Congregation of Holy Cross Report to the General Chapter, July 2016 1 Page
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The work of the Solidarity Commission is a concrete expression of our internationality and the spirit of brotherhood. It is essential to our mission that we strive to abide so attentively together that people will observe: See how they love one another. We will then be a sign in an alienated world: men who have, for love of their Lord, become closest neighbors, trustworthy friends, brothers. (C. 4, 42) I wish to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the entire Congregation and particularly to the members of the Commission and the General Council for their sacrifices and generosity, which has impacted the work of the Congregation in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Haiti. Respectfully I submit this report to 2016 General Chapter. Fraternally in Holy Cross, Roy Thalackan, CSC Chair, Solidarity Commission Page 3
INDEX Page No. 1) Establishment of the Commission July 2004 : 05 2) Solidarity Fund Contributions : 08 3) Solidarity Fund Grants through July 2009 : 09 4) Directives from 2010 General Chapter : 10 5) Report of the Commission: 2010-16 : 10 6) Fund Investment and Growth through 2016 : 11 7) 3% Tax on sales of real estate: 2010-16 : 13 8) Expenses for the work of the Commission: 2010-16 : 13 9) Fund Allocations: 2010-16 : 14 10) Year-wise Fund Allocations: 2010-16 : 15 11) Region-wise Fund Allocations: 2010-16 : 15 12) Ministry-wise Fund allocations 2010-16 : 16 13) Detailed Project Reports: 2010-16 District of East Africa : 16 District of West Africa : 18 Province of South India : 19 Province of Northeast India : 21 Vicariate of India : 24 Vicariate of Tamilnadu : 25 Sacred Heart Province, Bangladesh : 28 St. Joseph Province, Bangladesh : 30 Province of Haiti : 32 District of Peru : 34 US Province: Mexico : 35 Page 4
Establishment of the Commission, July 2004 The Solidarity Fund and the Solidarity Commission were established by Decree 7 and 8 of the 2004 General Chapter which stated, Decree 7: Establishment of the Solidarity Commission Given the assumptions and goals articulated in the Congregational Planning Process, the Chapter decrees the establishment of a permanent Solidarity Commission. This Commission will report to the Superior General and his Council. The purpose of this Commission is to share financial resources, and to promote interdependence and common purpose among the members of the Congregation. It will also seek to create solidarity and to broaden understanding within and across regions, and set the stage for even more effective collaboration (e.g. networking, communication, human resource sharing, etc.). The members of the Solidarity Commission will assume responsibility for the Holy Cross Solidarity Fund, described below. The Commission will develop policies for the operation of the Fund and will insure accountability in the use of monies. The Commission will study and evaluate proposals. For the disbursement of monies from the Fund, the Commission will make recommendation to the Superior General, who will act with the consent of his Council. The members of this Commission, nine in number and drawn from among the membership of the Congregation, will be appointed by the Superior General with the consent of his Council. They shall come from among the membership of the different planning regions of the Congregation, with a fair representation of priests and brothers who have appropriate expertise and a commitment to the development of the Congregation in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Decree 8: Establishment of the Holy Cross Solidarity Fund The Chapter decrees the establishment of the Holy Cross Solidarity Fund, which will be set up in the following way. A special assessment will be levied on each province and district. It will represent the average of 1) $11,000 per professed member for the Province of France, the provinces of North America and the District of Acadia, and $1,100 per professed member of each province and district in Africa, Asia and Latin America, and 2) a special 7% assessment levied on the available funds of each province and district as has been determined by the Plante Moran resource analysis projections for 2003 for available funds calculated by subtracting liabilities from assets to determine net assets minus land at cost, the depreciated costs of buildings and equipment and permanently restricted assets. These assessments will be paid in equal installments over the course of five years or less. These assessments will create a fund with a capital base of approximately $13,700,000 by 2009. The Superior General, with the advice of the Congregational Finance Commission and the consent of his council can modify the amount or extend the payment period, particularly in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Page 5
Beginning August 1, 2004, a special assessment of 3% will be levied on the proceeds from the sale of real estate owned by any province or district. These monies will be added to the Fund. Current and future contributions to the "Financial Assistance Fund" established by the General Administration in 2001, will be added to the Fund immediately, as will be the interest earned to date on these monies. In collaboration with provinces and mission procures, the Commission and the General Administration will look for additional ways to increase the capital assets of this Fund in future years. The investment and management of the assets of the Fund shall be determined by the Superior General with the consent of his Council and in conformity with the investment policies of the General Administration. The Congregational Finance Commission shall monitor the performance of the Solidarity Fund portfolio. Administrative expenses of the Commission will be charged against the Fund. The Solidarity Commission will use the following guidelines in the consideration of proposals for allocations from the Fund from provinces and districts in Africa, Asia and Latin America: 1. The Commission will begin making recommendation for the disbursement of monies as of March 1, 2006; 2. All requests are to be presented by March 1 of each year, since proposals will only be reviewed annually; 3. Proposals for a minimum of $10,000 may be presented for capital projects and for operational needs of the Congregation (preparation of personnel for formation work, subsidies for the higher education of its members, training people for fund raising, assisting with formation expenses, etc.). The Commission will also consider capital projects from Holy Cross owned or sponsored institutions in Africa, Asia and Latin America; 4. Proposals must include the following information: How the monies will contribute to the mission effectiveness of the Congregation, with a priority for seed money that has long term benefits; how the proposal will strengthen the local Holy Cross religious community and meet a special need of the Church; how the mission priorities of the Congregation are served by the proposal; how many local Holy Cross religious will be involved and in what capacity; what funds have been sought or received, including contributions from foundations and special benefactors, financial resources from the sponsoring district or province, and financial support raised from local resources; a letter indicating the approval of the district superior and his council as well as a letter indicating the approval of the provincial of the sponsoring province for proposals from districts, and a letter indicating the approval of the provincial and his council for proposals from provinces. From 2006 through 2009, an amount equal to 5% of the capital base of the Fund will be available for allocation. Each year after the initial funding is complete, the amount of funds available for allocation will be limited to $1,000,000 in current US dollars or 5% of the total value of the fund, whichever is less, without eroding capital. Page 6
