Rome — From October 12 to 15, 2026, secretaries from English-speaking entities gathered at the SCJ Generalate in Rome for an ongoing formation program. The participants represented various regions and provinces, including the District of Vietnam, the Region of the Philippines, the Region of India, the Province of Indonesia, the Region of Madagascar, the US Province, the Province of Congo, the Province of Cameroon, and South Africa.
Reflections on Service
On the first day of this meeting, Fr. Angelo Jose Adao, Secretary General and program organizer, invited participants to reflect on the nature of their role. He acknowledged that the service of a secretary is often a quiet ministry, far from the spotlight. Facing the weight of these responsibilities, secretaries are encouraged to view their duties as a loving gift of self to the broader religious family. Beyond drafting letters and organizing documents, this ministry fundamentally consists of serving confreres with deep care and dedication.
Fidelity and Diligence Required
On the second and third days, Fr. Pedro Iglesias Curto, former Secretary General, and Fr. Robert Galla, Procurator General, helped the secretaries refine their skills in archive management and the preparation of official documentation intended for the Holy See.
Fr. Pedro addressed the nature of council meetings, explaining that ordinary meetings between a Major Superior and his councillors are times of spiritual discernment. Although the Major Superior listens to the councillors, he retains the final decision-making authority. The secretary plays an essential role in recording this process with accuracy — thus preserving, as Fr. Pedro noted, the very footprints of God walking alongside the Congregation.
Fr. Robert, for his part, offered insights into the management of official documentation concerning confreres, emphasizing that this work requires unwavering integrity and meticulous attention to detail.
Learning from One Another
The participants visited the Vatican Apostolic Archives as well as the congregation’s archives at the Generalate. These visits showed how the rich histories and current dynamics of the Church and the Congregation are preserved through well-organized documentation. The program also strengthened international bonds among the secretaries, who shared their personal experiences to encourage one another in their shared mission.
Furthermore, exchanges with Fr. Boris Signe, Coordinator of the General Commission for Communication, provided a deeper understanding of the mechanism for sharing entity information intended for the Congregation’s official communication channels at the general level. Communication, he stressed, is not only an important means of evangelization, but above all serves fraternal communion.
Closing of the Program
On the fourth day, Fr. Levi dos Anjos Ferreira, Vicar General, outlined the essential qualities expected of a secretary. He highlighted key values such as confidentiality, professional self-management, responsiveness, and promptness in answering queries regarding the entities.
After him, Fr. Angelo reviewed the procedures for handling documents by the secretary. As a secretary, it is necessary to always pay special attention to documentation.
The program concluded with a time dedicated to reflection, followed by a fraternal dinner. This final gathering reaffirmed the participants’ shared commitment to collaboration, unity, and a common Dehonian vision at the service of the congregation.
