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PUBLIC STATEMENT August 3, 2005 from Fr. James (Raymond)
Jones (Community Superior) In Nomine Domini. To Whom It May Concern. Peace be with you. The world is in turmoil; even the sanctity of life is threatened. Institutions are found corrupt, envy, greed and intolerance abounds throughout society. But, God has raised some people to be a light placed on a high hill for many to see. Some of these lights have been well publicized, more often than not in a positive manner, e.g. Pope John Paul II and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Other lights have been covered in one way or another so that all those who would benefit from the message do not receive it. This is often achieved by conviction of criminal charges followed by imprisonment. Eventually this victim is vindicated of the charges, e.g. Nelson Mandela. This latter situation relates to the Little Pebble. A person's actions in life are the weathervane of his or her character and personality. All the people mentioned above have been prepared to lay down their life for a, "friend". This is the man I know who is called the Little Pebble. Upon reflection of the many weeks I have spent with the Little Pebble the words of Stanley come to mind after he had found Livingstone and spent some time with him. Stanley said that he had to leave otherwise he would have been compelled to become a Christian. Although Livingstone had not mentioned his beliefs such was his life that Stanley found his witness so compelling. This is how Little Pebble lives with great certitude following his calling as the Prophet. "Christ suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow His steps" (1 Peter 2:21). From the first
time I met Little Pebble in 1987 I knew he was a man of integrity. As time has
gone by over the period of 19 years he has proved himself many times to me that
he has maintained this quality notwithstanding the charges made against him and
the verdict reached by the jury. It is true that someone could act this way to
deceive a person. This is not true of the Little Pebble. As I have already
mentioned I have spent a lot of time with the Little Pebble in Australia,
Portugal and Canada. Not only concerning matters of the Saint Charbel Order but
also in each other's home. Financially, the Little Pebble has assisted in paying for some of my trips to Australia. He has never asked me for any money or requested that I pay someone or purchase anything on his behalf. I am aware that he has helped other people financially especially those in need. The Little Pebble is living proof that to emanate the true Love of God and to help others in every possible way brings trouble to one's door. That is one of the ways in which we are tested. We can manufacture faults in others whilst ignoring completely our own faults. Someone will cast the stone. I truly believe the Little Pebble is innocent of all the charges made against him. Shakespeare writes in Hamlet that when you find a true friend you should clasp him to yourself like the iron hoops around a barrel. This is what I have done with my friend the Little Pebble. If, as has happened to others, the Little Pebble is sentenced to a term of imprisonment I will continue my relationship with him and particularly as a member of the Saint Charbel Order. The Order of Saint Charbel was founded by the Little Pebble and continues to this day throughout the world and particularly here in Canada. The Order is governed by a Rule and Constitution and is a new form of Consecrated Life as mentioned by John Paul II in, "Vita Consecrata". The Order is not a Sect or Cult. I as superior of the Bethlehem Community in Canada believe in my vocation to this life and uphold the authority and government of the members under Bishop Broussard who is the Major Superior of the Order. I am free, as
are all members, to remain as a member of the Order and to choose to live in a
community or leave without feelings of guilt or pressure. The Order upholds
family values and strictly observes the needs of families within the
communities. I intend to continue my life of a practicing Catholic within the
Saint Charbel Bethlehem Community whatever happens in the short term to the
Little Pebble. I know that this community life is very necessary in this age and
I also know that the Little Pebble will eventually be vindicated concerning May God Bless you. Your Brother in Christ, Fr. James
Jones, O.S.C.
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