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{edocs}DOCUMENTSFILES/India Provincial Circular March_2014.pdf,100%,900{/edocs}

Presentation given by Jean-Théodre RANDRIAMAHENINA ms

during a Gathering of the French Province

I thank Fr. Franz and his council for asking me to speak to you. I am glad to be with you to share some of the modest experiences I have lived while in France. I do this first and foremost as a Malagasy, proceeding slowly (“moramora,” as we say in Malagasy, slowly by never backwards), then as a religious and priest living in the La Salette French Province.

It would seem normal for me to preface my experiences with a few words of explanation about how I came to be living here in France for the past three years.

In the program for this Gathering I see that Fr. Gilbert Rakotorahalahy will also be speaking. As a Malagasy I have a have a high regard for my elders, no matter who they might be. Yet Fr. Gilbert holds a special place in my heart. Why? Because it was he who sent me to the La Salette seminary in Antsahasoa in October 1989 when I was only 14 years old. At that time he was pastor of the parish in my hometown of Faratsiho. That church had been established by the French La Salette Missionaries and afterward served by Malagasy La Salettes; so don’t be surprised that I say a few words about my La Salette vocation which stems from there. La Salette runs through my veins, or if you want, is part of my DNA makeup! I made my first profession on September 19, 1996 at the La Salette Shrine, Antsahasoa. I did my PPP in 2002 and that same year made my perpetual profession on September 29^th. I was ordained on July 29^th 2006 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of La Salette in Antsirabe, after which I was named treasurer of the scholasticat and vicar of the parish of St. Louis in Fenomanana, Antananarivo. I remained there until my arrival in France to begin serving at the shrine of Notre-Dame de Chêne in the diocese of Besançon. There you have it!

People sometimes ask me: Why are you here? Are there too many priests in Madagascar? The questions are complex; the answers are simple. To the first question I respond: I am here because you are not! The shrine of N-D de Chêne had been falling into ruins, and was abandoned in 2006 with the departure of the Montfort Fathers, who had served there for 90 years. In 2007 the bishop requested that the La Salette Missionaries come to serve the shrine. The French Provincial agreed to send a community. I can say that now the shrine is flourishing. To the second question I respond: It is not that there is a superabundance of priests in Madagascar but rather that there are not enough here. In Madagascar it is true that the number of priest is on the increase and that the median age is decreasing (Yes, a young church!) but there is still not a sufficient number of priest. On the other hand priests here in France are aging and becoming fewer in number. I’m not in the habit of keeping track of deaths, because according to the Malagasy mentality that’s not done! But in my three year presence here in the diocese of Besançon (which I know better than other French dioceses) there have been quite a few priests’ funerals. Yet only one ordination, and that a La Salette and a Malagasy on June 26, 2011! We are proud of that. My own coming to France is not by chance or a mishap; rather it is the answer to a call and a free gift. Missionaries evangelized my homeland, the Great Island, and there are still a few French La Salette Missionaries there today.

La Salettes were asked to be spiritual animators at the Shrine of N-D de Chène. I’m not alone there. We accomplish this animation as a community, especially in and through daily Eucharistic celebrations, which are preceded by Morning or Evening prayer. We take turns preaching to the neighboring people who come to share in these celebrations. Every Sunday there are two Eucharistic celebrations – one in the morning, another in the evening – in which local residents as well as visitors participate. Then there are six pilgrimages for different parts of the diocese which are spread throughout the year.

Pastoral ministries in different parts of our deanery also fall on us. We don’t have time to twiddle out thumbs! At times each of us says two or three Masses on Sunday. But offering Mass, which is indispensable, is not all. I, as well as my fellow priests, am called to service: not to be a pastor, nor a helper, nor an assistant. What does it mean “to serve”? Every priest, by virtue of his prior ordination to the deaconate, is called to service. This implies availability. I would like to be cautious in the use of this word because it could lead to confusion. A remark was made in the diocese about priests who “come from elsewhere”. I quote from Eglise de Besançon, the bi-monthly diocesan revue (Nº 19 from November 17, 2013): “The priest coming from elsewhere should not be seen as a stranger who fills-in, as an arrival in-the-nick-of-time, or worse yet as a person who comes in a time of crisis to fill a gap.” That question was asked during a meeting for priests and pastoral delegates helping in the deanery. We answered by asking them a question, much as the shepherd did to the shepherdess: “What do you take me for?”

