Upload
serso-san-viator
View
240
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
7/28/2019 Viator Web 051 En
1/13
Viator WebNEWSBRIEF OF THE GENERAL DIRECTION
Number 51 September 2012
A Word from the Superior General
Dear Viatorians,
A new pastoral team has now officially taken office. Last September 1st, in the midst of awarm welcome provided by the Delegation of France, some sixty Viatorians gathered at theCradle in Vourles to celebrate that event in a spirit of thanksgiving and hope, with Father Quer-
bes parish church serving as the witness. The present issue of Viator Web provides us with anopportunity to share those important moments.
Before the new General Council of our Community is presented in the following pages, Iwould like to recall the principles that guided me in forming that council. Afterwards, each ofthe councilors will be invited to express his own personal convictions. Let me begin by sharingwith you the deep joy that I find in working with those persons and the enthusiasm that I dis-cover in this new chemistry which, of course, remains to be even further developed betweenpersons coming from cultures as rich as they are diverse. All of that provides the General Coun-cil with a new voice!
Our greatest hope is that Viator Web will serve to infuse new spirit into our entire Com-munity. Over the coming weeks, we will adjust its contents in such a way that it will increas-ingly help us to discover and to encourage the life and the mission of our brothers and sisters. Itgoes without saying that we will be asking for your contributions in order to make its contentseven more interesting.
I share with each and every one of you the firm resolution of the members of the newGeneral Council to do everything in our power to be at the pastoral service of our religious fam-ily.
Fr. Alain Ambeault, C.S.V.,Superior General
7/28/2019 Viator Web 051 En
2/13
"Since the beginning ofnumber of major challenges, alof the Viatorian Community.find those persons ourselves
lenges.From the very beginnin
tion that I wanted the Generalince (this councilor is a represepass all of our personnel, no mof the Provinces and the Delegcollaborative capacities of the ca reflection of what we have bedations to be present on the Ge
I wish, therefore, to pureceived from each of the Supewas asking can be labeled as geCommunity. May these wordsand the intensity to touch your
A community such as o
meaningful presence, characte
tion among its members, all of
the same mission. Our title as "
ing the challenge of a new evaof the international character o
tant and energizing challenges
The General Council
his General Chapter, we have been discovl of which are important for the future ofhe follow-up step became self-evident: wor others who would be capable of de
, I indicated to the Superiors of the Proviouncil to respond less to the principle oftative of my province) and more to a choitter where they might be. In a word, I wation to support a global perspective, a divouncils members to respond to the task thcome. To put it more clearly, I wanted coneral Council.
licly express my appreciation for the closriors of the Provinces and the Delegation.nerosity, sacrifice, and especially great soliof gratitude that I am now expressing haearts and those of the persons whom you r
(Extract from the presentation of the new Gene
Father Alain Ambeault, C.S.V., S
Born on June 28, 1959, in Lachute, Qentered the Clerics of Saint Viator in 1parish ministry for a dozen years, includiwas called to be of service to the Commmember of the Provincial Council of
2006, including assuming the responsibiliperior from 1998 to 2006. Additionally, hCanadian Religious Conference from 20ing is in pastoral theology.
rs is called upon to offer, to the world
ized by the gift of diversity and the grace t
whom are co-heirs of the same charism a
catechists" is very appropriate at this mo
gelization. With all of us striving to becoour Community and of the solidarity that
re being offered to all of us.
ering and accepting ahe Congregation and
would now have toling with those chal-
nces and the Delega-ne member per prov-e that would encom-asking the Superiorsrsified team, and the
at is confided to us asfreres from our foun-
e collaboration that ISubscribing to what Idarity with our entiree both the flexibilitypresent."
