Today, January
20, the day on which the Order commemorates the conversion of Saint John of
God, the Provincial Chapter of the Austrian Province of St. Michael has concluded
the election phase of their Chapter. Following the process of discernment after
the celebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit, Brother Saji Mullankuzhy
was re-elected as Brother Provincial for the next four years. A large group of
Co-workers from the Vienna Hospital and the Provincial Curia took part in the
Eucharist, as well as in the thanksgiving celebration and to congratulate the
Provincial-elect. Brother Saji thanked them for their confidence, the support
he had received during the past few years and their readiness to continue
working for the good of the Province, the Order and above all for the good of
the people we serve.
After a time
of personal dialogue with a number of Brothers during the afternoon session of
the Chapter, the following Brothers were nominated and elected to the
Provincial Council:
First Councillor:
Brother Daniel Katzenschläger
Second
Councillor: Brother Antonius Nguyen
Third
Councillor: Brother Richard Pampuri Jombik
Fourth
Councillor: Brother Nikolaus Deckan
Let us give
thanks to God for this election day, for the work of the Holy Spirit who guides
the history of the Province and of the Order and join in prayer for the new
provincial government.
The capitulars and the hospital community
were joined by the Sisters of the two communities working in the hospital and a
large number of Co-workers of the Provincial Curia and the Hospital. The
Eucharist, at which the Brother Provincial presided, with the homily by the
Brother General, took as its point of reference the anniversary of the Bull
Licet et debito.
Brother Jesús Etayo recalled the importance of this document
in the history of the Order, and highlighted the devoted commitment and
testimony of the first Brothers of the Order. Following the Eucharist, in the
chapter hall, everything required by our rules was performed. Let us join in prayer
for the smooth running of this our first provincial chapter of the new year.