The Commission will be responsible for guaranteeing accountability on the part of the entities that receive funding. To this end, an appropriate and common template will be developed. The Commission will submit an annual report to the Congregation. A complete evaluation and report will be submitted to the 2010 General Chapter. we are challenged to live with greater awareness and responsiveness to the increasing global spread of Holy Cross. We are called to respond openly to interdependence, which spans these borders. In doing so, we have the opportunity to experience borders not as barriers but as bridges, as opportunities. (General Chapter, 2004) Page 7
Solidarity Fund Contributions Province of France 220,235 Indiana Province 3,922,815 Midwest Province of Brothers 1,659,885 Canadian Province of Priests and Brothers 2,206,440 Eastern Province of Priests 1,122,270 Eastern Province of Brothers 1,924,465 English Canadian Province 316,985 South-West Province of Brothers 1,239,405 Province of South India 75,630 Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of Bangladesh 197,580 St. Joseph Province of Bangladesh 59,960 Province of Haiti 33,000 District of India Brothers 45,910 Province of North-East India 42,490 District of East Africa 43,610 District of West Africa 14,650 District of Brazil 48,205 District du Brazil 86,840 District of Chile 71,685 District of Peru 15,320 District of Acadia 321,935 Total $13,669,315 Page 8
Solidarity Fund Grants Through July, 2009* Jurisdiction Project Name Total Grant No. of Years District of East Africa District of West Africa Province of South India Province of Northeast India Vicariate of India Sacred Heart, Bangladesh St. Joseph, Bangladesh District of Peru Province of Haiti Mexico Lake View School Girls Dormitory improvements 10,000 1 Construction of Pastoral Centre at Jinja, Uganda 200,000 4 Boys dormitory at Lake View School, Jinja, Uganda 200,000 2 TOTAL 410,000 Vehicle for Vocations 25,500 1 Travel to further continental planning discussions 7,500 1 Graduate Education for two brothers at Tangaza College 40,000 2 Construction of Holy Cross Scholasticate at Sunyani, Ghana 175,000 1 TOTAL 248,000 Formation Expenses 54,000 3 Construction of Holy Cross Students Home, Goa 95,000 2 Studies in Rome to prepare Novice Director 50,000 3 Specialized Classrooms, Holy Cross School, Somarasampettai 50,000 1 TOTAL 249,000 Expand Holy Cross School, Agartala 222,000 2 Basile Moreau Spirituality Centre, Shillong 200,000 2 TOTAL 422,000 Assist brothers for studies in MSW/B.Ed Degrees 75,000 3 Construction of Catholic Junior College, Whitefields 200,000 2 Promotion of Vocations 15,000 1 TOTAL 290,000 English Program for priests, candidates and seminarians 54,000 3 Formation House, Moreau Seminary 180,000 2 Catholic College Mymensingh 90,000 2 TOTAL 324,000 Support of sabbaticals and higher Education 57,600 4 Construction of residence for Scholasticate, Mohammadpur 366,000 3 Assist in studies for doctoral degree, heritage seminar, etc. 30,390 1 Advanced study, renewal and training of brothers 15,000 1 TOTAL 468,990 Expansion of Lord of Hope Pastoral Centre, Lima, Peru 50,000 2 Development of Lay evangelization team 30,000 2 TOTAL 80,000 Provide Higher Education 75,000 3 Repairs at Scholasticate 12,100 1 Purchase of Generator 11,000 1 Ensemble Scholaire Pere Basile Moreau, Construction of 8 100,000 1 classrooms Support of Higher Studies 50,000 2 TOTAL 248,100 Development of a library and media needs, Formation House, 50,000 3 Monterrey, Mexico TOTAL 50,000 As Reported in 2010 General Chapter TOTAL OF GRANTS AWARDED TO DATE: USD 2,790,090 Page 9
Directives of 2010 General Chapter Decree 29: Solidarity Fund and Solidarity Commission The Chapter decrees that the Solidarity Fund and a Solidarity Commission be continued for the next six years. The Chapter decrees that there be no new assessment to the provinces, vicariates, and districts for this fund over the next six years. The 3% tax on sales of real estate shall be retained during this six year period. The Solidarity Commission will continue to make its annual report to the Congregation. Report of the Commission 2010-16 1) Members of the Commission (2010 13) Roy Thalackan (GA, Chair) Gilbert Lasardo (VI) Chester Freel (MW) Edmond Cruze (SH) James Burasa (IP, EA) John Badu Affum (MW, Ghana) Jose Ahumada (IP, Chile) Jimmy Mathew (SI) Michael Winslow (SW) Pierre Labine (CP) Thomas Lemos (IP) 2) Members of the Commission (2013 16) Roy Thalackan (GA, Chair) Chester Freel (MW) Edmond Cruze (SH) John Badu Affum (MW, Ghana) Jose Ahumada (US, Chile) Jimmy Mathew (SI) Michael Winslow (MP) Pierre Labine (CP) Thomas Lemos (US) Page 10
3) Actions of the Commission The commission held its annual meetings without fail, in Rome. The meetings regularly evaluated the projects presented by the concerned provinces/districts and made its recommendations to the General council for its final approval. The commission also evaluated the projects of the past and their effectiveness. An annual report of the commission was presented to the council of the Congregation and to the entire membership of the Congregation every year. The annual reports included details of the projects supported by the Solidarity Fund and the financial status. 4) Priorities a) Projects meeting the formation needs of the jurisdictions b) Projects that will contribute to the financial stability of the jurisdictions c) Projects that will anchor and expand the Mission effectiveness of Holy Cross in each of the Jurisdictions 5) Evaluation of the Commission Strengths 1) Most of the completed projects have made a remarkable impact on each of the Jurisdictions, especially in terms of meeting formation needs, anchoring Holy Cross and providing a certain financial stability on a long term basis. 2) The assistance from Solidarity Fund served as a startup for many of the projects. 3) Each of the jurisdictions contributed significantly in for the completion of the projects. 4) Most of the income generating projects has been combined with ministry. 5) The Solidarity Commission has enhanced the solidarity and internationality throughout the Congregation. Weakness 1) Not being able to allot funds as requested by each of the jurisdictions. 2) Jurisdictions finding difficult to secure additional resources for the completion of the projects. 3) Lack of planning and ground work by the Jurisdictions and undue delay in the execution of certain projects. 6) Recommendations: a) To the General Chapter 2016 1) That the commission and the fund be continued in the Congregation as a permanent structure to promote interdependence and solidarity within the Congregation and to address the financial disparities. 2) That the funds be utilized for the works of the Congregation in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, while keeping with the 2004 General Chapter guidelines. 3) That every six year, its priorities be outlined by the General council in consultation with the Council of the Congregation. Page 11
