly" to "ministerial ".
15.

***************
74. (Place and program of scholastics) p. 16
5 - 58 4 - 21 3 - 4 2 - 1 1 - 1
It gives theimpression that the choice of program depends
as much on the students as on the educators.
Drop "and the students themselves •.• "
****************
75. (Interrupt studies
community residence.)
5 - 53 4 - 22
but added that he should be in a
p. 16
3 - O 2 - 3 1 - 3
A number opposed to idea of having to spend this time in
a house or residence of the community.
Propose as last sentence: He remains in contact with his
director" or "he remains in contact wi th his communi ty. 11
The individual's "growing edge"
arrangements.
may require different living
********************
I he Brothers
76. (Post novitiate program for brothers.)' p. 16
5- 62 4 - 17 3 - 4 2 - O 1 - O
Should read: "A post novi ti ate program for brothers MAY
be established •.• "
"Training" is a poor word, not used elsewhere .•• "Basic
human training" sounds derogatory.
********************
77. (Brothers beccoming permanent deacons.) p. 17
5- 53 4 - 15 3 - 5 1 - 5
16.

It is not sufficient to be "considered capable", □ ne must
also be called by God and the Church ••.
Question of discerning a vocatin - norm should be rewritten
to indicate this discernment as the "key" determining factor.
Creates a third category? •••• need6 more study.
"Feeling" called has no relevance here - a vocation comes
from being called to it by legitimate authorities not from
a feeling □ ne may have to a vocation - so change to read:
"A per petually professed brother who asks to be called
to the diaconate , etc ...•. "
*****************
78. (Brothers beccrning scholastics and vice versa.) p. 17
5 - 50 4 - 17 3 - 1 2 - 4 1 - 1
Drop this
General.
especially the idea of running to the Superior
****************
Oblates
79. (Policy for acceptance of oblates and their rights) p 17-18.
5 - 59 4 - 17 3 - 3 2 - 3 1 - 1
Change word "oblates" to "affiliates" òr "associates".
I do not think we should accept them anymore. It is definitely
a question of justice on both sides. At a time
it served a particular need or servite (big houses and residences),
but I question it today.
Instead of "sickness and old age"
and old age •• "
What of lay affiliates who do n □ t
say "illness, disabili ty
live with us???
Not "gratuitous" - they receive board, room and security.
Suggest say : "on their own part, they freely offer their
service .. 11
Add: Provisions will be made for health insurance and old
age pension.
Say something about participating in community life ••••
17.
•

***************
Ongoing Formation
80. (New-) The goal of ongoing formation is to help individuals
and communities deepen their spiritual and intellectual
life and to adapt their activities t □ the changing Church and
world. p. 18
5- 68 4 - 14 3 - 4 2 - 1 1 - O
Put in something about pastoral skills •••
Prefer more dynamic words such as growth or development ••••
Attention to one's emoti □ nal and psychological growth
should also be incorporateci here.
Better to use word "update" rather than"adapt."
Change "individuals" to "members".
Banali ties.
***************
81. (Means far ongoing formation - province provides them) p. 18
5 - 67 4 - 17 3 - 2 2 - O
1 - O
Add: "personal study, community meetings
Need to stress spiritual direction also.
Why should the provincial superior be involved here?
Il
****************
82. (Speèial programs far newly ordained priests.) p. 18
5 - 68 4 - 15 3 - 2 2 - 2 1 - O
Drop idea of establishing specific programs.
Suggests a board - periodic review board established to
evaluate all priests and brothers in their development
and ministry.
18.

*****************
83. (Sabbatical possitility.) p. 83.
5- 63 4 - 16 3 - 3 2 - 2 1 - O
Why specify the "young"? A fair system for sabbatical and
continuing education should be available to all members.
Continuing formation should be demanded at different times,
e.g. before engaging in a new ministry or "after 10 years."
Just sav "a few years after perpetual profession" •••• no
need to point to categories.
***************
84. (International programs est. by Sup. Gen. and Prov.) p. 19
5- 66 4 - 14 3 - 4 2 - 1 1 - O
**************
Departures, Dispensations and Dismissals from the Congregation.
85. (new) Although the responsibility belongs primarily to
Superiors, each member should feel perfillally resprnEible for
the perseverance of an individual admitted into the communit\j
and help him overcome difficulties and moments of discouragement.
However, it can happen that a departure becomes necessary. Evervthing
will then be done to insure that the . individual leaves
with a good remembrance of the Congregation and that a certain
bond will remain between the community and its former members.
p. 19.
5- 62 4 - 18 3 - 3 2 - 2 1 - O
That bonds of charity remain - agree. But the Congregation
is nota "maison de passe" - halfway house - house of
transition - • Certain links should be broken according
to the circumstances and nature of the departure.
Nonetheless, this bond must be such that it does not
become detrimental to the c □mmunity.
Instead of each member "should" - it should be "each member
must feel personally responsibl_e "
19.

