Page 9 - SJC Constitution

ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM
CATHOLIC METROPOLITANíS HOUSE
P.B. No. 71, KOTTAYAM - 686 001
KERALA, KOTTAYAM, INDIA.

Decree of Approbation

Peace and benediction to the Superior General and all
the members of the St. Josephís Congregation of the
Archeparchy of Kottayam.

The Second Vatican Council has exhorted the religious to
constantly return to the Gospel and their foundational charism
(PC 2; LG 45) and to renew and update their Constitutions under
the guidance and with approval of the ecclesiastical authorities. I
am happy to say that the new Constitution you have accordingly
prepared is indeed a great asset for your Community. We have
always to keep in mind that the basic law of any religious
community is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The first and foremost
duty of all religious is to closely follow Jesus, pure, poor and
obedient from the manger of Bethlehem to the cross of Calvary.
The Holy Spirit will conform your hearts to the heart of Jesus and
inspire you to appropriate his mission when you, through the
observance of the evangelical counsels, respond to the vocation
you have received as Godís special gift. ìIndeed, more than in
external works, your mission consists in making Christ present to
the world through personal witnessî (VC 72).
I am very much pleased to state that this renewed Constitution
of the St. Josephís Congregation, founded by Poothathil
Thommiachan, a priest revered by all, and approved by Mar
Alexander Choolaparambil, the then Bishop of the Diocese of

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