News 2020
Come Holy Spirit and renew our hearts!
Dear Betharramite fathers and brothers, We do not have a liturgical feast yet to celebrate the Venerable Fr Auguste Etchecopar scj. This Saturday, May 30, we remember the 190th anniversary of his birth at Saint Palais
In Memoriam...
On May 28th, Mr. Andreas Marak, 61, Br Johnny Marak father, of the community of formation of Mangalore (India) died suddenly.
In memoriam…
Let's be united in prayer along with Fr. Arun Kano scj, who lost his beloved dad, Joseph Doobau Kano who was born on March 2, 1926 and passed away on May 29, 2020. May his soul rest in peace!
Back on the road…
After months of "lockdown" caused by Covid-19, the Vicariates of Europe start again to take small steps by organizing the first meetings of the Vicariate Councils.
Novena for the solemnity of the Sacred Heart
Rome June 10 - We have received and make available to all of you, a novena for the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, celebrated on the 19th of June.
Novena for the solemnity of the Sacred Heart in Italian and Spanish
Rome June 10 - We make available to all of you, a novena for the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the two remaining versions: Italian and Spanish.
NEF June 2020
“Get each of our members to say this prayer for forty days to Our Lord Jesus Christ for the Society.
Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus 2020.
The Sacred Heart Fathers and Brothers of Betharram, English Vicariate organised a live streamed, virtual novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from 11th of June 2020 to 19th of June 2020 our parishes in England, that we are serving at present. The texts were selected by the Novices of the Region Saint Michale Garicoits. The Novena was concluded with the Holy Mass on 19th of June, in the Parish Church Saint Catherine of Alexandria and Sacred Heart at Droitwich.
Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Bangalore
On 19th June 2020 was another memorable day in the life of the community as we celebrated the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Snapshots of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Italy
On June 19, the Vicariate of Italy, like other Vicariates in the Congregation, celebrated the Feast of the Scared Heart.
Vocational promotion in Brazil
Serrinha (Bahia), June 22 - The Betharramite community on a mission to the Dioceses of Serrinha (Bahia), welcomed two young aspirants for a few days of experience: João Francisco Silva de Jesus and Ademir dos Santos Santana.
...My never-ending thank you!
On 25 June, Fr Andrea Antonini scj, of the community of Albiate,the eldest of the Betharramite religious in the Vicariate of Italy, celebrated the 70th anniversary of his priestly ordination.
New surgical unit in Niem
On 22 June, with the birth of the little Jeanette, the inauguration of the new surgical unit took place at the dispensary of Niem (Central African Republic).
Beginning of novitiate
On July 6, the religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Betharram and the Daughters of the Cross celebrated the 73rd anniversary of the canonization of their founders, Saint Michael Garicoïts and Saint Joan Elisabeth Bichier des Âges.
Walking towards Lourdes...
On Wednesday 8 July, the "Notre Dame" community of Betharram organized a walk from Betharram to Lourdes.
Canonical visit of the Superior General to the Vicariate of France-Spain
Betharram, 9 July - The Vicariate of France-Spain welcomed the Superior General, Fr Gustavo Agín SCJ, who arrived in France on 4 July to begin the canonical visit to the communities of the Vicariate.
Priestly and diaconal ordinations in Ivory Coast
On Saturday 11 July, in the Cathedral of Yopougon (Ivory Coast), Mgr. Salomon Lezoutié (Bishop of Yopougon), ordained priests Br Joseph Ouedraogo SCJ and Br Vincent Didier Allelet SCJ and ordained deacon Br. Hippolyte Yomafou SCJ.
NEF July 2020
“Missionary Mary… She had to take care of Jesus, and let herself be taken care of by Joseph, but she did not want to forget to take care of Elizabeth. As a good mother, she encourages us to “launch ourselves” on mission, to console and proclaim with our lives that Betharramites belong to the Heart of Jesus, the One who has called us to follow him with an ever new “Here I am.” (Fr Gustavo Agín SCJ)
Fr Gustavo continues his canonical visit to France and Spain...
The Superior General, Fr Gustavo Agín scj, is continuing his canonical visit to the Vicariate of France-Spain.
“Amici” n. 35 - July 2020
It was published the new edition of the bulletin of the Association "Amici", for the missionary animation of the Vicariate of Italy.
“Il Mosaico” n. 2 - 2020
It was published the new edition of the bulletin “Il Mosaico", newspaper of solidarity, spirituality and culture of the Betharramite Association “Il Mosaico" of the Vicariate of Italy.
