News - June 2017

Christopher John elected minister general SSF

European Province: James Douglas first profession; Gwenfryd Mary celebrates 50th anniversary of profession; Christine James and Chris 25th anniversary of profession. 

Province of the Divine Compassion: Raphael life profession. 

Papua New Guinea Province: Oswald receives New Year's honour. 

Minister General SSF

The General Secretary SSF writes:  I can now announce that Br. Christopher John SSF has been elected as the next Minister General SSF, following the conclusion of the term of office of Clark Berge on 1st July. A count was taken in May of the final voting round with Bishop Stephen Cottrell presiding (as deputed by the Protector General Jon Bruno) and Sue CSF acting as scrutineer. As in the previous two nomination rounds Christopher John received the most votes by a substantial margin. However, the number of votes received was not quite enough to ensure an absolute majority of votes cast, as required by the Constitution in its current proposed form (2011). Due to the imminently approaching First Order Chapters and the need to prepare for these meetings, Samuel, the second placed candidate, offered to stand down from the election process. Bishop Stephen accepted this suggestion and gave the election of Christopher John his approval. This also meets the Constitutional requirement (10.6) that ‘The election shall be begun and completed within a period of nine months,’ the process having begun in early October 2016.

So congratulations to Christopher John, and prayers for him as he takes on this responsibility; and many thanks to Clark Berge for his ten years of dedicated service in this role.

Thanks also to Alfred Boonkong and Samuel for being willing to take part in this process.

European Province

Br. James Douglas’ profession will take place at Hilfield Friary on Saturday 8th July at 12:15pm. If you wish to stay over we have provisionally booked bed spaces from Friday 7th -Sunday 9th July. However please let Suzie at Hilfield know asap as we only have six spaces left. If you need to arrange a lift from Sherborne station if at all possible get there in time for a 3:30pm pick up. If you are coming for the day then again please let Hilfield know so they know how many people to cater for.

Gwenfryd Mary’s 50th anniversary of Profession will be on 14th July. Sue plans to visit her in Aberaeron on 7th-8th July, following the ARC Conference at Lee Abbey. If sisters or brothers wish to send greetings for Gwenfryd’s anniversary it would be best to send them to Sue at Southwark to arrive by 3rd July, or to Sue by email, so that she can assist Gwenfryd to receive them and to celebrate her Jubilee when she visits.

Christine James and Chris celebrate 25 years in Profession on 1st July. Congratulations!

Province of the Divine Compassion

Br Raphael Suh was elected to Life Profession at the recently completed PDC Eastertide Provincial Chapter at the friary in Annerley, Brisbane on Tuesday 25 April 2017. He also asked to change his name from Raphael Suh to Raphael. Br Raphael made his life vows at St Philip's Church, Annerley before Bishop John Stead, the Bishop Protector at the Concluding Eucharist of the Chapter in the presence of the Brothers, Tertiaries and friends from the parish on Thursday 27 April 2017 at 4.45 pm. This was followed by a celebratory meal at the local Chinese restaurant with the Third Order as they gathered for their Chapter. There will be another celebration in Korea of thanksgiving for the Life Profession at a later date.

Papua New Guinea Province

Br. Oswald was awarded New Years Honours by the Goverment of PNG for 'Services to the community in Oro Province and the Anglican Church'. Congratulations Oswald!