I am aware that a priest is not a priest for himself. This conviction has led me to be thoroughly involved in pastoral activity: catechesis, confirmation; health ministries (hospital chaplain, service to sick and handicapped).

What can I do? Certainly I can’t solve all the problems. The best I can do is to be engaged and carry my part of the load in educating people in their Faith. If I, as a priest, a religious, a missionary, don’t to what I can, then who will do it? If one does nothing, nothing gets done. Of that, I am sure. I must bear witness to my Faith so that people can see by my engagement that I believe. That’s no little thing. I can tell you that ministering to children and to the youth gives me much joy. I truly receive much more than I give.

While doing health ministry, apart from working in the hospitals and retirement homes, I frequent and visit many people who live alone, are ill and suffering, along with those who do home-care. And I derive joy from it. It’s not their suffering that brings joy, but, while showing the necessary reserve, joy comes from being with them, showing my concern; “Whatever you did for one of these little ones …” Jesus said one day. I thank God for the quality of service and attention rendered by care-givers to these sick, suffering and handicapped. As I think about what goes on in Madagascar in this regard, I ask the good Lord one thing: that the aged here may be accompanied more and more by their families, and that the indigent of Madagascar (and other countries) have better access to healing remedies. May my prayer be answered.

I give this presentation, this witness, but in truth it can only be done because the (my) community sends me here. I do nothing in my own name. It is the community’s mission, not mine! That fact changes everything. In community, how important it is to strengthen each other through prayer and fraternal admonition because, having recently arrived here, I have a lot to learn. Sharing with one another, which is always a challenge because we are so different one from another, can never be dispensed with. We are all unique, meaning that each one possesses reserves and qualities as well as fragilities and limits. Diversity can prove to be a cherished resource if one knows how to profit by its presence; yet can be an enormous stumbling block if one is stubborn.

During these three plus years in France, much water has flowed under the bridge. My inculturation into life in France and my integration into the life of the church are only beginning … and I hope to continually move forward. Let’s see what happens with this total uprooting and complete depart from homeland will bring; it’s not easy (cold climate, language, culture, mentality, food). Adaptation is not a given, it requires time. Time must be given time. But in between time, I’m doing all I can to learn, to inform myself. Both the diocese and the province offer many formational tools. I am trying my best to take advantage of them. Already, within a month, Dominique will present to us the next permanent formation course on the theme: Our rootedness in the Church of France… WE have already dwelled on the laity, ecology, and being uprooted through Exile… Many other will follow. I can only rejoice and try to profit from these opportunities.

From 3 to 5 February, at the General House, Rome, the International Commission on Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC) held its first meeting. The Commission consists of:
Fr. Alfredo Velarde, MS, from Argentina, Fr. Thomas Htang Shan Mong, MS, from Myanmar, Fr. Francisco Mbambi Tchipindo, MS, from Angola, Fr. Joseph G. Bachand, MS, and Fr. Henry Przeździecki, MS. This Commission discussed, among other things, how to implement Decision No 8 of the General Chapter of 2012, concerning Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation, and how to prepare for the celebration of 2015 devoted to this issue in our Congregation. The session was opened by Fr. General. Suggestions from the deliberations of the Commission will be submitted for approval to the General Council.

 See the invitation of the Bishop of the Diocese of Bukoba to establish a missionary community in Tanzania. Fr. Silvano Marisa and Fr. Efren Musngi have visited there and explain the proposal. Watch a film below in section To see...

{edocs}DOCUMENTSFILES/INDIA Provincial Circular January 2014.pdf,100%,900{/edocs}