Drop "a certain bond remains" ••• charity and friendship on
a personal level - fine, but nota bond with the cmmunity from
which the former religious has disengaged himself •••
*************
86. (Novice can leave freely .•• ) p. 20.
5- 63 4 - 20 3 - 2 2 - O 1 - O
*************
87. (Dispensation from promises - from vows) p. 20
5 - 62 4- 19 3 - 2 2 - 2 1 - O
All depends if keep vows and promises ••.
*************
BB. ( Admission to first profession and renewal of vows.) p. 20
5 - 65 4 - 16 3 - 3 2 - 3 1 - 1
Need to add soITTe kind of system of due process here. Also
something should be said about a dialogical process in this
kind of thing - so that all concerned are heard and prayer and
discernement are clearly integral before a "judgment" is
passed.
******* *******
89. (Dismissals on various levels.) p. 20
5 - 62 4 - 18 3 - ·4 2 - 2 1 - O
AGree in general, but for the dismissal of an accepted oblate
with many years in the community, is it right to be satisfied
simply with the vote of the Provincial Council?
20.

*************
90. (Permissions for leaves of absence - six months by Prov.
added six months by Superior General ). p. 20
5- 57 4 - 21 3 - 1 2 - O 1 - 2
W □ uld seem that a longer period of time is needed if the ;
person is expected to establish himself and live a normal
life fora period of time in arder to be able to reflect
more honestly upon his situation •.••
Would suggest, if nota matter of canon law, that provincials
give six months and Superior General can give an additional
year - totally a year and a half.
Change it so that it is the Provinoial who grants the whole
leave period - question of subsidiarity.
**************
General Remarks:
Our Constitutions shouJd contain fundamental princples for
Salettine formation in the whole Congregation. Thèse common
principles of Salettine formation will contribute to the
preservation of the identity of our Congregation.
************************
Canments 4·received too late to put in their pr □ per
places.
2. of Const. Text: add another item: g) To live with Olrist
that all be □ ne. (Ga. 2:20, Jn. 17:21
It seems tome that it is important to give an overall view
of formation, not only partial goals, thus the "g" added.
This idea is given in NQ 60 - to grow into a life of union with
Christ and openness to the · Holy Spirit, but the novitiate
is only □ ne chatper of our f □ rmation and m □ reso a technical
step along the way. I feel strongly that the goal of uni □n
with Christ must bestated in this Chapter of formation.
CN. 60: - t □ listen t □ the call of the Lord
- to recognize the Spirit
- to nourish the spiritual li fe in arder to generously
answer the call,
21.

- to adapt to religious and community living
according to the La Salette style and charisma,
- to discover basic principles and values of religious
and prayer life.
61. Novitiate should not only work on inteliectual qualities,
but also on moral qualities.
73. 11 •• while furthering their human and religious development =
t heir spiritual growth or while furthering a solid
priestly development.
22.

THE FOLLOWING ARE QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS THAT THE
'
GENERAL COUNCIL OFFERS AS A RESULT OF ITS REFLECTIONS .·
ON THE CONSULTATION MATERIAL
*********************
1. Paragraph One of the proposed Constitutional TE xt:
We would favor the suggestion of replacing the word "allow"
with the word "helps". Allow is much too passive and gives
the impression that the formation program itself contributes
little except on atmosphere and on opportunity.
~ e goal of format i on is to help the individua! .....
2. Paragraph Two of the proposed Constitutional Text:
/ In the english text the word "consecrated" is not apt.
It should be replaced by "dedicated" . .. "A specific time
will be dedicated to formation as such . . . "
.f ome have suggested that "formation as such " be replaced
by "initial formation . " We are indiff erent, but it
perhaps merits brief discussion .
We favor the suggestion of adding another item to the list:
/4i to integrate theory ond practice, faith and life,
prayer and pastoral involvement .
I) 1~Q.,~ ~ ~ çf'~I ~ ·tu~ - H~
3. Paragraph Three of the proposed Constitutional Texti
We favor introducing the idea that the formation community
be also characterized by a simple life-style. The following
is a possible way of incorpo~ating this into the text:
---Th is formation i n volves both the individua! himselt and
the whole commuhity . · An authentic fermat i on communi ty
should have a sim le lifestyle and on a t mos heré ofs tudy,
prayer and sharing. The ormation wi ll .... etc.
23.