In Thailand life goes back to normal… with alertness…
The Betharramite centers in the Vicariate of Thailand have opened their doors to welcome young students for the beginning of the new academic year which started on July 1st.
Feast of Our Lady of Betharram and perpetual profession of Br. Landry
On July 28, on the day of the Solemnity of Our Lady of Betharram, the Superior General, Fr. Gustavo Agín SCJ, at the end of the canonical visit to the Vicariate of France-Spain, presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration.
Beginning of novitiate in India
From 19 to 25 July 2020, the Shobhana Shaakha community made a 7-day retreat on the theme "We are called to become the fragrance of Christ / called to become Ambassadors for Christ".
Feast of Our Lady of Betharram in Olton
On 28th of July, we celebrated the Feast of our Lady of Betharram at the Friary in Olton. The holy mass was concelebrated at the Friary Grounds, presided over by Fr Wilfred Pereppadan SCJ, the Regional Vicar. The weather was fine. By keeping social distance the parishioners took part in the celebration.
Vicariate Assembly of France-Spain at the end of the canonical visit
Betharram, 27 July - Fr Gustavo Agín scj, Superior General, began his canonical visitation in early July. It was, for him, a precious opportunity to meet the brothers and to share with them the life of the communities and the different missions they carry out in the Dioceses.
New mission for the Betharramite community in the Diocese of Serrinha (Brazil)
On 30 July, the Betharramite community on a mission in the diocese of Serrinha (Bahia, Brazil), left the "Good Shepherd" parish to take on the mission of the parish of "Nossa Senhora da Conceição" which is composed of two municipalities (Gavião and Nova Fátima) and a district (Pereira).
The Health Minister of the Central African Government visits the “Saint-Michel” center in Bouar
On Sunday 9 August, the “Saint-Michel” Care Center in Bouar (Community of Bouar - Saint-Michel Garicoïts) received a visit of Pierre Somse, Health Minister of the Central African Government.
The Feast of Our Lady of Betharram
On July 28, the formation community of Sampran (Thailand) celebrated with solemnity the he feast of Our Lady of Betharram.
Acolyte of Br. Weerapong Youhae SCJ
On Wednesday 12 August at “Lux mundi College”, Sampran Najhornpathom Thailand Br. Weerapong Youhae SCJ received the ministry of Acolyte.
Triple Celebrations in Bangalore
On 15 August, the community of Shobhana Shaakha in Bangalore celebrated the Assumption of our Blessed Mother, Independence Day of India and the conclusion of the Canonical Year of the Novitiate of Brother Prapas from Thailand, Brothers Peter, Joseph & Thang from Vietnam.
Appointment of the Regional Vicars in the Congregation
The General Council, called by the Superior General from 3 to 8 August, counted the preferences expressed during the consultation with all the religious of the different Vicariates for the appointment of the Regional Vicars who will support the service of the Regional Superiors in the next three years.
Beginning of the extraordinary novitiate in the Ivory Coast
Wednesday 26 August, the feast of Saint Mary of Jesus Crucified, in the chapel of the Formation House of Adiapodoumé, during the solemn celebration of Vespers, five young men: Antoine, Henri-Joël, Belmond, François and Ghislain began the novitiate.
In memoriam…
On September 2, died a sister of Fr. Valentin N’Zoré SCJ, of the community of Dabakala (Vicariate of Ivory Coast).
NEF September 2020
«Although initially we are full of difficulties, I invite you not to lose the courage that should mark us. Let us raise our eyes to heaven and imagine a Saint Michael who tells us: “These trials in the beginning could be a sign of predestination, God wants it. Courage! Always forward! You never have to wait any longer than when everything seems lost”.» (Fr Gustavo Agín SCJ)
Annual retreat for the Vicariate of the Ivory Coast
From Sunday 6 September to Friday 11, the religious of the Vicariate of the Ivory Coast held their annual retreat, led by Fr. Gustavo Agín SCJ, Superior General, who began the canonical visit to the Vicariate with this time of prayer and silence.
Perpetual profession of Br. Christian and Br. Arnaud
Saturday 12 September, in the presence of the Superior General, Fr. Eduardo Gustavo Agín SCJ, Br. Yao Christian Arnaud and Br. Kadjo N'Dah Arnaud, pronounced their definitive "Here I am" following Christ annihilated and obedient in the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Betharram.