A Proposed Vision for a Model of Collaboration and Co-Responsibility between the La Salette Missionaries and La Salette Laity in the Americas
The People of God
The people of God, as we have learned from the documents of Vatican II, are no longer considered the lower tier of the Church but rather part of the "communio" (community) of believers. Also, as St. Paul reminds us, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to all the members of the Church (1 Cor 12-14). All are united in the universal call to holiness and are equal and integral parts of the Catholic Church.
Our Lady of La Salette and "Her People"
Our Lady of La Salette, in her compassionate manner and concerns, spoke to Maximin and Melanie - and the entire Church - to "make her message known." Clearly the fact that she first gave this mission to these two children, not to the local clergy of the area, shows her ultimate respect for the proper place of laity within the mission of the Church of her Son.
Her message of reconciliation was therefore entrusted to these two children with the ultimate confidence that they could complete their mission. Her words and actions were profound testimonies to her trust in the power and centrality of the Sacrament of Baptism in the life of her people.
The Growth of Her Mission Over Time
Wit the passage of time, her message and mission were taken to heart by thousands of people including those called to become Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette. Yet even with their official Vatican approbation, the important place of the laity in living out and sharing her message of reconciliation has remained strong.
The La Salette Invocation - "Our Lady of La Salette, Reconciler of Sinners, pray without ceasing for us who have recourse to you" - which was used by a group of laity in the parish of the village of La Salette soon after the apparition - has remained a central part of La Salette devotion and a consistent theme for Salettine ministry.
La Salette Laity Continue to Take Their Rightful Place in Spreading Her Mission
As the ministries and outreach of the La Salette Missionaries spread around the world, Mary's mandate remained tied to all her people. To this very day, laity have been attracted to her message and mission. With profound dedication, they unhesitatingly support and join in the life and ministry of the La Salette Missionaries in various ways with their many gifts.
In addition the La Salette Missionaries wholeheartedly welcome these La Salette Laity as collaborators, truly responsible and gifted co-missionaries. The La Salette Laity join with the La Salette Missionaries in embodying and living out the same charism of reconciliation in their daily lives.
This common vision is rooted in Baptism. Therefore all contemporary La Salette Missionaries, being mindful of what their La Salette Rule emphasizes - "we work in close collaboration with the laity" (#28) - welcome laity as central and crucially important in continuing to carry out their common mission to make Mary's message known.

ROLES AND RESPONSABILITIES OF THE PROVINCIAL ASSOCIATE PROGRAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
1. PROVINCIAL CO-DIRECTORS
 
The Provincial Co-Directors of the Associate Program are appointed by the Provincial Superior with the consultative vote of his council and serve a term concomitant with the administration that appointed them.
The Provincial Co-Directors should be one religious member and one lay  member.
The Provincial. Co-Directors; .
• Promote Associate groups.
• Recommend to the Provincial Superior, after consultation, a community liaison for Associate groups.
• Monitor the development of appropriate orientation and ongoing renewal programs for all associates on the local and provincial levels.
• Work in close collaboration with the local communities in the development of Associate programs especially with regard to the screening of candidates, their orientation, and their covenant agreements.
• Assure communication between the Associate program and the professed community of the Province.
• Bring local community leaders and representatives together to share concerns, evaluate the Association programs, and to plan for future development
• Promote and assist the formation of new local Associate groups
 
2. PROVINCIAL ASSOCIATE BOARD
a) Membership
The Board should consist of five lay associates and two professed La Salettes. This number includes two Co-Directors. The Board will nominate new members.
b)Responsibilities
The Provincial Associate board works closely with the Co-directors:
• The Board serves as arbitrator in difficult cases
• The Board develops and refines the leadership training curriculum
• The Board develops and refines the orientation and formation programs
• The Board promotes the Associate program in the community of Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette
• The Board consults with the local leaders and groups as needed
• When new groups are surfacing the Board is responsible for the basic orientation and formation program oversee the election of leaders, and assists the group to develop local guidelines.
c) Term of Office
The term of office for Board members will be 3 years. Members may serve an unlimited number of terms.
d) Coordination
The Board coordinates its efforts, where necessary, with other Provincial Commissions and meets annually with the Provincial Administration.
e) Chapter Report
The Board presents a report to the Province on the occasion of a regular Chapter of Elections for information purposes and it presents chapter proposals in its area of competence when and if necessary
 
3. LOCAL LEADERSHIP
a) Membership
The local leadership consists of two members (religious or lay) elected by the local group according to the local guidelines and approved by the Provincial Associate Board
b) Responsibilities
The local leadership assures the development, implementation, and nurturance of the Lay Associate program on the local level as well as;
• Determines the acceptability of applicants to the local program
• Leads the applicant through the orientation as described in the guidelines
• Assures the mediation between the candidate and the local community
• Supervises the candidates' formation period according to guidelines.
• Assures the proper preparation of the necessary documentation for the candidate's covenant.
• Attends leadership training sessions as provided by the Provincial Associate Board
 
4. LASALETTE LIAISON
A professed member of the Mary Mother of the Americas will be the liaison for each local Associate group. The person for this position will be suggested by the local group, approved by the board, and appointed by the Provincial.
His responsibilities include:
1.            Fosters communication and a healthy relationship between the Associate group and the La Salette community
2.            Along with the local leaders interviews and promotes the discernment process for all Associate candidates
3.            Assists with the orientation and formation program for all Associate candidates
4.            Along with the local leaders plans meeting agendas and develops programs and activities for the group.