al Council on July 16, 2012)
uperior General
bec, Canada, Alain80. After serving ing seven as pastor, henity. He served as a
anada from 1993 to
ties of Provincial Su-was president of the
4 to 2006. His train-
nd to the Church, a
hat produces interac-
d co-responsible for
ent when we are fac-
e increasingly awaresuch requires, impor-
7/28/2019 Viator Web 051 En
3/13
l
it
Through many different
enced the goodness, the friend
gives his regenerating Word o
away from us, who gives meani
plish. As with the Early Church
torian family to the winds of th
creasingly welcoming and com
with the poor and the marginali
Brother Luis
Luis was born on AuguSpain. He entered the Commufield of education from 1963 t
trator in various schools. He p1989, in different organizationhalf of developing freedom of eSpanish Confederation of CathFrom 2002 to 2004, he was tafterwards, he acquired the titleics of Saint Viator of Spain. Finof the Conference of Spanish R2011.
I think that both the Via
gation are facing challenges swith courage and confidence: t
Viatorian Community, the sens
Father Harry Clestin, C.S.V.,
Harry saw the light of day on Octoaitien (in the north of Haiti) in a famil
hom he is the youngest. After his theoloalled to assume responsibility, from 2002f the Christian community in Grand-Goive and work.
Afterwards, he spent two years in Rong spiritual theology. Over these last yearhe Community in formation programs as2007-2011) and, more recently, as the dirate.
persons and in the realities of everyday
hip, the tenderness, and the faithfulness
life, who provides the joy and the peace
ng to everything that we are and everythin
, this God asks us to go forth and to unfur
e Spirit, who invites us to abandon oursel
itted, giving witness through our faith a
zed so that they can re-discover hope.
lvarez Torres, C.S.V., Treasurer G
st 22, 1944, in Villalba, Barros,nity in 1961. He worked in the
1989 as a teacher and adminis-
rticipated closely, from 1978 toof the educational world on be-ducation. He was president of theolic Schools from 1989 to 1998.e provincial treasurer of Spain;of financial manager of the Cler-ally, he became the administratorligious (CONFER) from 2005 to
orian Community and the Congre-
great that we must confront theme development of the International
of belonging to one and the same
Vicar General
er 5, 1964, in Cap-y of five childen, of
gical studies, he wasto 2005, as the pastorve, where Viatorians
e (2005-2007) study-, he has been servinghe master of novicesctor of the scholasti-
life, we have experi-
f God a God who
that no one can take
that we can accom-
l the sails of our Via-
es and to become in-
we continue to walk
neral
7/28/2019 Viator Web 051 En
4/13
large family that provides mut
inter-communicating vessels a
which are based upon clarity a
To help in facing those
stration, for I believe that, in th
ment and administration of ma
ing to the criteria of transpar
Superior General and his coun
Brother Carlos
Carlos Ernesto was born
rian Community in 1991. AfterSchool in Bogot as directorafterwards, he taught religionpetual vows in 1999 and leftFrancis Xavier Parish in Corozfided to him led him to workdifferent ministries.
A first sojourn in the UnViator Parish in Chicago, wheto pastoral ministry with Hispbecame director of the Social S
Since 2007, Carlos has rwas first of all director of thetin de Porres School in Waukthat position until 2009, when hprovince, the roles of translatorcial Superior and of support per
Carlos Ernesto has stuurgy, and Church history. He hministration and educational suin community psychology.
I accepted this new miss
the International Viatorian Co
Viatorian brothers and sisters i
front the reality of our present
collaborate with new ideas for
administration. The internatioUnited States permits me to c
mission of Father Querbes Co
ual support on the human and material l
ong the provinces, the delegation, and t
d justice in the use of material goods; and
challenges, I agreed to take responsibilit
ose domains, I can offer my modest experi
erial goods. My desire is to carry out that
ncy, professionalism, and solidarity in c
il.
