Vatican
City, 29 November 2013 (VIS) – The Union of Superiors General held
its 82nd General Assembly in the Salesianum in Rome from 27 to 29
November. The story of three experiences provided the basis for
reflections and encounters focusing on the challenges of leadership
in the light of the Magisterium and following the example given by
Pope Francis. The Holy Father chose to meet with the Superiors for
three hours, rather than the short encounter envisaged: no address
was prepared in advance, but instead a long, colloquial and fraternal
discussion took place, composed of questions and answers.
The
first group of questions related to the identity and mission of
consecrated life. A radical approach is required of all Christians,
the Pope stated, but religious persons are called upon to follow the
Lord in a special way: “They are men and woman who can awaken the
world. Consecrated life is prophecy. God asks us to fly the nest and
to be sent to the frontiers of the world, avoiding the temptation to
'domesticate' them. This is the most concrete way of imitating the
Lord”.
When
asked about the situation of vocations, the Pope emphasised that
there are young Churches which are bearing new fruit. This naturally
gives rise to a re-evaluation of the inculturation of charism. The
Church must follow the example of Matteo Ricci in asking forgiveness
for and looking with shame upon apostolic failures caused by
misunderstandings in this field. Intercultural dialogue must press
for the introduction persons of various cultures, expressing
different ways of living charism, in the governance of religious
institutes.
The
Pope insisted upon the importance of formation, which he presented as
founded upon four fundamental pillars: spiritual, intellectual,
communitarian and apostolic. It is indispensable to avoid every form
of hypocrisy and clericalism by means of a frank and open dialogue on
all aspects of life: “formation is an artisanal craft, not a form
of policing”, he commented; “its aim is to form religious persons
with a tender heart, not acid, not like vinegar. We are all sinners,
but not corrupt. Sinners are to be accepted, but not the corrupt”.
When
asked about brotherhood, the Pope said that this has a great force of
attraction, and presupposes the acceptance of differences and
conflicts. At time it is difficult to live in fraternity, but without
it no fruit may be borne. In any case, “we must never act like
managers when faced with a brother's conflict: conflict instead must
be caressed”, said the Pope.
A
number of questions were asked regarding the relationships between
religious persons and the particular Churches to which they belong.
The Pope confirmed that he had experience of the possible problems:
“We bishops must understand that consecrated persons are not
helpers, but rather charisms which enrich dioceses”.
The
final questions regarded the frontiers of the mission of consecrated
persons. “They must be sought on the basis of the charisms”,
answered the Pope. Situations of exclusion remain the first
priorities. Alongside these challenges he mentioned the cultural and
educational mission in schools and universities. For the Pope, the
pillars of education are “transmitting knowledge, transmitting
methods, transmitting values. By these means, faith is communicated.
The educator must measure up to those he educates, and must give
careful thought to how to proclaim Jesus Christ to a changing
generation”.
Before
taking leave of the 120 Superiors General present, the Pope announced
that 2015 would be a year dedicated to consecrated life. He added,
“Thank you for what you do and for your spirit of faith and your
service. Thank you for your witness and also for the humiliations
through which you have had to pass”.
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