r volume 6 no. 4 december 2013 svd [email protected] ... · fr. tadeusz grenda, svd (zim) we...

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volume 6 no. 4 – december 2013

[email protected] ∙ [email protected]

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external SIGNS and SYMBOLS: necessary or not? vol. 6 no. 4 December

E D I T O R I A L

S T A F F Editors Br. Bela Lanyi, SVD Br. Franco Luige Camasura,SVD Br. Joel Divinagracia, SVD Br. Mark Paglicawan, SVD Br. Roselo Alagase, SVD Br. Samuel Joseph de Guzman,SVD Translators Fr. Nico Espinosa, SVD (Spanish) Br. Hubertus Guru, SVD (Indonesian) Br. Bela Lanyi, SVD (German & Polish) Proofreaders Br. Mark Paglicawan, SVD (English) Fr. Nico Espinosa, SVD (Spanish) Lay-out artist Ms. Joeriza A. Lim

CONTRIBUTIONS

contents

SYMBOLS and

SIGNS: NECESSARY, it is!

Br. Harut Yoskot_10 Br. Gaby Wangak_10

Br. Zbigniew Toczek_10 Br. Arturo Manuel_11

Theologian from the SVD Seminary in Pune (INM)_21

EDITOR’s NOTE

Br. Bela Lanyi (Editor in Chief)_02 Br. Roberto Duarte (Brother’s Coordinator)_03

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editor’s note

Our previous issue focused on our personal experiences on SVD Interculturality. However, the question is: How does this become tangible to and/or for all?

According to Wikipedia, culture is the "evolved human capacity to classify and represent experiences with symbols". In interculturality, an interaction of cultures, the representation of ideas also plays a similarly significant role. Through the questions for this issue regarding external signs of the SVD Brother vocation, we were hoping that the contributions will demonstrate various aspects of our interculturality.

We asked the confreres:

1. Do you feel the need to express the identity of SVD Brothers through EXTERNAL SYMBOLS and SIGNS (like cassock, soutane, cross, etc.)?

2. Do you use such external symbols?

In fact, plenty of short responses reached us. To our great satisfaction, there were many SVD Fathers among the respondents, too. They were correct when they felt included in the questions. We believe that they saw in these questions a common challenge which rather strengthens the unity of our Society. Today's secular life presents a dominant trend towards external symbols and signs. Day and night, advertising artists produce symbols, logos, emblems, and the like. Companies employ fashion designers because they want all their employees look in the same, inspiring way - all over the world. What about our project – i.e., the prophetic dialogue? Could it be expressed and underlined through external signs? Local or global signs? To end, I wish to quote Pope Francis. He wrote: "In order to dialogue, it is necessary to know how to lower the defenses, open the doors of the house, and offer human warmth."

Br. Bela Lanyi, SVD Editor-in-Chief

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Personally, I think that our main external distinction is our

"being-a-Brother" itself. In other words, it is our presence which inspires an evangelical fraternity, especially among the poorest.

A simple way to dress according to the culture of the place is

also important. I believe that the use of habit rather than being a help, sometimes alienates us from the people and shows us as beings more special than others.

I always carry a wooden cross on my chest which identifies me with Jesus. I also often use the SVD logo on my clothes, especially in festive occasions.

Br. Roberto Duarte, SVD Brothers' Coordinator

Generalate’s coordinator of Brother formation

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SYMBOLS and

SIGNS:

NECESSARY, it is!

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a TRADITIONALIST’s POINT

Br. Stephen Bonsu, SVD (GHA)

feel the need to express the identity of SVD Brothers through external symbols and signs (like cassock, soutane and cross) and l use such external

symbols.

The use of a cassock, an ankle-length garment worn by clerics and religious, remains common in some parts of the world; while in others, it has almost disappeared or is reserved for liturgical functions.

According to canon law (Canon 284) the clergy are required to don some form of worthy ecclesiastical dress according to the norms of the Bishops' Conference and legitimate local customs. Thus, while there is an ample scope for different forms of clerical garb, an SVD Brother should be readily identifiable by his external presentation, unless some grave external circumstances (e.g., legal prohibition of religious dress) make the ecclesiastical law impossible to practice.

