News 2020
Vocation promotion in Vietnam
On January 6, the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Fr Albert Sa-at Prathansantiphong SCJ, priest-in-charge of the community of Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), shared a significant moment with the family of a student - present in our community for vocational discernment - and some parishioners.
NEF January 2020
“We go out, in community, to meet life in the margins”. «The Betharramite is either a missionary, or he is not. We are all conscious that any mission answers a call, a sending. It is not only a personal taste, but a Fiat Voluntas Dei, an adhesion to God’s will.» (Fr. Tobia Sosio SCJ)
The Vicariate of Thailand starts the new year on an upbeat note…
On January 9, in Ban Betharram, Chiang Mai, the religious of the Vicariate of Thailand gathered for their traditional monthly meeting.
The celebration of Pongal, the harvest festival
The community of Betharram Formation House, Mangalore, celebrated the harvest festival (called Pongal) of Tamil Nadu on 15th January 2020 in the presence of Rev. Fr. Arul Gnana Prakash SCJ, the Regional Vicar of India and Rev. Fr. Vipin SCJ the Scholastic Master.
In memoriam ...
On 30 January, in Kalaguera (Ivory Coast) Mr. Coulibaly Pegnon André, father of Br Gilbert Coulibaly SCJ (of the community of “St Michael” of Bouar - Central African Republic) has died. He was 80 years old.
An Archbishop comes to call
On Thursday 16 January Archbishop Bernard Longley came to The Friary Olton for a mass of thanksgiving.
The new Board of Directors of the "Au Cœur du monde" Association has been elected
The "Au cœur du monde" Association, which is an expression of the religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Betharram, is an association which aims to help and support the mission of religious of Betharram both in France and abroad, in favor of the poorest people, providing them with both spiritual and material help.
Significant event for the Vicariate of India
Rev. Fr. Enrico Frigerio SCJ, The Regional Superior of St. Miriam Region, visited Betharram Formation House, Mangalore, from 28th January 2020 to 30th January 2020. As part of his visitation, there was a monthly recollection in the community. During the homily Fr. Enrico SCJ mainly emphasized on the theme “Going out of oneself: the first requisite for going on mission.” He encouraged everyone in the community to go forward as a community for mission that is entrusted to us. One must cultivate his own interest and desire in rendering the service to the church.
“Amici” n. 33 - February 2020
It was published the new edition of the bulletin of the Association "Amici", for the missionary animation of the Vicariate of Italy.
R.I.P.
Yesterday, February 8, we received the sad news of the death of Fr. Gilbert Koffi Kouman, a priest of the Ivory Coast, formerly a Betharramite religious. He died of cardiac arrest. He was 54 years old.
Snapshots of the life of the Vicariate
On 4th February 2020, 8 of our brothers (3 from Vietnam & 5 from India) entered joyously into Postulancy. Rev. Fr. Enrico Frigerio SCJ, the Regional Superior of St. Miriam Region, prepared them with a recollection talk, adoration and the sacrament of Reconciliation.
NEF February 2020
“We go out in community to meet life and the various peripheries with a simple style, which implies joy, humble availability, responsibility and industriousness.” (Fr. Gustavo Agín scj)
Meeting of Superiors and Bursars in the Vicariate of France-Spain
A meeting of the Superiors and Bursars of the community of the Vicariate of France-Spain took place on Thursday 20 February in the “Our Lady of Betharram" community.
In memoriam…
On February 24rd, the brother of Fr Alberto Pensa SCJ, of the community of Ban Pong - Phayao (Vicariate of Thailand), Mr. Paolino Pensa died suddenly at the age of 79, at Lierna (Italy).
In memoriam…
We know that on February 10, Mr Borghetti Egidio, brother of Fr Livio Borghetti SCJ, of the community of Albiate (Vicariate of Italy) passed away at the age of 94, in Rho (Milan - Italy).
Canonical visit of the Superior General to the Vicariate of the Holy Land
Fr. Gustavo Agín SCJ, Superior General, began his official visits to Region of St. Michael Garicoïts from the Vicariate of the Holy Land (1- 12 February).
“Betharramitas” No. 1 - February/March 2020
You can read online the No. 1 (February/March 2020) of the magazine of the Vicariate of Argentina-Uruguay “Betharramitas”.
Calamuchita 2020
As every year, before plunging into their activities, the religious of the Vicariate of Argentina-Uruguay are planning a meeting for reflection, prayer and togetherness.
The Cardinal pays a visit to the Betharramite Parish of Bimbo (RCA)
On March 1, the first Sunday of Lent, the Cardinal of Bangui, Mgr. Dieudonné Nzapalainga, visited the new parish "Notre Dame de la Visitation" entrusted to the pastoral care of the Congregation.
