To All Members
of the
Society of the Catholic Apostolate
Dear Confreres,
The Major Superiors of our Society met in Carranza, Spain, from the 2nd to the 10th of October 1996. In accordance with our Legislation this Consultative Congress worked to "promote unity and cooperation... to solve occurring problems and to prepare common plans...for the attainment of new objectives" (LSAC, nn. 131; 367). This was the first general meeting of a new "college of Major Superiors", after the last Provincial/Regional elections.
A process of "Listening - Reflecting - Suggesting" was employed to carefully consider the status of the SAC, the signs of the times, and the next steps to take on our common journey of faith and mission. Listening to one another is the first step toward real understanding. Taking time to pray and reflect assures us of having understood the other and his reality. Only afterwards is it possible to draw conclusions and set new projects in motion.
Particular moments in the Congress dealt with the challenge of the New Evangelization and the coming Jubilee Year 2000. All members are invited to participate in the efforts of the local Churches in this regard and to be creative in developing the Society's own activities.
The initial preparations for the XVIII General Assembly began with discussions at this meeting. The General Council has initiated the procedure for discerning the theme of the Assembly based on those discussions. Further communications wilt be forthcoming to give impetus and direction to this process.
The Consultative Congress was a significant celebration of collaboration. The reflections and sharing confirmed the value and real necessity of collaboration at all levels of the SAC and the UAC. New relationships have already begun as a result. When some of the members expressed particular needs, other confreres joined with them in seeking an adequate response.
The document that follows is both a chronicle of this special event in the Society's life and a message for all members to take to heart. We intend it as an encouragement and an inspiration to every one in his efforts at living out his vocation in communion with all those who seek to live the charism given through St. Vincent Pallotti.
We offer our sincere thanks to all who worked on the preparations and activities of this encounter: the Major Superiors, the hosting Confreres of the Spanish Delegature, the support staff (secretaries, translators, etc.), and Fr. Josef Danko, SAC, who was present at all the proceedings and elaborated the first draft of the message at the invitation of the General Council.
It is our hope and prayer that the collaboration and sharing initiated at Carranza will be confirmed in the same
spirit and will continue with creativity and joy. We entrust our coming efforts to the prayers of Mary, Queen of
Apostles, and of St. Vincent Pallotti.
Rome, 10 December 1996
Séamus Freeman, SAC
Rector General
Bernard P. Carman, SAC
General Secretary