In Ghana, the official norms ask that priests and religious generally use the white cassock. There are some SVD Brothers who wear their cassock on Sundays, but do not wear it in public. Why is this? Are there guidelines that SVD Brothers have to wear a cassock in church but not outside?

After my first vows, l used to wear my cassock regularly. As a "traditionalist" [Old] Catholic Brother, I wear my cassock on a fairly regular basis. I wear it when I attend masses, funerals, SVD functions, and other "occasional" services like leading youth groups and pilgrimages. In Ghana, the sight of a Brother in cassock is still quite common. For me, the cassock is a sign of an SVD Brother’s consecration and dedication. Its use during the liturgy is not restricted to religious. Socially, it easily identifies one as a Brother or Priest. Likewise, more often than not, due respect and assistance are given to the ones wearing their cassocks.

Even after the final profession, l used to wear the cassock on a regular basis, especially when I attend Sunday and weekday masses. However, there was a time that my confreres teased me, “Haa haa, you like wearing cassock always.” So, I decided to make a research to find out why they do not like wearing their cassocks. I learned that if

they wear the cassock publicly, they feel that they are not free to move around in recreational places and social functions. They do not want to wear the cassock or hang the cross in front of their chest because of one or two scandals they know and they try to hide themselves by not wearing those symbols in public. Some SVD Brothers do not wear the cassock regularly. They use it for Sunday masses only and not for weekday masses.

After getting these negative reasons, I was discouraged to wear my cassock. Later on, I realized that even if an SVD Brother does not wear the cassock, the faithful still know who an SVD Brother is. Sometimes, a Brother finds himself in certain areas where he feels nobody knows him. Then suddenly, somebody will call him by the title Brother or Father.

I quite remember some experiences when l was in the mission. Every time I would go to the out station for communion services, I would hang the mission cross in front of my chest as a sign of Christ’s protection. I would also hang a small cross on my shirt. But now, that spirit is no more there. The cross, as a Christian symbol or "seal", came into use at least as early as the second century. The marking of a cross upon the forehead and the chest were regarded as a talisman against the powers of demons.

The Christian Cross, seen as a representation of the instrument of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, is the best-known religious symbol of Christianity. It is related to the crucifix (a cross that includes a usually three-dimensional representation of Jesus' body) and to the more general family of cross symbols. In contemporary Christianity, the cross is a symbol of the atonement and reminds Christians of God's love in sacrificing His own son for humanity. It represents Jesus' victory over sin and death, since it is believed that through His death and resurrection He conquered death itself. "Having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."(Colossians 2:15)

Some religious orders have some form of garb for daily wear. Some hang the cross on their chest. Some sisters wear the habit every day for Sunday and Weekday assess and for all social functions. Maybe, it is time that we SVDs be given some symbols we could also wear daily.

I

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the CONSTITUTION SPEAKS Br. Stephan Theobald, SVD (GER)

I think it is important that we Divine Word missionaries, whether priests or Brothers, let ourselves be recognized. In my opinion, the way to do this is clearly regulated in Const. 303, 8. It reads: “In order to render our unity and consecration visible we wear the ecclesiastical dress laid down by the norms of the bishops’ conference and by the legitimate customs of the country concerned (see can 284 and 669.2). We also wear a distinctive SVD emblem.“

Hence, if wearing a cassock is common in the country where the Brother is working, then he should wear it. It is important to dress in a simple, and, above all things, clean way. Normally, we know the people in the area. Most people know us in the place where we work.

Personally, I dress quite normal. However, I wear (almost) always our SVD emblem on my jacket or shirt. Our Provincial provided each confrere with SVD logo.

JUST like OTHERS Fr. Tadeusz Grenda, SVD (ZIM) We are not going to meet as a Mission before the end of this month. Therefore, the answer to your question will not reflect the opinions of all the confreres (though they may have different ideas about it). I based our view on the opinion of the confreres that I contacted who are in town. They feel that the SVD Brothers should have some identifications just like all (Priests and Brothers) religious. This should be the ones that are accepted by all SVDs in any particular province/region/mission. The customs may differ from province to province. At present, our idea (on the request of our local Zimbabwean confreres) is to wear our cassocks. And this is what we are trying to do.