"We, the Salette Lay Associates, are a faith community committed to witness and proclaim the La Salette Charism, Spirituality and Mission of Reconciliation, bonded in Love, Truth and Trust. We are on a spiritual journey to a Reconciled Life and a Reconciling way of  Life, becoming the change God wants to see in the world by sharing the blessings and graces along the way and healing that part of the world within our reach." From the Statement of Identity....

STATEMENT OF IDENTITY & CORE PURPOSE
La Salette Lay Association of the
Ina ng Pag-asa Province of the
Missionaries of our Lady of La Salette
I. Understanding Lay Association in light of Theology, Church Teaching and the La Salette Marian Apparition

A. Embraced by the Circle of Love of the Triune God
The one true God is essentially relational: a loving communion of persons, Father,
Son and Holy Spirit. The core mystery of God is one of love, the love of the Trinitarian
communion revealed in mission.
“At the heart of the divine act of creation is the divine desire to make room
for created persons in the communion of the uncreated person of the
Blessed Trinity through adoptive participation in Christ.” International
Theological Commission, Communion and Stewardship: Human
Persons created in the image of God (Vatican City, 2004).
God turns His love outward in the act of creation, reaching out and drawing us to the
circle of His divine life, calling us to walk the landscape and path to holiness through a
lifelong conversion from selfishness and sin.
In Christ Jesus, God revealed His love to us in a most personal and definitive way. The
Good News that He proclaimed is the reign of God’s kingdom of Love, Truth and Trust.
Foundational Belief: The Lay Association professes the firm conviction that the
source and purpose and activity of life is from the Triune God. The Holy Trinity offers
a communion in which the Lay Association is given a share in the life God.

B. Drawn to the Circle of Light at La Salette
“My Son” . . . “My children” . . . “My people” . . . . The Message of Mary when she appeared
to Melanie and Maximin at La Salette revealed how God loves us deeply and dearly by
drawing us into a life in consonance with the Gospel of her Son. The call of La Salette
is for us to embark on a journey of faith where we are gradually stripped of all that is
not of God so that we can put on the mind of Christ.
Foundational Mindset: The La Salette Lay Association is deeply rooted on the
conviction that the Marian Apparition at La Salette is an invitation from God to journey
La Salette Lay Association
(A Circle of Reconciliation)
of the INA NG PAG-ASA PROVINCE,
MISSIONARIES of our LADY of LA SALETTE
a reconciled life and a reconciling way of life.

II. STATEMENT OF IDENTITY AND CORE PURPOSE
A. Who are we?
We, the Salette Lay Associates, are a faith community committed to witness and proclaim
the La Salette Charism, Spirituality and Mission of Reconciliation, bonded in Love, Truth
and Trust. We are on a spiritual journey to a Reconciled Life and a Reconciling way of
Life, becoming the change God wants to see in the world by sharing the blessings and
graces along the way and healing that part of the world within our reach.

B. What do we long to achieve?
We hope to form Circles of Reconciliation (CoRE) based on LOVE, TRUTH and TRUST.
1. LOVE (Oneness and Bondedness): We believe that the upper room prayer,
...”that all may be ONE ....” sums up the whole of Christ’s ministry. Jesus prays for
Reconciliation and Unity that finds its source in the Circle of Love of the Triune God.
2. TRUTH (A Sacred Holy Place, A Sanctuary, an Inner Space): We let our hearts,
minds, spirits, strengths drawn by Love to be reconciled to God, to our selves,
families, communities, and to all of HIS CREATION.
3. TRUST (A reconciled Life and a Reconciling Way of Life): We desire to journey
together in unity and mutual concern by learning to understand viewpoints,
transforming differences, sharing burdens and pains, nurturing hopes and dreams
and celebrating joys and triumphs.

