Linwood, New Jersey                                                       Fall 1999
     The mission compound, in addition, houses a dispensary and convent owned and staffed by the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary who, although not affiliated with our congregation, share our spirituality. They supply community health care, which is open to all, especially mindful of the poor.
     Today in India, our Missionaries
are established in the four southern states of the country. The original 		community established in the city of Bangalore some 20 years ago, now consistsof two houses for those studying for the priesthood. In addition, a Novitiate is located in Sagar, some 400 km from Bangalore. Currently, the congregation is blessed with seven priests, three deacons and six professed in Theology. Overall, there are approximately 50 in various stages of formation living in community.
NEWLY INSTALLED SUPERIOR GENERAL, FR. LUIGI TOSCANO, VISITS THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY

(L-R) Fr. Anthony Patrizio, Superior General,
Fr. Luigi Toscano and
Fr. George Tharakunnel.

     The local communities of the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts in the United States welcomed Fr. Luigi Toscano, M.SS.CC., on his first canonical visit as Superior General, during the month of May. Accompanying Fr. Toscano was Fr. George Tharakunnel, M.SS.CC., a member of the General Council. The visit allowed the members of the various communities to meet both as a group and privately with their Superior General to discuss goals and long-range plans for the congregation as well as to express any concerns.
     In a letter written after his visit, Fr. Toscano shared his appreciation for the beauty of America and its efficiency from the highways to the impressive skyscrapers of our cities, noting the friendly reception he received from all. His concern for future vocations and the value of religious life is clearly evident when he wrote: "Religious institutes in America have a prophetic role. People attracted by the technical efficiency, the economic well-being can well forget eternal values. Religious with their life of poverty, obedience and chastity could recall them. In fact, when they begin to think of their future, the passing years, the true meaning of their lives, they will be able to find valid answers in the witness of so many men and women who have turned from the world and made a radical choice of God. All the more, religious life must perform a role that is so important as to become the alternative to this world, for if it hides behind itself, it will become invisible. My hope is that young people who are in search of new forms of life may be able to find in the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts a valid and desirable alternative.