SHOWING the SVDness Fr. Michael Sebastian, SVD (INM)

For me, both Brothers and Fathers must have some external symbols to mark their identity. They may have different symbols to identify themselves, but these symbols should have something in common, to express their common membership in the Society of Divine Word – i.e., their SVDness. I am a priest, many times, I use cassock to identify myself as a priest when I go to do my ministries.

THEY do GOOD! Fr. Anil Kiran Fernandes, SVD (INM) Some external signs always do good, perhaps a cross at least! As a priest, I do use a cassock and/or a cross.

an INSTRUMENT Fr. Cajetan Mascarenhas, SVD (INM) As a missionary for twenty seven years, I feel that we should show our identity by all means. But it still depends on the place of missionary work – e.g., if you are in the school ministry, or in the slums with the poor and down-trodden, wearing a cross is a must. I myself do wear the cassock. When I wear mufti, I have my cross. Whenever I use these externals, I do feel important and recognized by any person whom I come in contact with. Moreover, these also make me feel that I am an instrument of Jesus, who has given us His life example.

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a PERSONAL REQUEST Fr. Kuriakose Perepadan, SVD (INM)

Congratulations to you for being SVD Brothers!

Do you feel the need to express the identity of SVD Brothers through external symbols and signs? Yes! Please use some external symbols according to the situations or the places where you are. I use a cassock for liturgical celebrations. At other times, I use a small crucifix on my shirt when I go out of the house.

God is Love! We are God's children! So, let us live in Love.

SYMBOL = IDENTITY Br. Richard Sullivan, SVD (USC) I do feel it is important to use external symbols for our identity. I sometimes wear a cross like what many religious do in many parts of Canada. Sometimes, I also wear the Brother's collar during special occasions.

ONE’s MANIFESTATION Fr. Bartłomiej Parys, SVD (IBP) I feel the need to express my SVD identity through external symbols and signs. It may be through a clerical attire or symbols like an SVD ring and the like. I use my clerical attire. I also wear my missionary cross and SVD ring.

in FAVOUR

Fr. Sebastian Quadros, SVD (MAD)

Since they are religious, I think that Brothers also need the signs and symbols to identify themselves. It is the right identity of religious that will help the Church a lot. So, I am fully in favour of having the right attire, especially whenever the Brothers would participate in Church services.

ESPECIALLY MADE for a BROTHER Fr. Bernard Rodrigues, SVD (INM) I do feel the need to express the identity of SVD Brothers through external symbols and signs with a cross on shirt (specific type that is specially made for Brothers). I do wear a cross on my shirt when I go out of the house.

the NEED Fr. Richard D'Almeida, SVD (INM) I believe that the SVD Brothers need to use the external symbols and signs like cross or long chain on neck. I also use such external symbols.

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SYMBOLS and

SIGNS:

YOUR questions are

WRONG (and harmful)

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an INQUIRY

Harut Yoskot, SVD It is important for us today to reflect on the path we

are following as Missionaries of the Divine Word. This

is a congregation to which you and I belong to and,

therefore, we are in the same process.

Your question worries me very much. First, I would

like to know if the question submitted to us is your

question or a question elaborated in conjunction with

other Brothers. I wonder if the Brothers want to form

another congregation of the Divine Word which is

different from what St. Arnold Janssen founded. Don`t

you think that with these questions, you can create a

division or social classes within the SVD – between

priests and Brothers?

RETURNING the QUESTION Br. Gaby Wangak, SVD (IDE) Congratulations for your hard work in managing our Bulletin! I will not answer but rather comment on the given questions. When Fr. Superior General visited Indonesia a couple of months ago to grace the 100 years of the SVD presence in Indonesia, he emphasized the motto of their leadership team which says: “Putting the last first”. In connection with this motto, he, in almost all the meetings with the various SVD groups in the province, relayed three important things and these are:

1. We are one and the same, that is, members of

the SVD. We are all brothers.

2. We have to redirect the paradigm of our life

from ethics of obedience to ethics of

responsibility.

3. We, either as individual or group, should ask

ourselves, “What God wants me/us to do?”