Ernesto Flrez, C.S.V., General Co
on October 9, 1967, in Bogot, Colombia.
pronouncing his first vows in 1993, he wf the Catechetics Department;1995-1998). He made his per-several months later for Saintl, Belize, where the work con-with committed lay leaders in
ted States brought him to Sainte he was specifically attentiveanics. Returning to Belize, hervices Office.
esided in the United States. Hedmissions Office at Saint Mar-gan, Illinois. He remained in
e assumed, at the service of hisand interpreter for the Provin-
son for the older confreres.
ied philosophy, theology, lit-olds a bachelors degree in ad-ervision and a masters degree
ion as General Councilor because I want
munity, offering my support to and walk
order to create a new Community that is
day Church and of our world. I also beli
community life, our apostolate, our vocati
al character of my journey in Colontribute my personal experiences with a v
munity.
vels; the creation of
e foundations, all of
so forth.
for general admini-
ences in the manage-
management accord-
llaboration with the
ncilor
He joined the Viato-
orked at Saint Viator
o be at the service of
ing alongside of my
live and able to con-
eve that I am able to
n programs, and our
bia, Belize, and theiew to developing the
7/28/2019 Viator Web 051 En
5/13
Father Andr
Born in 1946 in Courzifirst vows in 1965. He studieLyons. Having obtained a Reli
came a catechist and a trainer otary of Louis Querbes SchoolFrance, he was a member of sethe assistant provincial.
Ordained a priest in 19Saint Irenaeus Seminary, hepastor, a ministry that he exceryears at Chessy and Chtillonparishes that, in 2002, received
River," which included Vourlewas chosen as a General Counduration of Father Mark Franci
In taking this new step,
to revive certain convictions in
am aware of the grace that is b
to better serve it.
The last two General Assembli
have assured me of a reality th
the energy of young religious,
young, and the inspiring partici
The faces of the Viatori
invite me to meet and to listen
actions calls for understanding,
are willing to accept and to tak
I have confidence in the
to solidarity. Our Community
every member accept his or he
members formation human,
will all serve as witnesses to th
to the burning desire of Father
Simon Crozier, C.S.V., Secretary G
u, Rhne, France, Andr made hisat the "School for Catechists" in
gious Education Certificate, he be-
catechists. While serving as secre-nd of the Province of Vourles anderal Provincial Councils, as well as
79 after completing his studies atas almost immediately appointedised for twenty-seven years: sevenand then twenty years in the fourthe name of "Saint Blandine of the
for the last six years. In 2006, heilor and Secretary General for the second term.
s a member of another General Council,
yself. I have discovered a bit more about
eing offered to me to learn more about th
es of the Viatorian Community and the l
t is very obvious to the eyes of many of u
the experience and serene perseverance
ation of the associates.
ans in those countries where we live and
to people. Authentic dialogue aimed at de
support, and hands-on accompaniment on
up the challenges presented by recent int
uture of our Community, which appears t
ill be successful in the measure that it is
r responsibilities and insofar as it agrees
piritual, and especially Viatorian. The me
e diffusion of Christs Love in the midst of
ouis Querbes.
neral
am heartily resolved
our Community and I
Community in order
st General Chapters
: the enthusiasm and
f those who are less
work attract me and
eloping our common
the part of those who
rnational meetings.
me to be on the path
ble to have each and
to work towards the
mbers, for their part,
the world, according
7/28/2019 Viator Web 051 En
6/13
Distribution of Tasks in the General Council
Here are the different responsibilities that have been confided to the General Council members:
Father Harry Clestin
Vicar General. Studies in preparation for becoming the Procurator at the Holy See. (The present assignment
of Father Jos Antonio Lezama as Procurator at the Holy See is therefore extended for an un-determined length of time.)
Responsible for spiritual life on the local level. Studies in preparation for becoming the Postulator of the Cause of Father Querbes. General Council member responsible for the Foundations of Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast
and General Council delegate to the CCVAO (West African Viatorian Coordinating Commit-tee).
Brother Luis lvarez Treasurer General. Responsible for these specific portfolios:
- location of the General House;- International Mission Development Office.
