'Called, Consecrated, Commissioned in the World'

The Annual General Meeting 2004 was held at Riverglenn Conference centre in Indooroopilly, Brisbane. The centre provided an idyllic atmosphere for a week of reflection and review.

Very Rev Peter McCarthy, Vicar Furore of Brisbane, celebrated the Opening Eucharist wherein the Regional Superior, Charles Galea, delivered the Keynote Address based on the SDC theme for the year: 'Called, Consecrated and Commissioned in the World'.

The next day Most Rev Joseph Oudeman, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Brisbane celebrated Mass for us and joined us for dinner. Bishop Joseph, a Capuchin, spoke about the urgent work required of us in a world that is continually being faced with insecurities and challenges.

The Chaplain to the SDC in Australia, Rev Charles Gauci joined us for the week, and we again have been enriched by his input and encouragement of our work.

The Reflection Day which is an integral part of the AGM agenda enabled all again to reflect on the theme for the year.

Maurice Mifsud from Hobart was relayed through a video message. He reflectied on the life and commitment of the SDC Member. Maurice reminded the assembly about total dedication to our life without any exceptions.

Franco Zardo delivered a seminar on Called:
Franco looked at some Old Testament figures, and their particular calling. God called them by name showing that they were already known. A call evokes a response. "Here I am", they said. We look at our own lives and compare ourselves to people such as Moses and Samuel, and we may reflect that we haven't responded as they have.

At a personal level, Franco reflects: 'At the same time I also have a similar reponse to Moses etc, in that their first response was to make an excuse. (e.g. I can't even speak properly, or I am too young). Once I hear the call I have to trust. The saying I don't know what it calls me to but I recognise the voice rings true for me. I feel called to be a Member of the SDC, and I am discovering all the time what that means. It is also more of a calling; present tense. Being in the present invites us into a living response.'

Ted Farrugia succinctly explored the theme of Consecrated espousing that fulfillment in the vocation is only achieved through openness and awareness of people around us. We give fully of ourselves for the sake of the Kingdom.

John Micallef delivered a seminar on Commissioned:
Struck by the awe of God, young Isaiah had his heart enkindle with zeal for the Lord, the Lord of host, after he was purified from his sins. Similarly Father Preca and the early Members, enflamed with passion for his Lord, dedicated themselves so that their deep yearning: that the whole world would follow the Gospel, might come true.

If the SDC wants to survive and find a way forward in the present chaotic post-modern and para-modern culture, then we must somehow rekindle the primal founding zeal for the Lord, which made our Society prosper for a while. One way forward would be to capture and live the spirit of the founding myths of our society.

One such myth, known as the Prophecy of St Vincent Ferrer, can prove very helpful in answering to how complete is complete. That complete dedication demanded by the Founder in the early days, is the dedication demanded of Members now.

Only with this deep commitment, a leadership with vision, and fuelled by awe in our God, will we find the strength to overcome fear, be pro-active and re-found our ministry. Finally in the present Australian context, refounding demands that some of the best Members move interstate, and also overseas.

The New Year 2005 Eucharist saw the particular Blessing of Jubilees, Maurice Mifsud, in absencia, Diamond Jubilee as a Member and Stan Drozdow, Ruby Jubilee.

Again we have been enriched by this experience that is beneficial for all Members in the Region.