A more social environment suits some

By Msgr. Pedro Lopez-Gallo

In my last article I wrote about Angelo, who at the end of his temporary profession in the Carthusian Order he had first entered decided he was unfit for such an austere life and could not make his perpetual profession. He applied to and was admitted into a congregation which was less rigid and severe.

Under the old Code of Canon Law of 1917, a change even from a lenient to a stricter institute could be very difficult, and it should be done only with the authorization of the Holy See.

Today, canon 684 S1 of the new code states that members who have professed perpetual vows cannot transfer from one religious institute to another except by permission of their major superiors, with the consent of their respective councils.

The commission which prepared this canon decided to retain the negative formulation of the old code to make it clear that such a transfer must be understood as something exceptional, but the authorization of the Vatican is not necessary. It is sufficient that permission is granted by their superiors, after the councils give consent.

The candidate must again, however, undertake a probationary period of at least three years in the new institute. Once again this period provides the religious with the opportunity to understand the demands of the new way of life, and it provides the institute with sufficient time to find out if the candidate is suitable for the new congregation. It is not necessary to repeat the novitiate.

Angelo was happy with the more social environment, with frank conversation among his new confreres. His devotion never diminished, and he continued to be a good example for others. He was also happy as he prepared for the priesthood, dedicating long hours to the intense study of philosophy and theology as it had been taught by St. Thomas Aquinas.

He had a few more difficult moments as he faced the prospect of being posted to the Third World. In the depths of his heart he was afraid of the extreme poverty in underdeveloped countries, especially after experiencing affluence, working in a prestigious law firm and dining in the finest restaurants.

It was at these moments that the Gospel gave him strength and fortitude, bringing to mind the words of Jesus that had pushed Angelo forward: "What profit can one have, even if he gains the whole world, yet loses his soul?"

In spite of his apprehension he was filled with such spiritual joy that the religious life was easy for him. It was a source of advancing in his perfection.

Difficulties, however, were not absent in Angelo's new community. One day he was called to see the rector, who explained that an accusation had been brought against him of having sinned against chastity. This was a painful surprise to him, and he strongly denied it. The rector was moved by Angelo's sincere humility.

Only later was it discovered that Angelo suffered from somnambulism and had been sleepwalking through the corridors some nights, talking and even opening the doors to the garden. Of course he remembered nothing when he was awake.

After a thorough investigation the superiors were convinced Angelo was innocent, that he had been falsely accused of roaming at night to solicit impure acts. Even when he was cleared, he remained peaceful and thankful to God for such a difficult trial in his life.

After his final profession and priestly ordination Father Angelo was sent to Uganda. This was some years after the bloody havoc under General Idi Amin, who was later defeated and fled the country.

The situation in Uganda remained extremely dangerous, especially for foreign missionaries, but Father Angelo happily accepted his assignment, remembering that when he was an altar server his pastor had related stories of child martyrs.

He was received with joy by his confreres in Uganda, but soon his joy was turned into panic when all religious communities were exiled. His immigration application allowed him to remain there, but he knew he was risking his life.

He never relented in following his mission. His faith and trust in God helped him to persevere, and years later the Holy Father appointed him auxiliary bishop of a very poor diocese in that country.

There were many times when Father Angelo suffered pangs of hunger and isolation. During those moments he recalled with nostalgia his companions whose camaraderie he had enjoyed so much. For him, living in community was a real happiness, not just a canonical obligation: "Religious are to reside in their own religious house, observing a common life, and they are not to leave it except with the permission of the superior" (canon 665).

People ask: "Why then, in Vancouver, are there many religious who live by themselves and not in a community?" We will discuss this in the next column.