Gregorian News
August 8th, 2011
The Brotherhood of Saint Gregory celebrated its 42nd Anniversary of Foundation from July 18th to the 23rd as the brothers gathered for Annual Convocation and Chapter at Mount Alvernia Retreat and Conference Center in Wappingers Falls, New York. Gregorian Friars from around the world participated, from as far away as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. This annual week together serves as a refresher course in living the vocation the brothers share, centering upon the Brotherhood’s Rule of Life and how that Rule is experienced and developed through each friar’s gifts and experiences. The Brotherhood’s Episcopal Visitor, the Rt Rev Rodney R Michel of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, was present for the week, celebrated the Solemn Convocation Mass, preached on the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene and attended each of the week’s events, which was a great blessing to everyone present.
Daily workshops featured a wide variety of interesting topics, including “Singing the BSG Noonday Office;” “A Gregorian-Inspired Approach to Panel Interviewing,” in response to a request by the Brotherhood’s Council; “The Gospel and Politics;” “Congregational Ministry and Leadership in the Age of Super Anxiety;” and “Brothers Acting as Local Encouragers for the Ministry and Mission of the Whole People of God.” Interspersed between these workshops, the brothers attended to the community’s business as the five provinces met individually and two of which elected new Ministers Provincial; the Chapter held its annual meeting, and Br William David Everett (Massachusetts), Director of Postulants and Novices and assisted by Br Francis Sebastian Medina (California), worked with those in their charge together with their assigned mentors. Over the course of the week seven brothers renewed their Annual Vows of Profession, each in the presence of their Minister Provincial and the community’s Minister General.
The religious life is celebrated most personally through the Rites of the Brotherhood and this year was as busy as any. Two friars made their Life Profession of Vows: Brs Enoch John Valentine (Rhode Island) and Ron Fender (East Tennessee); and two novices made their First Profession of Vows: Brs Blane Frederik van Pletzen-Rands (Western New York) and James Patrick Hall (Oklahoma). Earlier in the week a postulant was received into the novitiate: Br Richard Edward Helmer (California); three men were admitted into the postulancy: Messrs Harold L Slatore (San Diego), Eric L Shelley (Southwestern Virginia) and Larry W Reich (East Tennessee). Additionally, Br Thomas Mark Liotta (New York) was Commissioned as Minister Provincial of Province 2, Br Thomas Lawrence Greer (East Tennessee) was Commissioned as Minister Provincial of Province 4, and Br Richard Matthias (Ottawa, Canada) was Commissioned as the community’s Cellarer, holding responsibility for securing refreshments during convocation gatherings.