4) That the amount of funds available for allocation will be limited to 1.5 million in current US dollars or 5% of the total value of the fund, whichever is less, without eroding the capital. b) For the ongoing work of the Commission That, the three priorities be continued for the work of the commission with emphasis on Mission effectiveness. Efforts may be made to coordinate the work of the commission with the Mission centers in Canada and US. That, the money may be transferred only when the project is ready to commence. If the project money has not been utilized for over a period of two years for reasons beyond, it may be returned to the commission. 31 December be the cut off date to determine the value of the investment and funds available for allocation. That, multiple year funding of the projects be considered That, project expenditures which exceeds the limits set by the Holy See and the General Chapter, seeks permission from the General council before it is presented to the Solidarity Commission. Fund Investment and Growth 2010-16 The funds created during the period 2004 09 through the generosity of all the jurisdictions have grown from $13,669,315 to $ 18,228,546 as of March 31, 2016. During this period the commission has assisted various projects with funds totaling USD 7,442,434. This is a great blessing for our Congregation. Congregation is at an important turning point in history and that we must be open to new possibilities and to new way of doing things. Our religious life is essentially oriented towards mission. This mission is developing in many countries, among many peoples and cultures [this] invites us to explore new paths and to think congregationally rather than provincially. (General Chapter, 2010) Page 12
20,000,000 Solidarity Fund Investment : 2010 16 18,000,000 16,000,000 14,000,000 12,000,000 10,000,000 8,000,000 6,000,000 4,000,000 2,000,000 18,228,546 18,450,563 18,151,833 16,176,209 15,261,147 15,394,087 13,387,670 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 3% Tax on Real Estate: 2010-16 During the period 2010 16, the commission received USD 365,086 as 3% tax on the sale of real estate from various jurisdictions. Total Expenses for the work of the Commission: 2010-16 During the period 2010 16, the work of the commission incurred an expense of USD 88,187. This is mostly for the travel expenses of the commission members for the annual meeting. Page 13
Fund Allocations : 2011 16 Jurisdiction Project Name Total Grant Yrs Status Development of Holy Cross Lake View School (First Phase) 225,000 3 Completed Renovation of Community House, Kyembogo 5,000 1 Completed District of East Africa Construction of Girls Dormitory at Holy Cross Lake View Senior 200,000 1 Ongoing Secondary School, Musima Campus (Second Phase) TOTAL $ 430,000 District of West Africa Construction of Brother Andre H/S, Kasoa 400,000 3 Ongoing Construction of Girls Dormitory, Brother Andre High School, Kasoa, 245,000 1 Project 2016 Ghana TOTAL $ 645,000 Construction of Formation House, Ghanpur 150,000 2 Completed Province of South India Aging and Health Care, Sakalavara 150,000 2 Ongoing Construction of Additional Class rooms at Holy Cross School, 172,026 1 Ongoing Aymanam, Kerala Construction of a Formation House, Katpadi, Karnataka 125,000 1 Project 2016 TOTAL $ 597,026 Construction of Formation House, Agartala 150,000 1 Completed Province of Northeast Additional facilities, Holy Cross school, Agartala 250,000 2 Completed India Completion of Moreau Spirituality Centre, Shillong 175,000 1 Completed Completion of the First Floor of Holy Cross College, Agartala 117,000 1 Completed Construction of undergraduate Formation House, Agartala, open to 200,000 1 Project 2016 the whole of India and Bangladesh TOTAL $ 892,000 Construction of Notre Dame School, Salem 225,000 2 Completed Vicariate of India Notre Dame Auditorium, Notre Dame of Holy Cross School, Salem 300,000 2 Ongoing TOTAL $ 525,000 Infrastructure for HC Matriculation School, Vakkampatty 50,000 1 Completed Vicariate of Tamilnadu Construction of Formation House, Trichy 125,000 2 Completed Construction of class rooms with sanitary provisions for Holy Cross School, Palani, Tamilnadu 150,000 1 Completed Sacred Heart, Bangladesh Construction of additional class rooms, Holy Cross School, Vakkampatti, Tamilnadu 100,000 1 Project 2016 TOTAL $ 425,000 Construction of Bhadun Pastoral Center 50,000 1 Completed Development of Notre Dame College, Mymensingh 205,000 3 Completed New Novitiate Facilities, Sagardi, Barisal 125,000 1 Ongoing TOTAL $ 380,000 Formation of Formator and English Course 35,000 2 Completed St. Joseph, Bangladesh Construction of Residence cum Kindergarten School, Tumilia 125,000 2 Completed Construction of a hostel building for St. Joseph School of Industrial 163,318 1 Ongoing Trades at Narinda, Dhaka Extension of Holy Cross Aspirancy Building, Narinda, Dhakha 75,000 1 Project 2016 TOTAL $ 398,318 Educational Facilities, Limbé 30,106.50 1 Completed Province of Haiti Construction of Kindergarten School, Cazeau Tabarre 100,000 1 Completed Scholarships for studies in Canada 40,000 1 Completed Vehicle and electric system for formation house at Fort Liberte 50,000 1 Project 2016 Completion of the Provincial Centre, Port au Prince 49,893.50 1 Project 2016 TOTAL $ 270,000 District of Peru Remodeling Pastoral Centre, Cano Grande 80,000 1 Completed TOTAL $ 80,000 US Province of Priests Library Facilities for the formation house, Mexico 10,000 1 Completed and Brothers TOTAL $ 10,000 TOTAL OF GRANTS AWARDED 2011 16: USD 4,652,344 Page 14
Year wise Fund Allocations: 2011-16 1000000 900000 800000 700000 600000 500000 400000 300000 200000 100000 0 Region wise Fund Allocations: 2011-16 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 875,000 877,344 675,000 765,000 760,000 700,000 Asia (69%) Africa (23%) Haiti (6%) Peru (2%) Mexico Page 15
Asia $ 3,217,344 Africa $ 1,075,000 Haiti $ 270,000 Peru $ 80,000 Mexico $ 10,000 TOTAL $ 4,652,344 Ministry wise Fund Allocations: 2011-16 Fund allocation 2011 16 Educational Institutions (Income generation and anchoring Holy Cross) (89%) Formation (23%) CSC Facilities (9%) Detailed Project Reports: 2011-16 District of East Africa 1) Development of Lake View Senior Secondary School, Boys Dormitory at Musima campus Solidarity Fund: USD 225,000 (2011, 2012 and 2013) Estimated Cost: USD 1,475,388 Status : Completed Page 16