I am quite sure that these three things, which were aired out by the Superior General when he visited the Indonesian provinces, were also shared in his visitations in other provinces all over the world. With this statement of Fr. General that we are all brothers and with my understanding as an SVD, I would like to ask you the same question that you are asking, “Do you feel the need to express the identity of SVD Brother through external symbols and signs?” I think to ask this question is not right or correct. This question is very exclusive. Why is it referring only to the identity of the Brothers? The symbol used to describe the SVD is not for the Brothers alone but for the priests, as well. Therefore, a chosen symbol should represent all the SVD (priests and Brothers).

an EXCLUSIVE MATTER Br. Zbigniew Toczek, SVD (ROM) Each SVD province, region, or mission has its own SVD logo. I believe that this is the only SVD symbol that confreres should wear if they have such a need. For some time, I have had the impression that the Bulletin of the Filipino Brothers is looking for differences and divisions in the Society. First and foremost, I am, like many Brothers of the SVD, an SVD religious who just wishes that publications like yours should emphasize on the unity in the Congregation. SVD Priests and Brothers are members of the same Society even though we are performing various services for the mission. Unfortunately, for some time, you are trying to disclose and emphasize the differences. Perhaps, it is with the purpose of seeking your identity in the Society. If the Filipino Brothers feel the need to have symbols that are different from the SVD symbols in order to emphasize their otherness in the Society, this is only and exclusively a matter for the Filipino Brothers. Thanks be to God! Many of the Brothers of the Society use genuine SVD symbols. I believe that only these symbols should be used.

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non-DOGMATIC/non-DEPENDENT PREFERENCE Br. Arturo Manuel, SVD (USC) I am grateful for the given opportunity to reflect on the Brother vocation in different mission situations. I do think that I would want to wear a cassock, cross, or other external special badges. I think discussing this kind of questions after the Second Vatican Council (Vat. II) is a retrograde development – in particular, if we are to compare this with the reflections and discussions that have been facilitated through this newsletter. I use a mission cross because I am on OTP. But wherever possible, I try to express my being an SVD

Brother through a non-dogmatic attitude and by being non-dependent on external signs. Again, I repeat that this type of questions surprises me, since we have received a different missionary inspiration through Pope Francis and our new SVD superior general. Thank you for this opportunity to tell my opinion. I hope that the SVD Brothers will grow in their internal attitude towards the Word of God, the needs of the people, and their problems/concerns.

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SYMBOLS and

SIGNS:

YES/NO, but…

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JESUS’ ROBE

Br. Swaminathan Valiavilayil, SVD (INM)

The following are my views and convictions about this newsletter’s topic. I do not like to be judgmental on this matter. Certainly, it has its own value if an SVD Brother uses external symbols with conviction and dedication. In some areas, particularly in non-Christian mission areas, using such symbols must be prudently evaluated to prove our identity. Thirty years ago, I was assigned to start a new mission station in a non-Catholic place where the local community considered Christians as outcasts and untouchable creatures. I never used any external symbol to prove my religious status but always declared it openly. Within a couple of months, the same people started to accept me and invited me for meals and to do other activities with their families. My simple lifestyle, dedication, commitment, and availability to the people were my religious symbols, which they noticed. Thus, my conviction is, in such situations, our lifestyle has more witness value than wearing the external symbols. Jesus’ mission is our mission. The Holy Scripture tells us that Jesus used a unique and extraordinary robe. The whole universe got attracted to Jesus not because of using external symbols, but because of His life in the Jewish community. He adopted a unique way of life – i.e., a life fulfilling the heavenly Father’s holy will through preaching, good works/charity, and love. The disciples and missionaries also used external symbols as tools to proclaim Jesus and His teaching. Throughout the Gospels and the writings of St. Paul, the main focus is the love for the people of God and His mission. This is what we try to

continue doing today as Religious Brothers! Our love towards mission and the people is the greatest treasure for us to possess. Therefore, I feel that WE should be the living external symbols more than wearing them to project our religious status/ or identity to others. For the second question, I also wear cassock for Eucharistic celebrations wherever I am appointed, other than the non-Christian mission areas. In India, especially in the south, the Catholic community appreciates the priests and religious wearing such religious symbols during the Eucharistic celebrations and religious functions. Therefore, I use them in India when I participate in the Catholic community functions. I feel happy and fulfilled with them, which are also meaningful and symbolic.