In memoriam…
Mr Cornelius Minj, father of Br Pobitro SCJ of the Community of formation of Mangalore, died on 22nd September. He was 55 years old.
Ordinations to the diaconate in Thailand
On September 19, in the Church of Saint Paul in Huay Tong, two of our young brothers, Br. Peter Raweee Permpoonwicha SCJ and Br. James Thanit Panmanikun SCJ, were ordained deacons by Mgr. Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, Bishop of Chiang Mai.
Vicariate Assembly and conclusion of the canonical visit
At the end of the canonical visit to the Vicariate of Ivory Coast, Fr Gustavo Agín SCJ, Superior General, participated in the Assembly of the Vicariate of the Ivory Coast which was held from 22 to 23 September in the community of Dabakala.
In Memoriam…
Mrs Madhuri R Marak, mother of Br Johny Marak scj of the community of Mangalore, died on 1 October. Hailing from Salam Maria Satgaon parish, she was 62 years old.
Noviciate activities
September 28 - October 2. The two Thai novices, Br Daniel Retanachai Paya and Br John Baptist Boonyod Sawangthammakul participated in a course of “Psycho-spiritual integration” offered by a Redemptorist religious.
New Governing Body of the "AMICI di Betharram - ONLUS" Association
On Sunday 13 September, the ordinary assembly of the members of the missionary association “AMICI di Betharram - Onlus” (founded in 2013 as a continuation of the Missionary Center of the then Italian Province) took place in the "Madonna del Bel Ramo" community in Albiate (Italy). During the meeting the members elected the new Governing Council that will lead the association for the next three years.
Community Superiors Meeting
From Tuesday 22 to Wednesday 23 September, the 5th meeting for the community superiors of the three Vicariates took place in the Fr. Auguste Etchecopar Region.
In the footsteps of Fr. Auguste Etchecopar...
Fr. Jean-Dominique Delgue SCJ, Vicar General, has accompanied Mgr. Sandro Corradini and Fr. Ettore Capra, Postulator of the cause of the canonization of Fr. Etchecopar, in the footsteps of Fr. Auguste Etchécopar in Betharram, Ibarre and St-Palais between the 5th and the 8th of October.
“Il Mosaico” n. 3 - 2020
It was published the new edition of the bulletin “Il Mosaico", newspaper of solidarity, spirituality and culture of the Betharramite Association “Il Mosaico" of the Vicariate of Italy.
Perpetual profession of Br. Serge SCJ
On Sunday 11 October, in the Parish of St. Francis of Assisi in Pistoia, Br. Serge Pacôme Koffi Appaouh SCJ made his perpetual profession in the hands of Fr Gustavo Agín SCJ, Superior General.
NEF October 2020
«Although the call to go out in community to the different peripheries seems to be ‘on hold’ in this year of pandemic lockdown, we know that it is still there. Furthermore, today it has become more important than ever!
Vicariate Assembly in Thailand
On 8th October 2020 the vicariate members held the Assembly at Ban Betharram, Chiang Mai. The meeting began with the Holy Eucharist offered for the departed soul of our dear Fr Pierre Salla scj, one of our missionaries in Thailand who died 4 September 2020. We thanked the Lord for all the blessings our vicariate received through the life and the work of Fr Pierre Salla.
Care of creation...
10 October - The Betharramite community of Chomtong organized an event to celebrate the encyclical “Laudato si’ ”.
Month of October dedicated to the Rosary
October - “Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with you”. As the month of October is dedicated to the Rosary, the community of Vietnam visit different families to pray the rosary with them and share about of Our Lady of Betharram.
Beginning of the community year 2020-2021 in Adiapodoumé
On Friday 16 October, during a solemn Eucharistic concelebration, the community of Adiopodoumé officially began the 2020-2021 community year.
A day of recollection for the Pibrac community
On Monday 26 October the community of Pibrac experienced a moment of meditation at the Abbey of Notre-Dame du Désert... This abbey of Trappist monks (reduced to seven elderly religious and now sent to different part of the world, France, Peru and Norway), was closed down 3 October and has now become the "Village of Francis".
R.I.P.
3 November -Fr. Davide Villa SCJ has died early this morning in hospital (Erba) where he had been admitted a few days ago.