The project was a major boost to the mission of Holy Cross in East Africa. It involved in part the relocation of the Lake View School to the new campus at Musima. As a first phase, the Boys now make use of the new facilities and they commute to the school using school transportation facilities. Education ranks first in the priority list of Holy Cross. A well equipped school like Holy Cross Lake View will provide wider ministerial opportunities for the members of Holy Cross in the District and the entire Congregation. Quality education will be provided to the young people we serve, and as a result we shall have a well prepared future generation to undertake both the mission of the church and society. Completing the boys dormitory has enabled a modern and safe dormitory and an attractive living space for students that will meet the expectations of parents who want the best living quarters possible for their children. When the entire school is re located to the new site at Musima, it will also contribute to the financial stability of the District. During 2004 09 period the Solidarity Fund contributed USD200,000 towards this project. 2) Renovation of Community House, Kyembogo Solidarity Fund: USD 5,000 (2011) Total cost: USD 6,257 Status: Completed The project enhances the interior facilities of a farm house so as to serve as a community residence for five confreres. The confreres serving at Kyarusozi Parish and at St. Joseph s Hill School will particularly benefit from the facilities of this house. It enhances the work of the community at the parish, school and the farm. 3) Construction of Girls Dormitory, Holy Cross Lake View Senior Secondary School, Musima Campus Solidarity Fund: USD 200,000 (2014) Estimated cost: USD 800,000 Status: On going Page 17
The project is to enhance the education ministry of the District of East Africa. This is the second phase of the project, to relocate the current school to Musima campus. The girls dormitory will house about 500 girl students per school year. The boys dormitory has already been shifted and is functional now. The project is expected to contribute substantially towards the financial stability of the District. Having completed the construction of the Boys dormitory, the next stage of construction was initially set for Girls dormitory in 2014. However, this has to be deferred due to the cost involved in the transportation of the students to the old campus. Accordingly, the construction of the academic class rooms at the new campus will take place immediately and then the construction of the Girls dormitory. The new dormitory for the girls is expected to be completed within the next three years period. District of West Africa, Ghana (1) Construction of the main building for Brother Andre H/S, Kasoa, Ghana (First Phase) Solidarity Fund: USD 400,000 (2012, 2013 and 2014) Estimated Cost: USD 730,000 Status: On going The community in Ghana has been involved in Education ministry since the first religious arrived on the soil of Ghana. Though the District is actively involved in 6 schools, only the technical school at Takoradi is owned by the District. The technical school is the result of a preferential option for the poor. The newly initiated Brother Andre High School will be the only institution which will be owned and operated by the community for both evangelization and income generation ministry for the community. Page 18
The impact of establishing this school is expected to be extraordinary. Brother Andre High School will be sustainable, and will go a long way to solidify the District s ministerial/educational goal of providing holistic education educating both hearts and minds of the students. The first phase involves, first floor of the three floor dormitory block, first floor of the three floor classroom block, and seven bedroom community residence for the brothers. The construction has reached the roof level of the classroom and dormitory blocks as in March 2016. The brothers' residence is the most advanced among the works. The project initiated in 2012 is expected to be completed on July 31, 2016. The contractors are keeping to schedule. Brother Andre High School stands to anchor and expand the Holy Cross educational ministerial presence in Ghana, while simultaneously generating income which will lead the District to improve its financial dependency on the province. (2) Construction of Girls Dormitory, Brother Andre High School, Kasoa, Ghana Solidarity Fund: USD 245,000 Estimated cost: 1,000,000 Project 2016 This is an ongoing program for the development of Brother Andre High School, Kasoa. The construction of class rooms, the boys dormitory, a girls dormitory and the Brothers residence is already underway. The project is for the construction of the girls dormitory. As indicated this project will anchor Holy Cross in Ghana and contribute towards the financial stability of the district. The first session of the school is expected to commence in October 2016. Province of South India 1) Construction of a Formation House, Ghanpur, Andhrapradesh Solidarity Fund: USD 150,000 (2011 and 2012) Total Cost: USD166,666 Status: Completed Page 19
The formation house is completely functional since 2013. It consists of facilities for the integral development of 50 candidates. The candidates are engaged in philosophical studies and undergraduate programs. Currently, Andhrapradesh seems to have a reasonably good flow of vocations for the Church in India while the traditional areas seem to have shown a downward trend. Andhrapradesh is relatively a new mission venture of the Province. The ministries at Ghanpur include a parish, a high school and a formation house in a Dalit area in the District of Warangal. 2) Aging and Health Care Center (St. Andre Home), Sakalavara, Bengaluru Solidarity Fund: USD 150,000 (2013 and 2014) Estimated Cost: USD 450,000 Status: Ongoing The project is for the construction of decent living facilities in Bangalore for the members of all the jurisdictions in India and it will provide for their retirement and assisted living. The construction will be done on property owned by the province of South India at Sakalavara, Bangalore. Once the entire project is completed the facilities will be available to other religious communities as well. By opening the facilities to others, the center will become a possible innovative ministry for the province. It can also be center for hosting various province level programs. The center will then become be a source of income for its upkeep thus contributing to the financial stability of the province. Sakalavara, Bangalore is known for its green belt and well equipped hospitals. To acquire the necessary permissions for the project from the regulatory authorities took a long time. The ground breaking ceremony was held on October 23, 2015. 3) Construction of Additional Class rooms at Holy Cross School, Aymanam, Kerala Solidarity Fund: USD 172,026 (2015) Estimated cost: USD 222,026 Status: Ongoing Page 20