General Council member responsible for the Province of Spain.
Father Andr Simon Crozier Secretary General. Responsible for the Secretariate on behalf of the General Council. Responsible for the archives and the library. General Council member responsible for the Province of Canada and the Delegation of France.
Brother Carlos Ernesto Flrez General Councilor. General Council member responsible for the Province of Chicago. General Council member responsible for the Province of Chile and the Foundations belonging
to the CLAC (Latin American and Caribbean Council) and General Council delegate to theCLAC.
Father Alain Ambeault Superior General. Link with the Union of Superiors General of Men and with bishops. Presider at meetings of the General Council and of the Extraordinary General Council. General coordination. Pastoral visits.
7/28/2019 Viator Web 051 En
7/13
Celebrating our New General CoulcilVourles, September 1, 2012
Reflections in Vourles
By Thomas R. von Behren, C.S.V.Provincial Superior of the United States
Each time I travel to Vourles, France, I get that special feeling in my heart and suddenlyI find that my spirit is lifted and becomes brighter. A sense of awe overcomes me, and I amtaken back to the inspirations of a man who walked these very streets and traveled the beautifulhills of the countryside off in the horizon of this small village community.
For it is here that the spirit of Father Louis Querbes, founder of the Clerics of St. Viator,continues to permeate and inspire Viatorians and visitors alike as they make their pilgrimage to
Vourles. Here, in the 1830s, aspastor of the local parish, FatherQuerbes inspired his parishioners,preached the gospel, celebrated theEucharist, and enhanced its musicand chants, all with the quiet certi-tude that God was with him throughthe Spirit of Jesus and the guidanceof Mary, the Mother of God.
And so again, I have justreturned from a visit to Vourles.For it was with this visit on Sep-tember 1, 2012, the 153rd anniver-sary date of the death of Father
Querbes, that Viatorians from four continents gathered together for the special occasion of theinstallation of the 15th Superior General of the Clerics of St. Viator. Viatorians representingevery province/delegation of the congregation gathered at the parish church of St. Bonnet,
where Father Querbes served as pastor as a young priest in the Diocese of Lyon, to witness andsupport Fr. Alain Ambeault, C.S.V. as he made his profession of faith, along with his VicarGeneral, Fr. Harry Clestin, C.S.V., thus becoming our Superior General.
The special day began with nearly 50 Viatorians gathering at the gravesite of FatherQuerbes, remembering this anniversary date and giving thanks for the life and vision of ourFounder. We prayed together, remembered, and looked to the future as a new chapter of theViatorian story was about to begin.
7/28/2019 Viator Web 051 En
8/13
And then we moved tothe installation ceremony andmass. At the beginning of themass, each provincial representa-tive processed in with a lit can-dle and proclaimed a personalinternational greeting from hisprovince to the entire gatheredcommunity; affirming the sup-port of his province to work incollaboration with Fr. Ambeaultand his new council. And as themass continued, each member ofthe General Council Fr. HarryClestin, Vicar General;Br. Luis lvarez, General Treasurer, Br. Carlos Ernesto Flrez, General
Councilor, and Fr. Andr Crozier, General Secretary readexcerpts from the formal Message to the ViatorianCommunity that was written and approved at the conclu-sion of the General Chapter, that was held in July in Aric-cia, Italy. It was an inspirational moment.
The spirit of this day was one of hope interna-tional solidarity with a commitment to pursue the ap-proved priorities for the next six years, namely, a renewedemphasis on vocation ministry and a re-commitment toadvance peace and social justice in our Viatorian minis-tries and community life.
7/28/2019 Viator Web 051 En
9/13
The spirit of this day was one of hope international solidarity with a commitment topursue the approved priorities for the next six years, namely, a renewed emphasis on vocationministry and a re-commitment to advance peace and social justice in our Viatorian ministriesand community life.