Vicariate Assembly Based on the Theme of this Year: Going out in community, to meet the life in the margins.
On 2nd, 3rd and 4th of March 2020, the Members of the Vicariate of England gathered together at Shallowford Retreat House in Stone to hold the Vicariate Assembly.
NEF March 2020
“Let us help to reform and renew the missionary sense of the whole life and activity of the Church. Let us do it with the testimony of happy religious, bearers of salvation, so that the world may believe in the proclamation and sanctify itself: just as Saint Michael Garicoïts wanted it. Let us plant and water. As for the rest...., as always: the Lord will do it.” (Fr. Gustavo Agín scj)
“Subjected to every kind of hardship but never distressed” (2 Cor 4:8)
The serious situation that the covid-19 has triggered starting from the eastern parts of the world, is progressively and inexorably reaching all the countries of the planet.
On the feast of St. Joseph…
On the occasion of the feast of St. Joseph, Father Gustavo Agín scj, Superior General, sent a letter to the communities and families...
In memoriam…
On March 19, at the age of 92 years, Mr. Pietro Pensa, brother of Fr Alberto Pensa (community of Ban Pong - Phayao, Vicariate of Thailand) died in Lierna (Lecco - Italia).
St.Patrick's Day in Nottingham
On 17th March we celebrated St.Patrick's Day Mass at Our Lady and St.Patrick Church, The Meadows Nottingham.
R.I.P.
This morning Terence Gerard Sheridan (1935-2020) died at home in Glastonbury Southwest England.
"How marvellous are the works of God! How beautiful life is when we think of the wondrous things That are truly His”
Yes by the grace of God and his great love. We Betharram Fathers started a new mission in Assam Simaluguri village Pramila. The aim of our mission is to educate the new generation in Christ.
In memoriam…
Today we received the news that Mrs Clotilde Silvero, 87 years, sister of Mgr. Claudio Silvero SCJ, Betharramite Bishop and Emeritus Auxiliary of Encarnación, passed away.
R.I.P.
April 9 - Early this morning, Holy Thursday, Feast of Priesthood, Fr Celeste Perlini SCJ has died. He was 90 years of age and 71 years of religious life.
NEF April 2020
“The encounter with the Risen One who makes fears disappear. His Spirit burns in our hearts and propels us to mission. Behold the Son is coming, to do the will of God: “He is the Lord.” It is the dawn of a new time. Christ breaks through the walls of our unbelief and brings us Peace.” (Fr. Gustavo Agín scj)
“Il Mosaico” n. 1 - 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.
Renewed of the vows in India…
On April 7, 2020 on the third day of the Annual Retreat of the Maria Kripa Community (Mangalore) , Br.Pobitro and Be.Avinash renewed their vows of Chastity Poverty and Obedience into the hands of Fr Pascal, delegated by the Regional Superior.
R.I.P.
Today, Thursday 23 April, after a long illness, Fr Angelo Pajno SCJ has made his final "Here I am” and went back to the Lord. Fr Angelo was 88 years of age and 68 years of religious life. He was a member of the community of “St Michael” of Albavilla (Vicariate of Italy).
In memoriam…
On April 29, Mr. Paolo Franchi (aged 64), Fr. Giuseppe Franchi's brother, of the community of Ponte a Elsa (Vicariate of Italy), returned to the house of the Father.
In memoriam ...
On April 27, Mr. Marc Girard, former director of the college of Limoges, passed away.
“Amici” n. 34 - May 2020
It was published the new edition of the bulletin of the Association "Amici", for the missionary animation of the Vicariate of Italy.
Novena for the feast of St Michael Garicoits
As a preparation for the upcoming feast of St. Michael Garicoits (May 14), the Vicariate of France-Spain has released a text for the celebration of the novena.
NEF May 2020
“Good Father Garicoits lived fascinated by a Jesus who freely gave his divine life to humanity and did so without reservation, without wasting time, without turning back, …continuously and for love. Mystic of the heart of Jesus, he drank from his open side, and taught his own followers to do the same, so that when evangelising, the stream of the water of Life would arise in the mission countries.” (Fr. Gustavo Agín scj)
Renewal of vows
On May 13, three of our brothers renewed their religious vows in the formation house of Ban Garicoits, Sampran (Vicariate of Thailand).
Feast of St Michael Garicoïts in the world...
The feast of St Michael Garicoïts, on 14 May 2020, in spite of the lockdown due to the pandemic, was nevertheless full of ideas and initiatives.
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.
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