Holy Cross School, Aymanam was established in 2002, in response to the educational needs of the poor in the vicinity of our community at Aymanam, Kerala. The enrolment of children has grown to 527, which in turn require more space and more infrastructures. In order to provide a better quality education and a decent atmosphere, the Provincial and his council following the vision of the chapter envisaged construction of an additional floor to the existing building. By constructing an additional floor, the school will have another 6 class rooms and each toilets for both girls and boys. The province committed itself to education ministry especially in areas where a good number of the people cannot afford an English medium education. The project fits into the province s current ministries in two ways: it is a continuation of the province s commitment to the people to provide their children with quality education at an affordable cost. Sourcing outside finances helps to keep the fees low. Secondly, educational ministry is one of the priority ministries of the province due to the transformational impact it can bring about in the society. Since the province has schools in other areas of the province, taking this school forward also helps the province to engage the trained personnel optimally. The project in some way helps to anchor Holy Cross in the area, which has been the cradle for religious life and in a long term, will contribute to the financial stability of the province. 4) Construction of a Formation House, Katpadi, Karnataka Solidarity Fund: 125,000 Estimated cost: 169,231 Project 2016 The Provincial Chapter of 2015 recognized Katpadi as the best suited location for the college degree studies of the candidates. This is part of re organizing the pre novitiate formation programs in the province. All the students who qualify for their college studies from different states are to be grouped together at this location. However, the existing facilities constructed some thirty two years ago have become inhabitable for the students. Providing a suitable place for the accommodation and training of the candidates will contribute towards the formation effort which is a priority for the province. Province of North East India Page 21
1) Construction of a Formation House, Agartala, Tripura Solidarity Fund: USD 150,000(2011) Total Cost: USD 160,000 Status: Completed The project aims to accommodate the grade 12 student candidates in their initial formation for a period of two years, at Budhjungnagar. Currently, the candidates share the facilities of the boarding students attached to Holy Cross School, Agartala. This hampers the formation program. An average of twenty five candidates takes part in this program. They come from various states of Northeast India. They represent a wide variety of cultures and communities of the Northeast. They will be the future of Holy Cross in Northeast India. The new facilities provide formation for these candidates for their better formation. They will continue their school education at Holy Cross School, Agartala and at St. Andre School, Budhjungnagar, which is accessible from the new formation site. Both these institutions are owned and managed by the Province. At the inaugural ceremony, the director of the program, Fr. Theophilus Sohtun, CSC said, The much long awaited dream to have a proper house for formation young boys have seen the light of day. The present set up has highly enhanced our day today formation program. The formal inauguration and the dedication of the building took place in January 2013. 2) Additional educational facilities for Holy Cross School, Agartala Solidarity Fund: USD 250,000 (2012 and 2013) Total Cost: USD 749,076 Status : Completed Page 22
This project includes construction of additional administrative facilities, seminar halls and class rooms facilities which will enable the school to increase the enrollment of students to 5000. The project enhances the quality of education, especially through better facilities for the staff and the students. It addresses the need of the ever growing demand of the parents and guardians for better facilities for their children. It gives the students an opportunity to excel in their extracurricular activities. Apart from enhancing the quality of education it will contribute financially to the province for its formation and mission needs. Holy Cross candidates who make use of these facilities will also get a better formation. Holy Cross School, Agartala is the bread winner institution for the whole province for its formation and mission needs. As it is the key ministry of the province, this institution will always continue to receive the best attention and anchor not just Holy Cross but the entire Church in Tripura state. 3) Completion phase of Moreau Spirituality Centre, Shillong Solidarity Fund USD 175,000 (2014) Total Cost: USD 630,727 Status: Completed The project has been completed and functions effectively since April 2015 to enhance the quality of Christian life in Northeast India. A series of modules are being organized at the centre for various groups for their integral human development. Programs for wholesome living, enabling leadership, empowering animation of communities and effective management of resources, play a vital role for the various modules. Apart from the organized programs, the centre is also available for group sessions, retreats, chapters and other programs during the free slots. The centre has been renamed as Moreau Institute of Integral Training (MIIT), and it provides a wider scope for its activities. The institute contributes to anchoring Holy Cross in the Northeast through vocation Page 23
promotion facilities and it provides additional income for the province. The Solidarity Commission contributed USD 375,000 towards its cost, including USD 200,000 during 2004 09 periods. 4) Completion of the First Floor of Holy Cross College, Agartala Solidarity Fund: USD 117,000 (2015) Total Cost: USD 587,241 Status: Completed Holy Cross College, Agartala, the first and the only Catholic college in the state of Tripura is the dream project of the Northeast Province. The project aimed at the completion of its first phase of the construction which will enable it to have classes at its new location. The college has been functioning for the last seven years with many constraints as it coexist with the school in Agartala. The work has been completed. Most of the College program now functions at the new campus; in the partially completed building (Another two floors to be constructed, eventually). However, the newly opened, Teachers training program, functions from the old campus of the college attached to Holy Cross School. The newly completed class rooms and other facilities capture the minds and hearts of the students for better academic and intellectual pursuit. The enrolment of the students from 59, when the college opened in 2009, has risen to 562 in 2015. The new facilities have helped much in this growth process. Once the remaining part of the constructions is completed, eventually, the offer of additional courses and facilities can be enhanced. Meanwhile, the college has received its permanent affiliation to Tripura (Central) University. 5) Construction of undergraduate Formation House, Agartala (Open to the whole of India and Bangladesh) Solidarity Fund: USD 200,000 Estimated Cost: USD 788,872 Project 2016 The pre novitiate programs in the province have undergone many changes in the past. From the experiences gained in the past, a new formation program for the undergraduate students is being set up in Agartala. This formation facility is open to the students from the other sectors of the Congregation in India and in Bangladesh. The critical importance of this program is that it is set up in such a way that the students are attached to Holy Cross College, the institution owned by the province. Since the undergraduate program of the college is for a period of three years, there will be about 45 students in a given year from the province itself. It is expected that a minimum of 15 students from other jurisdictions will also participate in this program. By the year 2018 19 there will be approximately 60 students. For the year 2016 17, there are 29 students. The province of Northeast India is blessed with Page 24
