J.M.J.
Circular No 245
Talence, June 29th 1958
MY DEAR DAUGHTERS,
During the paternal speech which the Very Reverend Father
General addressed to the Mothers Capitular at the close of the Chapter on July 14th 1957, he spoke as follows:
“The aim of the Chapter, what has characterised it, is that it has been in truth a constitutional work. It was necessary to “remodel” – I do not exactly say “remake” – your Constitutions, to perfect them, to add new articles.”
Now, this constitutional work had to fulfil a double purpose:
Preserve the spirit of the Holy Family in all its purity and integrate this spirit into the new structure.
Faithful echo of the Sovereign Pontiff’s directives that we have already had occasion to quote, the
General Chapter of 1957 has marked for the Holy Family a turning point of history. While safeguarding the continuity with our ever-living past, it wished to prepare a future no less rich in promise. The definite approbation given by the Sacred Congregation of Religious, encourages us to look towards this future with confident serenity.
THE NEW ARTICLES INTRODUCED INTO THE CONSTITUTIONS: CONCERNING PROVINCES AND REGIONAL DISTRICTS
The fundamental amendment of the Constitutions, the one from which the greater part of the other proceed, is the introduction of Provinces to replace the Branches.
Previously, each Branch constituted a distinct juridical entity, governed by a Directress who resided at the Mother House and who was appointed by the Superioress
General in Council. The Branch grouped together all the subjects engaged in the same activity, whether in
France or in other Countries. Each Sister, by her Profession, acquired the right of stability, in the Branch of her choice. She could not be withdrawn from it without her consent.
Henceforth, the Congregation is divided into Provinces, or distinct divisions contained within fixed territorial boundaries. These Provinces are erected by the Superioress
General in Council, with the previous authorization of the Sacred Congregation of Religious. The Provinces may and even should have, as far as possible, different works that are representative of the varied aims of the Institute. These works, normally established in separate houses, are all placed under the authority of the Provincial Superioress who resides in the Province.
Your Good Mother,
Sœur CLAIRE DE JESUS
Superioress
General of the Sisters of the Holy Family.
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