BEYOND the EXTERNALS

Br. Thaddaeus Nyanuba, SVD (MOZ)

The question of the Brother identity is an interesting one. It provides a platform that could make the Brother vocation better understood and cherished. Therefore, I wish to take this opportunity to share my humble opinion on that.

Indeed, external symbols and signs such as cassock and cross

do reveal our identity as religious/priest. As a matter of fact, in most places, if not all, a person in a cassock, even at a considerable distance, is easily identified as a priest or a religious.

However, I believe that true identity of a religious Brother goes beyond the use of the above-mentioned symbols or signs. In my point of view, our identity as SVD religious Brothers is deeply rooted in our mission to make known the Good News of the Divine Word to all. In other words, we are Brothers because of our call to a particular mission – i.e., a mission to be with the Divine Word and to bring his love and mercy to all people, especially to the marginalized in society. “His life is our life and His mission

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Cont. Br. Nyanuba our mission, too.” This for me is our true identity. We identify with Him and His mission.

Indeed, in this complex world of today that creates more and more dichotomy between the rich and the poor, the spiritual and the secular (or social), and where individualism and the quest for power and wealth are the driving force of society, a Brother is called to be a bridge

that synchronizes the two and promotes unity and the common good of the society. His mission is to witness a life that integrates faith with profession for the service of humanity. In this way, he becomes a holistic person uniting profession with spirituality and taking advantage of his professional skills to bring God’s love to humanity. Moreover, he follows the example of Jesus, His master, who gave out all, even His life for the service of God and His people. As a matter of fact, it is not surprising that when He was to choose those who were to continue with His mission He defied the odd and chose people with practical and professional skills. They were to be with Him, to learn from Him, and to unite their professional skills with the Gospel to serve mankind and draw them to God. This, in my point of view, is the identity of the Brothers. That is why I believe that the true identity of the SVD Brothers should not be seen by merely using external symbols or signs. Rather, when we live up what we are and what we are called to do, these symbols or signs can help boost up our identity.

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a STORY to TELL

Br. Justin Mau Bau, SVD (JPN)

At the end of November last year, I went to my beautiful hometown called Weluli in Indonesia for home leave. Every Sunday, I would go to the parish church that is just 2 kms. away from my parents’ house. Every time I would attend the mass, I would not wear cassock or any other symbols because I know that 90% of the people in my hometown know that I am an SVD Brother who lives in Japan as a missionary.

One Sunday after the mass, one of the parishioners, who was my classmate when we were in primary school, asked my sister, “Did Br. Justin leave the SVD already?”

“No. He did not leave SVD. He is still a Brother,” my sister replied.

“But why has he not worn his cassock during masses since he arrived?” the parishioner further asked.

My sister patiently explained, “This week, my brother stayed in SVD house in Nenuk for an important gathering. Unfortunately, he was not able to bring his cassock when he went home.”

My sister told me the incident. After I heard it, I went to the SVD house to get my cassock and on Christmas Eve of 2012, I wore it during the mass and helped in giving communion.

After the Eucharistic celebration, that classmate of mine approached me to greet, “Happy Christmas!”, and apologized for what she thought was not true.

In Japan, I never wear such symbols or signs because I do not have one, though I know I should have one. In many places, people used to see Brothers wear cassock during liturgical celebration. When a Brother does not wear or use a religious symbol, different interpretations will arise like what happened to me. Religious symbols or signs that we wear are symbols of our commitment and fidelity to the Society and the Vows we profess. So, it is better that we use them. I think it will be good if all SVD Brothers will decide to have the same symbols such as cross and cassock.

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HUMBLE and MEEK SERVANT Br. Mukt Lal Ekka, SVD (INE) To be frank, I do not use holy signs and symbols except on Sundays and special occasion. I am in a school apostolate. So far, none of us uses these regularly for identity. During summer, it is very hot here in North India. So, it would be unbearable for us to wear our cassocks when we teach during this season. But I think I can wear the Cross regularly. Could it be a special one prepared for all the SVD Brothers and Fathers? It would be nice, I feel. Some of our faithful confreres use these holy symbols everyday. They wear crosses and use rosary rings to pray the holy rosary in their offices. Sorry to say, but often, they are hot-tempered, ill-mannered, and self-centred. In behaviour, they turn to be real Pharisees. I strongly believe that these lovely symbols should always make us meek and humble in our words and deeds. These should make us assert ourselves strictly, but politely, in whatever the situation we are into. We should use them, but should make us feel worthy of using them. We, religious, must not forget to draw inspirations from these simple yet meaningful signs and symbols. With these, we are religious who are constantly praying and always jovial as we do our ministries.

