From April 26-30, Dehonian bishops from around the world were gathered in Puente la Reina, Spain. It was the first time that that group has met since 2018, when they were together in Rome. There are currently 24 SCJ bishops around the world; approximately half are retired. The largest number of active bishops is in South America. Among those at the meeting were two former SCJ superiors general: Bishop José Ornelas Carvalho, bishop of Leiria-Fátima (Portugal) and Bishop Virginio Bressanelli, retired bishop of Neuquén (Argentina).
On the occasion of his 84th birthday on May 1, DehoniansWorldwide (general Facebook page) posted a brief interview with Bishop Virginio. An excerpt (English translation of the Italian):
“We are called to be servants of the Kingdom of God. The Church itself has no meaning in and of itself; rather, it is directed toward ensuring that the world welcomes the gift of the Kingdom of God. In this sense — and for me personally — the true congregation, in its deepest essence, possesses a life of holiness; it possesses a life of commitment to the Kingdom of God that is truly profound. This has been my great experience…
“I truly feel that the Lord walks alongside us, that the Sacred Heart of Jesus truly loves us and watches over us with the eternal love of the Father. I have great confidence and great hope; yet I believe that this journey with the Lord must be supported by everyone with generosity. We are called to the perfection of charity, and the perfection of charity entails what our Constitutions offer us: a constant union with God, experienced through the mystery of the Heart of Jesus, and service to our brothers and sisters…we are called to a commitment — and to hold fast to hope — because the true security for everything comes solely from God.”
Go to Dehonians worldwide to view the interview in full, as well as videos, photos and other information from the bishops gathering. Bishop Virginio is pictured at the top of the page, speaking at the meeting. Below, the bishops are pictured in Spain with members of the general administration.
