To the Superiors of a Region/Delegation,

To the Formation Directors,

To Theological Seminaries.

Rome, June 20, 2001

My dear brothers,

 We are well aware of how very important academic preparation is for the modern evolution of the missio ad gentes. We are also mindful of the Founder’s conviction about preparation for missionaries and with this letter we would like to reaffirm our Institute’s orientation and organization concerning studies and academic programs (specialization, master’s degrees and doctorates).

 For those Superiors of a Region who have asked for clarifications, and for those confrères who have presented programs for higher studies, the General Council would like to communicate the following:

1. The General Council will evaluate mission needs on various continents as well as the Institute’s commitments; in the light of these considerations it is up to the General Council to initiate contact with missionaries and propose further studies in specific areas of theology or some other discipline. It is the prerogative of the General Council to study and propose doctoral projects for mission needs that our members could meet through teaching and research.

2. In the light of local needs Region Councils can propose courses to their own members that will further academic understanding and make specific contributions to the mission in loco. These specialization courses, however, should last no longer than two academic years. In these cases the Region must assume responsibility for the direction and support of confrères involved in higher studies; they must also defray the expenses incurred (except for room and board if the student resides in an IMC community of some other Region).

If more than two years are required the Region Council must consult the General Council and obtain permission before sending a confrère to study.

3. Individual missionaries are free to propose study projects for their own theological education and renewal and with the permission of their Region Council they can pursue these studies. In these cases everything said in the previous paragraph applies.

 As laid out in the General Council’s Six-year Plan, Father Antonio Bellagamba, the Vice-Superior General is the coordinator of higher studies of this sort.

 With regard to theological seminaries we would like to reaffirm what has been our practice up to now:

- Wherever the university offers a three-year baccalaureate course in theology (basic theology) – currently Rome and Bogota – there will be an additional two years for specialization or master’s degree in an exclusively theological subject before the first assignment. This will also satisfy the canonical requirement that all candidates for the priesthood spend at least four years studying theology after philosophy.

- In those places where the baccalaureate in theology is awarded only after four years of study (Kinshasa, Nairobi, São Paulo and Totteridge) there is no need for a master’s degree; our young people will be ready for ordination and their first assignment. It is up to the General Council on the advice of the Formation Director to propose that some of these young men who have finished their basic formation pursue further studies in theology or some other subject according to the needs of the Institute,

- We would therefore remind everyone that academic formation in our Institute, the basic cycle of studies, ends with the licentiate or master’s degree in theology.

 With regard to brother candidates the Tenth General Chapter is clear: “after perpetual profession a brother will be assigned to missionary work or to further specialization in his specific field if that serves the needs of the Institute” (Atti, 85, 10.4).

 We want to devote all that we are and all that we possess to the mission. This motivates our concern for basic formation, permanent formation and preparation for specific tasks. Our dedication to study is not a response to personal needs or plans but a part of our effort to give our best and the Institute’s best to the missio ad gentes. To this we have dedicated our entire lives.

 We very much hope that in this spirit all of you – and especially the student missionaries - will receive the present communication. Assured of the maternal intercession of Mary, the Consolata, and of our own Blessed Joseph Allamano, let us help each other to live our vocation in this aspect of our service.

 We greet you in the Lord,

    Fr. Antonio Bellagamba, IMC

    Vice-Superior General

    Fr. Jean André Bemedetto, IMC

    Director of the General Office of

    Basic Formation and Studies