Yes, a new era has begun for the Viatorian Community with new leadership and a re-newed commitment to continue to make the vision of Father Querbes come alive in our worldtoday. May God bless our new Superior General and his council, and may they always beguided by the words of our founder that in all things,May Jesus be Adored and Loved.
Homily
The Viatorian Community has once againcome together in the parish church of FatherLouis Querbes, where today it will leavebehind a remembrance of a new moment inits history. Gathered here in Vourles, ourhearts are touched by the graces of our foun-dation, as if the tree could feel life flowinginto it from its roots. Here at the "Cradle," asentiment of faithfulness to the calls of theSpirit challenges us more than ever to con-
tinue sharing our 181-year-old charism inthe fifteen countries where we live and worktoday. Thus, we pilgrim sons and daughtersof Father Querbes have come to Vourles thismorning to give thanks to the Father of hope,who dwells within us.
The discussions that we have had recently,both at the Second General Assembly of theViatorian Community in Bogot in February,2011, as well as at the General Chapter this
past July in Rome, indicate the rather exactcharacteristics of what we have been livingduring these years. With all national bounda-
ries eliminated, we find co-existing, side byside, the enthusiasm of young people who
want to move forward and to establish rootsin new places and the wisdom of other peo-ple who resolutely propose putting theirshoulders to the wheel, without forgettingthe lessons of history and the imperatives ofthe present. Rich cultures, having all wit-nessed the miracle of a young bud, the graceof a charism, the welcome of a new land,and the slow but sure putting down of rootsto bring forth unexpected fruits, are calling
out and presenting challenges to each other.Men and women have seen and continue tosee the paths of their vocations intersecting.They recognize, in the actions of others,something that is both unique and shared.And thus they come to a crossroads and rec-ognize the vocation and the charismof whichall of us are co-heirs and for which all of usare co-responsible.
Today, more than ever, Viatorians are con-
vinced of their international figure, whichclearly proclaims the need that we have forone another in order to maintain the beauty
7/28/2019 Viator Web 051 En
10/13
and the truth of our fidelity. The current por-trait presented to us by these two majorCommunity events proclaims clearly that weare men and women of hope not a hopethat hides our weaknesses, our doubts, or our
errors or that disguises our darker side, but ahope that calls forth and lets in the miracleof Gods presence among us. May thesewords of Saint Paul be inscribed in gold atthe beginning of this new moment in ourhistory that we are undertaking together:
Faith is the way of already possessing what
we are hoping for and of understanding the
realities that we do not yet see. And when
Scripture pays homage to the people of old,
it is because of their faith. All of them havedied without having experienced the ful-
fillment of the promises; but, in faith, they
had seen it and acknowledged it from afar
(Hebrews 11:1-2; 13a).
That hope is the most wonderful witness thatwe can render to Father Querbes, since itwas that very same hope that so often urgedhim, as a reason to go on living, to placeeverything in the hands of Divine Provi-
dence. It is that same hope, Father Querbes,that continues today to brighten the faces ofyour daughters and sons, who are very muchaware that they transport your treasure invessels of clay. As the Lord continues togaze down upon your community, the futureis embraced as a grace that will ceaselesslylead us to wonderful new horizons.
The members of the new General Councilwho are here with me and please permit
me at this time to salute their availability,their courage, and their desire to take up thisgreat pastoral challenge are very muchaware of the imperative nature of this morn-ings Gospel message, a message that en-compasses what all of us are experiencing:The people are hungry! The Lords responsedoes not leave any doubt: "Give them some-thing to eat yourselves!" Those words re-mind us that, no matter what our daily real-
ity might be, no matter in what context we
might find ourselves, Gods miracle alwaystakes place at the very heart of the absolutepoverty of the person who is searching forGod. Only a humble community knows howto leave room, at the heart of its mission, for
Gods unexpected miracle. Surprising divinegraces will always be channeled throughthose who are accounted of least importanceamong us.