vocations from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Formation is a priority for the province. Vicariate of India 1) Construction of Notre Dame Holy Cross School, Salem, Tamilnadu Solidarity Fund: USD 225,000 (2011 and 2012) Total Cost: USD 1,200,000 Status: Completed The school building named as Dujarie Block was constructed in two phases. The first phase of the construction was blessed in July 2012. It has 3 floors with 21 spacious classrooms and 3 mini multi purpose halls. The second phase of the building has another 27 class rooms. Of these 27 class rooms, five will be used for administrative purposes. This facility has been available for the students since 2013. The new facilities have enabled the school to increase is enrolment to 2194 students for the year 2016. Education has always been a major focus of the mission of the Vicariate. Holy Cross Matriculation Higher Secondary School already has a great name and reputation for its academic excellence. Notredame School under a different syllabus (CBSE) will enhance further the anchoring Holy Cross in Salem. This anchoring is expected to contribute in many ways for the growth of the Vicariate, especially with an increase in vocations and financial stability for its varied apostolates especially for Holy Cross Rural Development Centre in Salem. 2) Notre Dame Auditorium, Notre Dame of Holy Cross School, Salem, South India Solidarity Fund: USD 300,000 (2015 and 2016) Estimated cost: USD 2,000,000 Status: Ongoing Page 25
The proposed Auditorium is a strongly felt need of the parents, students and the school management. The auditorium will have multiple facilities for sports, games and for cultural programs. It is designed for a seating capacity 1800. The auditorium will contribute to the quality education with facilities for sports, games and cultural events. This project answers the educational needs of the local people and mainly the people who move to Salem from other parts of India and the local Church by imparting qualitative value based catholic education. Undoubtedly the school contributes to anchor Holy Cross and will provide funding for the various apostolates of the Vicariate. The auditorium is expected to be completed in the year 2017. Vicariate of Tamilnadu 1) Infrastructure for Holy Cross Matriculation School, Vakkampatty, Tamilnadu Solidarity Fund: USD 50,000 (2012) Total Cost: USD 62,463 Status: Completed The project aims at constructing eight additional class rooms to accommodate more students. There is a steady growth of this school, which was started in the year 2008. Construction of the second floor was undertaken with the assistance of Solidarity Fund. The structure has enabled the school to accommodate more students and to fulfill the norms of the local Government to have adequate facilities like library, science labs, staff rooms which were functioning from one single room so far. Holy Cross School at Vakkampatty is a concrete way of empowering the poor and down trodden in society and thus collaborates with the local church to realize this noble cause. The school Page 26
contributes as a source of vocations to religious life, a means for the faith formation and value based education, a prominent places of apostolates of the Province and a base for the training of young religious like regents and deacons. This effort was also aimed at strengthening of Tamil Nadu region which was set to become a separate entity in the Congregation. The project was initiated as part of the Province of South India. The Vicariate of Tamilnadu was established in October 2012. Holy Cross School Vakkampatty contributes much for anchoring Holy Cross in Tamilnadu and towards its financial stability. 2) Construction of a Formation House, Trichy Solidarity Fund: USD 125,000 (2013 and 2014) Total cost: USD 240,000 Status: Completed One of the main reasons for the establishment of the Vicariate of Tamil Nadu is to promote more vocations to Holy Cross. As the present formation house is inadequate. A new house of formation at Fatimanagar with a capacity for 50 candidates was constructed. The candidates undergo a two year candidacy program using this new faciltiy. As the Church in Tamil Nadu is still a favorable place for promoting vocations to religious life and priesthood the Vicariate has formation as the priority. The vicariate takes advantage of the prevailing situation for the recruitment of as many young people as the house can accommodate and accompany them effectively. The new facility at Fatimanagar is spacious, closer to educational institutions and it is located in a rural area with a good ambience for catechetical, educational and integral initiation of the candidates to Holy Cross. The construction work was completed in May 2015. There are 23 candidates during the current year. The facility is also designed to serve multiple needs of the vicariate. This includes chapters, retreats, assembly, commission meetings and vocation camps. The 2015 Vicariate chapter was held at this new facility. 3) Construction of class rooms with sanitary provisions for Holy Cross School, Palani, Tamilnadu Solidarity Fund: USD 150,000 (2015) Estimated cost: USD 390,437 Status: Completed Page 27
The project aims at building 21 class rooms, one office, computer and library rooms and sanitary facilities for the school. Holy Cross School, Palani was established in the year 2014. Palani is closely associated with Holy Cross through Fr. Philip Payant, CSC who left indelible marks on the life of people. However, Palani still lacks a decent catholic educational institution and Holy Cross can provide this since our presence is also well known here. The Holy Cross presence and visible ministry of education enhances inter religious dialogue and bring about goodwill among people. Many of the young religious who are interested in education ministry will have the opportunity to develop their talents and to reach out to the students for educational excellence. This school will open the doors for promoting vocations and intense evangelization in the Palani region through the many rural students who will make use of the facility. The new facilities were blessed and inaugurated in January 2016. The project, apart from providing quality educational services to the most deserving population, will also anchor Holy Cross in the area. Once the school becomes fully operational, it will also contribute to the financial stability of the Vicariate. 4) Construction of additional class rooms, Holy Cross School, Vakkampatti, Tamilnadu Solidarity Fund: 100,000 Estimated cost: 348,380 Project 2016 Holy Cross Matriculation School at Vakkampatty is the second largest school in the Vicariate of Tamil Nadu. The school was opened in the year 2008 in a rural area for the Congregation s work among the poor and less privileged sections of the society. Since then the school has been growing in leaps and bounds and the current student enrolment is 1170. For the academic year 2016 17 the expected enrolment will be 1300 students. Currently, there is one main block which has many class rooms, the principal's office, school office, laboratory, staff room and sports room. For a growing school this is far from the standard requirements and also falls short of norms set by the education department. Hence the school needs additional class rooms with labs and sanitary provisions to run the school. The Second Chapter of the Vicariate of Tamil Nadu held in October 2015 mandated raising the school into a Higher Secondary School. This entails construction of additional class rooms with lab facilities and sanitary provisions before beginning Higher Secondary classes. The growth of the school enables anchoring Holy Cross in Tamil Nadu and it contributes towards the financial stability of the Vicariate. Sacred Heart Province, Bangladesh Page 28
