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Decree of Integration
BR. GIACOMO BINI, O.F.M.
Since the circumstances which led to the establishment of the Byzantine Franciscan Commissariat, later Autonomous Custody, of Saint Mary of the Angels in the United States of America on November 5, 1947 (prot. no. 110/17 Ord.) had altered considerably, and having assessed the prospects for ensuring the future of a life according to the Gospel in brotherhood (Gg Cc 42.ii), the General Definitory, following upon Canonical Visitation conducted by Brother Romano Stephen Almagno, decided that the life and ministry of the friars of the Custody would best be served by working towards incorporation with one of the existing Provinces of the Order of Friars Minor in the United States of America. To this end the General Definitory named the Visitor, Brother Romano Stephen Almagno, as GENERAL DELEGATE (Gg Ss 118.1 and 144; prot. no.085116), conferring on him authority to deal with all matters and decisions regarding the integration of the said Custody within the space of three years. In decreeing these measures the aim and concern of the General Definitory was to safeguard the fifty-year patrimony of the Byzantine Franciscan Custody and to secure the continuance and enhancement of the "splendid witness" (GgCc 12.iji) it offers to the Church and to our Order.
The brothers of the Byzantine Franciscan Custody, guided by the General Delegate, discussed this proposal among themselves and with interested U.S.A. Franciscan Provinces. Then, when gathered in Chapter on April 20-21 1998 the brothers of the Custody, ten in number, voted unanimously to seek integration, while maintaining their Byzantine ethos and apostolate intact, with the Province of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin May, Pulaski, Wisconsin. The Provincial Minister of the Assumption Province, Brother Paul Reczek, officially communicated to the Minister General that the Provincial Definitory of that Province had voted to accept the requested integration and to guarantee the continuance of the Byzantine Rite within the Province.
Having carefully examined the situation and verified that all due process had been followed, in its session of June 13, 1998 the General Definitory. voted unanimously to approve the issue of a decree by the Minister General which would bring about the proposed integration.
Therefore, by this present Letter,
in virtue of the authority conferred on me
and in accordance with the norms of CIC 581, 515; GgCc 170; GgSs 111, 115 . I decree that the
BYZANTINE FRANCISCAN CUSTODY OF SAINT MARY OF THE ANGELS
with headquarters at "Holy Dormition Monastery", Sybertsville, PA,
is fully and totally integrated into the
PROVINCE OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
With headquarters at Pulaski, WI.
All the rights and obligations determined by our legislation, the brothers hitherto enrolled in the Custody, all movable and immovable goods, and an other entitlements and liabilities pertaining to the Custody, are transferred to the Province of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with headquarters at Pulaski, Wisconsin, while the Province for its part undertakes to maintain, support and increment the Byzantine Franciscan Community at Sybertsville, PA, in full and flourishing exercise of its life and apostolate.
Since as a result of the integration of the Custody with the Province of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary all Offices of the Custody cease, the General Definitory, in order to make adequate provision for the life of the friars, has in its session of June 13, 1998 elected Brother JAMES CARROLL as Guardian of Holy Dormition Friary, Sybertsville, PA. I hereby confirm and promulgate this election, which has effect until the next Capitular Congress of the Province. Moreover, the General Definitory requires that as soon as possible the Provincial Definitory of Assumption Province elect the Vicar of Holy Dormition Friary.
Finally, in answer to the request presented by the Byzantine friars, I appoint Brother ANTHONY SKURLA as spokesperson during the first three years of transition. Br Anthony is not a superior and has no jurisdiction; rather, he will act as interlocutor with the General Delegate, the Provincial Minister and the Provincial Definitory.
The Guardian of Sybertsville, Br James Carroll, the spokesperson Br Anthony Skurla, and the General Delegate Br Romano Stephen Almagno, together with the Provincial Minister and his Definitory, are entrusted with the task of considering and resolving all matters arising from the process of integration. The Statutes hitherto in force in the Custody are to be used as "transitory norms", adapted to the altered situation. Special attention is to be paid to the fact that Holy Dormition Monastery is a Byzantine Rite Friary in liturgy and life. Everything possible is to be done to foster fraternal communion and to nurture and enhance the Byzantine ethos of the friary (visits, meetings, mutual acquaintance, etc.). The Provincial Minister will be especially attentive to smooth the path of all the brothers as they learn to journey together.
A mixed Commission will prepare the text of Special Statutes for Sybertsville Friary; these will be submitted to the Provincial Chapter for approval.
This Decree is to take effect on the day of its promulgation by my Delegate, Brother Romano Stephen Almagno.
Contrariis quibuslibet non obstantibus.
Given in Rome, at our General Curia of S. Maria Mediatrice, on June 13, 1998, Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua.
Giacomo Bini OFM
Pieranonio Norcini, OFM |