LEARNING the HARD WAY

Fr. Richie Gomes, SVD (INM, Goa) I am Fr. Richie Gomes. I worked in Togo-Benin from 1986-2007. Now, I belong to INM Province and am working in a minor seminary as a Prefect. Here in our seminary, even the aspirants love to tug a cross on their shirt to show their identity. If an SVD in final vows would go around with people, he would tug a cross and this would be appreciated by the faithful. As for wearing a cassock, some of us would wear it when we go out. However, most of us would just tug a cross to show who we are. It is also because of the

kind of climate we have here that makes it not suitable for us to wear our cassocks. Ultimately, I believe that wearing the cassock or tugging a cross does not make one a religious. It is by the way he/she lives his/her professed commitment to the Lord. So, I would say that freedom should be given to the Brother candidate to reveal his identity with or without these externals. In fact, it is a sad thing that some of us take advantage of our externals to gain privileges. Let us learn the hard way of being challenged like the laity in their simple and ordinary lives.

so many WAYS to TELL WHO I AM Br. Bernd Ruffing, SVD (AUS) We, Germans, do not receive a cassock and there is no common external sign for us. Actually, that is what I like about us, SVDs. While working as a teacher, people sometimes would be surprised whenever they would find out that I am a religious missionary Brother. Young Germans and Austrians do not really understand the sign of a cassock and, most likely, would not approach someone wearing it. They say, it creates a distance between us and looks too serious. At least, these are the reactions of my friends and students.

Again, there is also a cultural part in it. People in Thailand can only think of a religious Brother if this person wears a cassock or, at least, a clerical shirt. Even though I am not used to it and I actually feel rather strange in it, I sometimes do wear it. It is to respect the people and the culture.

Yet, I do like a sign which says where I come from and where I belong to. My family and friends endowed with a cross when I took my Final Vows. I was able to design it and then received this cross as my mission cross. I wear it every day and it is a reminder!

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CONSIDERING a TANGIBLE SIGN Br. David Nikins, SVD (PNG) Yes, I do feel the need to express the identity of SVD Brothers through external symbols and signs. However, some may say, “All that matters is one’s relationship with God and neighbour. Externals mean nothing.” Well, I think it is important that we identify our existence more from the general Christian community through symbols and signs. For me, it is a tangible sign of the major conversion I have made when I decided to enter religious life, and the many small conversions I am called to do each day so I could die to self. It is a constant reminder that I am a visible person in the world and that I must strive to be a good example of a Christian no matter the situation is. In fact, wearing the cassock or cross is a choice for simplicity and modesty. It makes me work to attract people to God and to what I can offer them. I think people are looking for someone to inspire them, someone to bring them hope, and an opportunity to support others on their journey. Likewise, I think that we can offer them a very tangible sign of that. It is to our advantage that we should seriously take this into consideration. Unfortunately, I use my cassock and the novitiate medals only during my renewal of vows.

Maybe, the environment and the culture in each SVD provinces affect the way we use symbols and signs.

KNOWN by BEHAVIOR Fr. Paul Vattathara, SVD (INM) The SVD Brother identity should be noticed by the way he lives and behaves. Depending on the ministry a Brother is involved in, he should have the freedom to choose what external symbols to use. I use external symbols only during the liturgy as expected in the country where I do my mission work.

a MATTER of CHOICE

Fr. Peter De Ta Vo, SVD (USC) I do not think that there is a need to express the identity of SVD Brothers through external symbols and signs (cassock, cross, et al). However, if a person wants to express it, it is alright, if not more than encouraged. As a priest, I use clerical shirt, a cross, or an SVD logo on my suit/vest.

COMMUNICATION of LIFE’s ESSENCE

Br. Zoltán András, SVD (HUN) Through a true and righteous life, we are expressing more about the essence of religious life than through wearing symbols. Actually, I decided to wear a cross from the previous month on. But even without this, I am still a loyal religious.