1) Construction of Bhadun Pastoral Center Solidarity Fund: USD 50,000 (2011) Estimated cost: USD 377,857 Status: Completed Bhadun is situated just outside the city of Dhaka, where the existing facilities are used for many youth programs. Currently, the young people are accommodated in dormitories for their programs. The development of Bhadun Pastoral Center includes such facilities as a chapel and private, semi private rooms suitable for adults participating in ongoing catechetical and spiritual education. This is a great contribution for the Church in Bangladesh initiated by Holy Cross. 2) Development of Notre Dame College, Mymensingh Solidarity Fund: USD 205,000 (2012, 2013 and 2014) Estimated cost: USD 1,197,000 Status: Completed At the request of Bishop Paul Kubi, C.S.C., the province decided in chapter to undertake the establishment of a new college in Mymensingh. The mission area, began by Holy Cross, entered its second century. Holy Cross administers 4 parishes in this tribal Diocese and has been very involved in the primary and high school education. College Education in the area signals greatly the Holy Cross commitment to the Diocese and people. This in turn will anchor Holy Cross in the tribal area of the country where there is a flow of vocations currently. The construction work of Notre Dame College, Mymensingh was initiated on March 1, 2013. During the previous year the construction of the boundary wall and filling work were completed. The construction work included a main academic building and a residence for the priests who will work in the college. The academic building is threestoried building with six floor foundation and the residence building is three floor building with four floor foundation. Page 29
The college begun to function on 2nd July, 2014 with 656 students, 18 teachers, 12 staffs and 3 Holy Cross priests at the institution. The official opening and blessing of the building was held in January 2015. 3) New Novitiate Facilities, Sagardi, Barisal Estimated cost: USD 407,439 Solidarity Fund: USD 125,000 (2015) Status Ongoing Holy Cross Novitiate is a joint novitiate for the Brothers and Priests in Bangladesh. It is located in Barisal since 1958. The building was initially constructed for a small local community of Sisters and then taken over by Holy Cross. The present facilities have served for 45 years without being changed. The present facility has one dormitory for all the novices, a small storage room, a combined small office/library, one classroom with benches, a very small chapel and one small room each for director and assistant. The kitchen is primitive and the dining room very small. There is no common recreation room. It is an extremely simple and now inadequate for the integral formation of the novices. A new facility is needed to create a proper atmosphere for study, prayer, building community, deepening of spiritual life. The better formed the novices are, the better their foundation in religious life, the more solid and effective they will be later in their apostolic life. The new facilities are to be constructed in a phased manner that will be helpful to have better and effective formation of the novices. St. Joseph Province, Bangladesh 1) Formators program and One Year English special course for the aspirants Solidarity Fund: USD 35,000 (2011 and 2012) Status: Completed Page 30
The one year English course is organized for the aspirants who join after taking their Secondary School Certificate Examination. Most of these students come from remote villages and mastery of the knowledge of English language at an early stage is required for their long term formation in Holy Cross. Experience shows that this program has been very essential and successful. Additionally, the training of a formator was also accomplished through this project. 2) Residence and Kindergarten School, Tumilia Solidarity Fund: USD 125,000 (2013) Total cost: USD 192,124 Status: Completed Brothers have been working at Tumilia Boys High School since 2005. Initially they were commuting back and forth from the residence at Nagari. Then from April 2012, they moved to Tumilia and started living with the diocesan priests with the hope that in the future a separate residence will be constructed. Accordingly a plot of land was purchased adjacent to the school for the purpose of building the residence. Since it s a school in a village setting, the remuneration of the Brothers is very meager. Therefore, the council planned to build a residence cum kindergarten for the Brothers to live in a section of the building and use another section for a kindergarten school to generate some income to subsidies their financial needs and possibly contribute to the province s revenue. The Tumilia residence was inaugurated in 2014. As part of the project, a Kindergarten school is also to be constructed at Tumilia. However, due to various reasons, this location has been shifted to Pawran, near Nagari. The responsibility for this construction rests with the Province. Work is already underway for the construction and the opening of a Kindergarten school at Pawran. 3) Construction of a hostel building for St. Joseph School of Industrial Trades at Narinda, Dhaka Solidarity Fund: USD 163,318 (2015) Estimated cost: USD 524,494 Status: Ongoing Page 31