Spiritual Exercises for the novices in France
The “Notre-Dame” community of Betharram welcomed from 1 July the extraordinary novitiate of the Vicariate, Bros Toussaint, Éric, Constant, Fabian along with Fr Gaspar Fernández Pérez SCJ, their Novice Master.
Council of the Congregation
The meeting of the Council of the Congregation began on Saturday 7 November. In this time, strongly marked and destabilized by the pandemic, Fr.Gustavo Agín SCJ, Superior General, however, called this meeting to share the life, concerns and hopes of the Communities, Vicariates and Regions in order to prepare their future.
NEF November 2020
«Jesus states: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Mt 5:5). Brothers and sisters, meekness! Meekness is characteristic of Jesus, who said of himself: “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29). The meek are those who know how to control themselves, who leave space for others, who listen to them and respect their way of living, their needs and their requests.» (Pope Francis)
Meeting of young people in formation in the Vicariate of Thailand
From 14 to 16 November a meeting of all the young people in formation of the Vicariate (45 young seminarians) took place in the formation house of Sampran (Vicariate of Thailand).
In Memoriam…
We received the sad news of the sudden death of Mrs Margaret June Arran, faithful Betharramite lay associate of the parish of Whitnash (England), on November 10th.
Perpetual Profession of Br. Akhil Joseph SCJ
Indian Vicariate held the celebration of Perpetual Commitment of brother Akhil Joseph SCJ on 03rd December 2020 at Sacred Heart Chapel of Betharram Formation House, Maryhill, Mangalore.
Advent retreat of the Community
On December 5, an Advent recollection day took place in the formation community of Adiapodoumé. It began the previous day with night prayer and it went on with morning prayer the following day. The theme of the retreat was: “The season of Advent, an itinerary to welcome the Emmanuel, source of our joy”. The day was animated by Br. Christian Yao, scj.
NEF December 2020
“To remind men of God and bring them back to the love of their Creator, Jesus Christ shows to them the divinity made visible, made palpable in His humanity.” (St Michael Garicoïts)
Ignatian retreat for the novices in Ivory Coast
The extraordinary novitiate of the Vicariate of Ivory Coast, which began on August 26, is making its first 10-day Ignatian Retreat from Tuesday December 8 to Friday December 18.
Day of retreat of the Betharramite Laity
Despite being struck by and hindered in its activities by the Covid-19 pandemic; despite being shocked by the death of Mrs. Henriette N’Guessan (a recently deceased Betharramite laywoman); despite being worried about and affected by the recent post-electoral crises (in the Ivory Coast), the fraternity of the Betharramite lay associates, with their gaze turned firmly to the Lord, have finally restarted their meetings and relaunched their activities on the 12th December in the community of Adiapodoumé.
Assembly of the Vicariate of Central Africa
On Friday 11th December, at the “St-Michel” community of Bouar, the religious of the four communities of the Vicariate of the Central African Republic held an Assembly.
R.I.P.
On the night of 21 December, Fr. Emiliano Jara SCJ, a 72-year-old Betharramite religious has died. He was a member of the community of the College “San José” of Asunción (Paraguay).
Installation of two religious in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Belo Horizonte
On December 20, on the fourth Sunday of Advent, during the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte, Mgr Joaquim Giovani Mol Guimarães, Bishop in charge of the Episcopal Region "Nossa Senhora da Esperança”, the presence and the pastoral ministry of Fr Francisco de Paula, scj, as Parish Priest, and of Fr Davi Aparecido da Silva Lara scj, as assistant Parish Priest, officially started in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in the district of Nova Granada in Belo Horizonte.
“Il Mosaico” n. 4 - 2020
It was published the new edition of the bulletin “Il Mosaico", newspaper of solidarity, spirituality and culture of the Betharramite Association “Il Mosaico" of the Vicariate of Italy.
Novices’ classes on the topic of “Discernment”
On the 15-16 of December 2020, our novices had the opportunity to learn about “Discernment” by Fr. Miguel Garaizabal SJ, the Superior of the Thai Jesuit Region. The topic was discern the will of God, to understand the call of the Lord Jesus in each person’s life and to know and to understand the vocation more clearly in their life and spiritual journey.
Diaconal Ordination of Br. Serge Appaouh SCJ in Pistoia
On Sunday 27 December 2020, the feast of the Holy Family, Br. Serge Appaouh SCJ was ordained as a deacon by Mgr. Fausto Tardelli, Bishop of the Diocese of Pistoia, in the Betharramite Parish of St Francis in Pistoia.
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