FREEDOM

Fr. Joseph Francis, SVD (INM) No, I do not feel the need of external symbols. Freedom should be given if one wants to wear a cross or SVD insignia. I myself do not wear such symbols.

INDEPENDENT IDENTITY Fr. Matthew Pilathara, SVD (INM) I do not feel the need of using external symbols. My identity does not depend on any of them. However, I am of the opinion that if you are officiating some church functions, it is good to have some officially approved symbols.

DEPENDS on CULTURE and CONTEXT

Br. Roland Scheid, SVD (GER)

I believe that the need to express the identity of SVD Brothers through external symbols and signs depends on the missionary’s culture and context. In my case, I am comfortable wearing a ring. Sometimes, I would also wear a cross.

a NECESSITY Fr. Mathews Korattiyil, SVD (INM) I believe that internal symbols are more necessary and meaningful. However, I sometimes use external symbols.

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SYMBOLS and

SIGNS:

NECESSARY, it is not!

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DIFFERENT APPROACH Br. Karl Schaarschmitt, SVD (KEN) I personally do not believe in such external signs. A Brother is a Christian and religious layman. He should be recognized through his personality and behaviour. To be recognized only by external signs, like a cassock or big cross, is good for pious old women and men. But a different approach should be done if we want to have a more meaningful contact with the common people and the youth. I have the feeling that many would be turned off, especially in the western world, if we are to focus too much on the externals. However, in other places like Africa and Asia, the people’s response may be different. As for me, I wear a small SVD pin on my shirt on certain occasions so as to be recognized as an SVD.

SURPRISE! Br. Mike Decker, SVD (USC) Usually, I do not feel the need to express my identity as an SVD Brother through external symbols and signs. In 1984, when I took my First Vows and when I renewed my vows for the first few years, I did wear a Brother’s collar. Since that time, I have not worn anything like that. When I was in Christ the King Mission Seminary (Quezon City, Philippines) from 1992-95 for my first assignment, the seminarians asked me where my cassock was. I told them that I

never had one. They were surprised. As of the present time, the only thing that I wear is an SVD ring or pin on my suit or shirt during SVD celebrations like vows, ordinations, and the like.

WITNESSING through BEING Br. Franz Schneider, SVD (GER) The response to the questions may be geographically different. Here in the German Province, no cassock is being worn (neither in the house nor in the public, e.g., on the streets). We are adjusting ourselves to the diocesan clergy. They wear dark suits, possibly with Roman collar or so-called Guardini collar, or even normal suit with tie. Some of us, priests and Brothers, put an SVD logo on the collar of our suit. Thus, the present topic seems to be less meaningful for me/us. We have in Germany no differences between Brothers and Fathers. We are witnessing through our being and through our words and actions.

the GREATER ISSUE Br. Jim Zabransky, SVD (USC) Depending on the culture of the place where we live, external signs and symbols of the religious could be important. Signs and symbols mean something because they speak to us.

However, what of greater issue is the internals. What kind of person is this SVD who is wearing a cassock or cross? Does he faithfully live our constitutions? Is he committed to prophetic dialogue? Does he practice the resolutions and directives of his province? How does he relate to other confreres or to the laity with whom he works or ministers? If we are not to include the value of what is inside us, external signs and symbols have little or no meaning at all.

ACT ACCORDINGLY Fr. Donald D’Souza, SVD (INM) I do not feel the need to express the identity of SVD Brothers through any symbols. I would rather suggest that we look at the local culture where one resides and act accordingly. In some countries, a religious (a Priest or a Brother) is expected to wear a cassock or some external symbols. It is appropriate to respect the sentiments of the people we live with and to whom we render our services. I use my cassock for certain occasions and use other appropriate clothing befitting a priest for public functions.

WHAT MATTERS Fr. Thomas Sequeira, SVD (INM) I do not think that symbols are needed for religious. What matters more is what we have inside of us. Yes, I wear religious attire during public service.