The project envisages the construction of a new hostel building for the students of St. Joseph s Industrial Trades at Narinda. The existing hostel, constructed in the year 1952, is almost falling apart. The project also envisages facilities for a Kindergarten school, which could generate income as well for the province, apart from providing quality education to the students. The hostel students are extremely poor, and it is a ministry of the province directly serving the poor in the country. This is one of the most appropriate ministries of the province directly serving the poorest of the poor in the country. Although the hostel is only for Catholic students, other outside students do receive a technical education from the school and thus gives an opportunity to the hostel boys to mingle with them and fostering inter religious dialogue with them, which is also a very important issue in a multi religious country like Bangladesh. The project will address three needs: (1) Residential facilities of the Catholic students who study in this school; (2) Classroom and Hall room need of the school for all students; and (3) Classrooms for KG school students. Classrooms will be used for KG school students in the morning and by Technical school students in the afternoon. In order to generate income for the school, which in turn is income for the province we are planning for a small KG school. This income will help the trade school financially to support its activities such as providing technical training, food, and lodging at a reduced cost because these students (for technical education) mostly come from very poor section of the society. 4) Extension of Holy Cross Aspirancy Building, Narinda, Dhakha Solidarity Fund: USD 75,000 Estimated cost: USD 90,000 Project 2016 In the recent past there has been an increase in number in the flow of candidates to Holy Cross Brothers in Bangladesh. As part of the initial formation program, an year of special program was introduced with intensive coaching in English language before beginning the college program. Currently this program and the pre novitiate program are held at the same house. The extension of the Holy Cross Aspirancy building will enable the province to accommodate more students for their initial stage of formation. This will result into a higher number of religious in the Province enabling the Province to be more effective in its mission. Province of Haiti Page 32
1) Development of School at Limbé Solidarity Fund: US$ 30,106.50 (2011) Status: Completed Limbe is a developing city and it is already rated as the second important city in the department of North after Cap Haitien. Taking into account Holy Cross excellent reputation in education, further development of the school at Limbe is undertaken on a priority. The first step towards this is to purchase an adjoining piece of land, which is available. The school will be developed into a secondary level. Presently there is no Catholic secondary school in the city of Limbe. The school is many ways is a land mark for the growth of Holy Cross. As part of the development of the school, an adjoining piece of land has been purchased. It is hoped that this will contribute to the expansion projects of the school. 2) Higher Education program in Canada Solidarity Fund: USD 40,000 (2013) Total cost: USD 52,150.96 Status: Completed In view of the establishment of Teachers Training Institute in Haiti, confreres need to be qualified through higher education. The institute will offer quality formation to the teachers. Higher education of the confreres is very critical for the work of the Institute. This is why young religious have been selected to study at the University of Montreal, Canada. The Institute of Supérieur Marcel Bréard (ISMB) is developed with the technical support from the Alliance for Catholic Education at Notre Dame. 3) Construction of a new Kindergarten School, Cazeau Tabarre, Port au Prince Solidarity Fund: USD 100,000(2013) Total cost: USD 116,508.21 Status: Completed Page 33
The long term goal of the project is to join three schools as one institution at Cazeau Tabarre. The Kindergarten, Primary (elementary school) school and a secondary school are to be constructed gradually. The construction of the Cazeau Tabarre Kindergarten school is the first step. Cazeau Tabarre area is a potential place for investments since more and more young couples are moving to this suburb. Families from the middle class have their children go to schools far from Cazeau Tabarre because there are not many high standard schools there. It takes to the students up to four hours every day to go back and forth to school. A good school in this area will fulfill their need for a good education. This school is expected to contribute financially to its own development and to the financial self sufficiency of the Province in the long run. It will contribute to the growth of our Congregation, especially its charism of education. A high standard School in Port au Prince is a good means to expand our mission as educators in the faith. The province has already envisioned having a significant presence in Port au Prince area. This is very important for the future of the Congregation in Haiti and for vocation promotions. The initial construction work has been completed and the first session of the school began in September 2015. The works included class rooms, security wall, electrical installation, sanitary blocks and other land developments. Benefactors through the University of Notre dame have also assisted in this project. This enables the school with further construction works as the school makes its progress. 4) Vehicle and electric system for formation house at Fort Liberte, Haiti Solidarity Fund: USD 50,000 Estimated cost: USD 57,291 Project 2016 The current vehicle at the formation house is eleven years old and it often breaks down hindering the activities and the formation programs. At times it has even risked the life of the postulants and the formators. There is also a serious problem with regard to the electricity. The country as such faces severe shortage of electricity. The project aims at alternative source of energy through solar panel installations. 5) Completion of the Provincial Centre, Port au Prince, Haiti Solidarity Fund: 49,893.50 Estimated cost: USD 228,848 Project 2016 The reconstruction of the provincial centre was started after the earthquake in 2010. However, it has not been completed due to the lack of funds. For the last two years no work has been undertaken. This has created many inconveniences for the provincial Page 34
administration for its effectiveness and for the visiting members of the province and guests. In the incomplete building, the ground floor is used for the office works of the province. The project aims to complete the provincial centre with necessary fittings and make it fully operational. Our calling is to serve the Lord Jesus in mission not as independent individuals but in a brotherhood. (C.3, 33) District of Peru Remodeling of the Pastoral Center at Canto Grande, Lima, Peru Solidarity Fund: US$ 80,000 (2011) Estimated cost: USD 119,820 Status: Completed The work has been completed and the Señor de la Esperanza Parish has become the Anchor of the Holy Cross presence and mission in Peru. Its Pastoral Center, named for the Latin American Martyrs has a special canonical status. It is the largest parish in the country (in terms of population), located in the largest municipal district, in one of the most interesting dioceses and is the nerve center for countless pastoral institutions, programs and activities of the Congregations at the service of the parish, the episcopal vicariate and the dioceses. US Province of Priests and Brothers Library facilities for the formation house in Mexico Solidarity Fund: US$ 10,000 Status : Completed Page 35
This is part of a project that was initiated in 2008; USD 10,000 is the final instalment. The library established is very impressive and is a great resource for those in formation, for Holy Cross men and others. Many have commented that the library is better than the one at the Major Seminary for the Archdiocese. Our mutual respect and shared undertaking should be a hopeful sign of the kingdom, and they are when others can behold how we love another. (C.2, 11) Page 36