y
aragraph Four of the proposed Constitutional Text:
' We favor the suggestion of dropping "degrees" as a
required far formation work - as is suggested in the
last line of the paragraph. Simple state:
'
" ... providing them with the opportunity and means
of preparing themselves far the work required of them. 9
5. Paragraph Five of the proposed Constitutional Text:
Minor redaction problems:
In English - use the word "formation" instead of
"educati on".
In French "proposer• instead of "inculquer".
6. Paragraph Six of the proposed Constitutional TExt~
Minor changes again :
In French -
change "dlveloppement"
Rather than limit the application,
to change "assisting the young"
person."
to "cheminement".
it would be better
to "assisting the
Cap· ular Norms:
4] . We favor changing the phrase "have hod a certain pastora!
experience in arder to express something more definite - but
ore not certain on the phrose to use. Perhops •something like:
"a wide enough pastora! experience" /
"os thorough o pastorol experience os possible"
In French - "une exp6rience pastorol aussi approfondi
que possible."
~ 8. We would favor the suggestion that something be soid in this
norm about •suitable consultation• being made before the
appointment.
50. In the English text the formation program is approved by the
Provincia! ccuncil and only submitted to the General Council.
In the French text it is submitted to the General Council
far approva!. We could perhaps discuss this question.
24.

51. Instead of saying "determined by each province", specify
and state "determined in the Provincia! Statutes."
54. We favor using the text suggested for this number - it is
actually the commentary given in the dossi~r:
The spiritual reality of a vocation lends itself in
a special way to praying that hearts may be touched
and attracted to serve the Church within our Congregation.
Each member should also feel responsible to extend to others
the invitation to join us and also to promote care and
concern for vocations among the people he serves.
55. We would suggest the following changes in this norm:
First to indicate that the postulancy is a program in itself;
Secondly, to respond to the suggestions that the judgment
must be made on more than simply knowledge of
religious subjects.
Through the help of a suitable program the postulancy is
intended to give the candidate on opporunity to know
the Congregation ... etc ..... It also gives the community
a chance to make on initial judgment regarding the quality
and depth of the candidate's faith , the seriousness of
his journey (intention, purpose) ·and also his capacity
to progress towards fuller maturity.
--
56. We wonder if it would not be better to state the time period
for postulancy in a new way. Perhaps stating that it is
normally for six months and may be extended to two years.
Or simply leave as is.
Admission of Candidates:
There are three questions raised for this area and they
merit discussion: (This affects a number of nòrms.)
~hat calls should demand the approvo! of the General?
2. The whole question of vows and promises.
3. Why a candidate should declare during novitiate if
he intends to continue as a candidate for priesthood
or as a Brother.
58. In the french drop "habituellement" because this is the
procedure that should be followed.
25.

In "a" change the word "occasion" to
r e place "either orally or in writing"
a c ommunity meeting or individually".
"opportunity" and
with "either in
a) the superior notifies the community and gives each
member the opportunity to give his opinion, either
in a commun i ty meeting or individuaÌly, on the admission
of the candidate concerned;
--
70. We would favor the suggestion of adding the word "freely" :
... by which the religious freely commits himself totally . ..
74 . A rewording of this text to show that the program should
be established by the Provincia! superior with the formation
personnel and in consultation with the students . The forma ­
ti on personnel certainly has e more important rote in the
establishment of the program than the students themselves .
Also at the end, drop hierarchy .
The Provincia! Superior with the formation personnel
involved and in consultat i on with the students
themsel ves , determines . .- . • . etc . . . . . by the documents
of the Church .
In the french text a minor change - instead of "pour la
Congrégation" it is "établie par la Congrégation".
75.
We would favor the suggestions that it not be necessary
that this interruption of studies be done within a house
or residence of the Congregation - although we feel that it
s hould "ordinarily" be that way.
He will néverthèless ordinarily reside in à house o r
residence of the Congregation.
76 . In Eng li s h c honge t he word "t r aining " to fo rmot ion.
77. It would seem that the second sentence of this norm would
be better locoted in Norm 45 - under apostolic life. Here
we would just maintain the first sentence dealing specifically
with the formation.
85. In French drop the final word "vivants" and simply state
"les liens entre la communauté et ses anciens membres
demeurent . "
26.