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BE PRESENT

Br. Moacir Rudnick, SVD (BRC) When Jesus sends the disciples in mission, he does not ask them to bring something to identify themselves with, but to “go and preach” (Mt 10:7)

that “the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mk 1:15) and he orders them “to take nothing along” (Mk 6:8). Therefore, external signs are not necessary because Jesus calls us to be signs of love, peace, and solidarity. We should be recognized for our BEING, and not for our HAVING.

In my own experience, whenever I would immerse myself in the middle of the people and live with them, often, I would not introduce myself to them. However, after a certain time, people would come to me and ask: “Who are you? What is it that you do?” Without answering them, I would ask: “Why do you want to know?” And they would say to me: “You are different to other persons we have met… There is something different in you…”

I believe that this is exactly the essence of our consecration as Brothers: TO BE DIFFERENT AND TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE – not with external signs, but with our presence and witnessing. We are invited to be disciples and missionaries of the One who invites us, in the first place, to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Mk 6:33). Our acceptance of and commitment to His project requires from us that we become a light that shines in front of the people by means of our good deeds, and in doing so, the Father, who is in heaven, would be praised (Mt 5:16 ).

anyway, WE are KNOWN, Br. Joachim Yamamoto, SVD (JPN)

There is no need in Japan for our Fathers and Brothers to express their identity through external symbols and signs. We are not used to any external symbols. In our schools, all students know us as SVDs. Here in Japan, the number of Catholics is only 0.4% of the total population. I do not use any symbols just like the other members of the SVD Japan Province.

Please continue praying for our Japan mission.

A SUBLIME EXPRESSION

Br. Jorge Gabriel Gomez, SVD (BRA) I feel no need to use external symbols. I am not using any symbol. The most sublime expression to show our identity as a religious missionary

SVD Brothers is simplicity in our lifestyle, humility, and commitment - simple servers of the Kingdom of God; men of good relationships, and close to the people especially to those who need us most.

without a SIGN Br. Piet van der Peet, SVD (NL) I do not need any sign to show that I am an SVD Brother. For many years now, cassocks are not being used here in my province. Moreover, without any religious sign, I am closer to and can do my ministry more effectively with the ordinary people I am serving.

a QUICK “NO”

Br. Paolo Delucca, SVD (BRC) Thanks for your time and effort to keep us informed. To quickly answer your questions: I have never used a symbol as a Brother of the Congregation. I do not feel the need to have a special symbol.

COMMITMENT Fr. Jose Sachan, SVD (INM) I do not feel the need to express the SVD Brothers’ identity using such external symbols. Your identity will come through your committed religious life only!

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SYMBOLS and

SIGNS:

who says YES?

who says NO?

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FEEDBACKS FROM THE SVD SEMINARY in PUNE (INM)

First Year SVD Theologians

We have different opinions regarding EXTERNAL SYMBOLS and SIGNS (like cassock, soutane, cross, etc.). Eleven (11) of us said NO and nine (9) of us said YES. However, here in the formation house, we are currently using these externals.

We have two suggestions: 1. It would be better if all of us would be provided with T-shirts and caps with the SVD symbol. 2. A metal SVD symbol could be given to all of us, as well.

Second Year SVD Theologians

1. Do you feel the need to express the identity of SVD Brothers through EXTERNAL SYMBOLS and SIGNS (like cassock, soutane, cross, etc.)? Yes- 6; No- 10

2. Do you use such external symbols? Yes- 7; No- 9

Our identity should be known through our actions and work and not through external symbols.

We use cassock not to show our identity, but because it is required of us.

Identity of being an SVD could be expressed through our lives – i.e., the way we live and deal with the people. Using external symbols might be dangerous in certain situations and places.

Third Year SVD Theologians

Yes, we feel the need to express the identity of SVD brothers through external symbols and signs.

At present, we do not use such external symbols.

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Dear Confreres,

It is our pleasure to present to you this last issue of the bulletin for this year 2013.

We continue counting on your voice. Please write to the following addresses:

[email protected] or [email protected]. You may use the following

languages: English, Spanish, Polish, German, and Indonesian.

In the Divine Word,

The Editors

Your SVD Brothers in Cebu City, Philippines

God declares: “I think of you

and I have plans

for you Prosperity

and a Future filled with hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11

r volume 6 no. 4 december 2013 svd [email protected] ... · fr. tadeusz grenda, svd (zim) we...

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