III. STATEMENT OF VALUES AND COVENANT OF THE HEART
A. Relationship with the La Salette Missionaries:
The La Salette Lay Association identifies with the history, spirituality and charism of
the Missionaries of our Lady of La Salette and draws inspiration from their mission
and ministries. The La Salette Lay Association joins the Ina ng Pag-asa Province in a
common effort to put on the mind of Christ and to follow His ways in response to the
call of the Blessed Mother to be reconciled with God and with one another.
B. Apostolic Life
Viewing its circumstances and situations from the gaze of the Triune God, the La
Salette Lay Association strives to respond in faith to the call of the Father to promote
Reconciliation in its own milieu.
C. Family Life
The La Salette Lay Association maintains the primal relationship and basic structure of
the family in the broad context of married and single lives. The La Salette Lay Associates
support each other in fulfilling family life commitments.
D. Community Life
With God’s abiding love and drawing from a diversity of experiences and talents, the La
Salette Lay Association offers opportunities for members to share their faith, friendship,
and support in belonging to a community of faith.
E. Ministries and Advocacies
The La Salette Lay Association participates in the ministries and advocacies of the Ina
ng Pag-asa Province and in other forms of service within their community, including
global undertakings.

IV. PATH TO MEMBERSHIP
A. Eligibility
Membership in the La Salette Lay Association is open to all who desire to live a reconciled
life and a reconciling way of life.
B. Formation
Prospective members participate in a process of initial formation involving a period
of discernment, spiritual formation and a study of the history of the La Salette Marian
Apparition and the life and works of the La Salette Missionaries, in particular. The
orientation program normally takes a year after which the candidates participate in a
commitment ceremony.
Subsequent on-going formation will include the deepening of spiritual growth and
engagement in new or alternative mindset of seeing the divine presence in all, and
putting on the mind of Christ and following in his way, with Mary as our model.

V. COMMITMENT AND COVENANT
A. Commitment:
The Missionaries of our Lady of La Salette and the La Salette Lay Association members
are committed to a covenant of mutual support, partnership, in witnessing and
proclaiming the La Salette Spirituality, Charism and Mission of Reconciliation.
The covenant is grounded on the shared calling to Holiness in journeying to a Reconciled
Life and a Reconciling way of Life.
B. Covenant of the Heart:
1. Prayer Life: A common daily prayer of the heart to deepen our intimate relationship
with God, with our Lady of La Salette and with one another.
2. Periodic formation, preferably on a monthly basis: On-going gatherings for growth
and faith enrichment.
3. Presence and Hospitality: Space and time for faith-life sharing, mutual support and
celebrations.
4. Ministry: Living out the La Salette Charism, Spirituality and Mission of Reconciliation
in our families, workplaces and communities.
5. Apostolate: Facilitating Circles of Reconciliation based on Love, Truth, and Trust.

VI. LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE
A. Movement/Operation:
1. The Provincial Superior is the head of the Association.
2. The main MS Coordinator of the Association is appointed by the Provincial Superior.
3. The La Salette Lay Association will be grouped into clusters geographically, animated
by a MS Cluster Coordinator designated by the Provincial Superior. A local leader
assuming the role of Cluster Coordinator will facilitate the growth of the members
and the activities of the cluster but always in full coordination with the main MS
Coordinator.
B. Separation from the Association:
1. A La Salette lay associate, after her/his prayerful discernment, is free to decide not to
continue or renew her/his covenant with the Congregation and with the Association.
2. A member may be separated from the La Salette Lay Association for due cause.

VII. FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF PERSONNEL
A. La Salette Lay Association MS Coordinator:
1. Mentors the Associate Program of the Province.
2. Promotes the growth of the Association: membership, formation, acceptance,
activities.
3. Organizes and implements a monthly on-going formation and/or prayer gatherings.
4. Ensures open communication among La Salettes and Lay Associates, through
websites, newsletter, and the like.
5. Informs and if necessary seeks the permission of the Provincial Superior for any
activities proposed by the Association.
6. Keeps updated information/profile of each member.
7. Helps in the formation of new clusters.
B. La Salette Lay Association Cluster Coordinator:
1. A bonafide La Salette Lay associate, elected by the cluster members, and confirmed
by the Provincial Superior.
2. Coordinates in all matters with the La Salette Lay Association MS Coordinator.
3. Promotes recruitment for the Association
4. Assists in the formation of candidates.
5. Promotes specific activities that may advance bondedness, spiritual life, and mission
in the ministry of Reconciliation.

VIII. FINANCES AND OBLIGATIONS
Neither the Missionaries of our Lady of La Salette nor the La Salette Lay Association
has any financial and/or legal obligation to each other.