XX Extraordinary Chapter of the Province of the Holy Cross

From 8 to 10 of January, 2008, there was held the XX Extraordinary Chapter of the Province of the Holy Cross. The reason of this Chapter was the election of the former Superior Provincial, Most Rev. João Carlos Seneme, as Auxiliary Bishop of Curitiba, PR. As bishop, he left the govern of the Province and so it was necessary to elect a new Provincial Council. The confreres who attended for right were 7, and for election 23. All gathered in Santana Farm (the Brazilian Retreat House and Conference Center) spending the 3 days in prayers, reflections and plenary meetings.

The presence of the Superior General, Fr. Andrea Meschi and the General Councillor, Fr. José de Souza Primo were reasons of kind encouragement to the members of the Chapter, and fruitful help to the activities in course.

There were held 4 plenary meetings. In the first, there was the preparation for the Chapter, with the choice of secretaries, vote collectors and the declaration of legitimacy of the presence of all who were called upon. In the second session there was read the report of the years 2006-2007 in the sectors of religious life, initial and permanent formation, pastoral and economy. In the third session there were examined some aspects of the legislation of the Province.

The fourth session was dedicated to the election of the new Superior Provincial and his Council. After several voting, there were elected: Fr. Aparecido Neres Santana, Superior Provincial; Fr. Mário José Filho, Provincial Vicar and 1^st Councillor; Fr. Leobino Rodrigues Rocha, 2^nd Councillor; Fr. José Tadeu Aguiar Lima, 3^rd Councillor; Fr. Nelton João Pezzini, 4^th Councillor.

May the Divine blessings and gifts be with this new Provincial govern in the great responsibility they are assuming, and make fruitful the service they render to our confreres.