Saint John, in his Gospel, tells us that thereis a young boy here who has five barley
loaves and two fish.
By way of conclusion, I would like to assureyou that the new General Council will placeall its hope, its deep faith in the mission thatis ours, its renewed youthfulness, its culturaldiversity, and its passion at the service ofwhat you are living on each of your journeys.You can rest assured that we will be there!We will be there especially to carry forwardthe memory of the various points of consen-sus and the inspired gestures that we re-cently experienced. Believe us when we saythat we shall remain faithful to what we arecalled upon to become, confirming and chal-
lenging whatever energizes us!Our hearts are filled with these challenges,
for they already make it possible for us to
possess what we are hoping for.
Brothers and sisters, may that hope enlivenyou! As you come into contact with the peo-ple whom you serve, learn again, if neces-sary, the words and the ways of accommo-dating them so as to leave room for Gods
creation to continue. Hum lifes populartunes as they come and go. Share with thosewho live in joy. And discover the brilliantcolors that transform the boundaries of life.
And, especially, share that hope whereveryou might be!
Alain Ambeault, C.S.V.
Superior General
7/28/2019 Viator Web 051 En
11/13
2012 General Chapter
"In concluding, I wish to personally add my voice to the ex-pressions of gratitude that Andr Simon, speaking for all of us,addressed to Mark yesterday during our visit to the GeneralHouse. Mark, you have been our shepherd for twelve years,which represent an important slice out of a persons life. Youspent those years placing your talents, your sense of responsibil-ity, your concern for truth and effectiveness, and your pastoralsensitivities at the service of our Community. We recognize youas a man of faith, who knows how to choose words to expressthat faith, actions to celebrate that faith, and the commitmentsnecessary so that such faith can transform the world.
We hope that, in the eyes of the thirty-nine chapter membersand of the support personnel, you will be able to see the recogni-tion and the gratitude of all your Viatorian brothers and sisters.The challenges that lie ahead of us are imprinted with your sig-nature.
you, Mark, and all the best as you continue with your mis-sion."
Alain Ambeault, C.S.V.,Closing Homily of the General Chapter
The News in Brief
2012 Chapter Acts
The new General Council is getting established and, while taking care of necessary detailsas the members settle in and get acclimated and determine their manner of functioning, the prior-ity task remains making available as soon as possible, in the usual three languages, the 2012Chapter Acts. Texts must be harmonized before they can be translated into English and Spanishfrom the official French version. And, finally, they must be printed up. We wish to assure you
that we are doing everything in our power so that, as soon as possible, you will have in yourhands the new Charter of the Viatorian Community and, afterwards, the Chapter Acts.
A Witness Recognized in Peru
In a letter addressed to Bishop Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, S.J., bishop of Huancayo inPeru, Father Alain Ambeault, our Superior General, joined his voice with so many others to con-gratulate the bishop of Huancayo as he was decorated with the National Unity Prize of Peru.
Highlighting to what extent the pastoral actions of this bishop give precious witness to theaction of the Holy Spirit in our world and are living proof that the Reign of God is indeed being
constructed here on earth, Father General expressed his joy that the Viatorian Community wouldhenceforth be present in the Diocese of Huancayo.
7/28/2019 Viator Web 051 En
12/13
Bishop Barreto is deeply involved in defending the living conditions of peasants affected by themining activities of major international companies.
Congratulations
To Brother Jeanin Gatan, who made his perpetual vows in Haiti on August 25, 2012. To Brothers Ferry Franois, Jean-Yves Medidor, and Paul Pierre, who were ordained dea-
cons in Haiti on September 1, 2012. To the six new Viatorian associates of the Province of Spain: Toms Collado Garca, Elena
Garca Batista, Mara Monserrat Gmez Lpez, Ana Rosa Gutirrez Manzano, Mara JosMartnez Remrez, and Mertxe Moreno Ascanio. They made their commitment on August 15,2012.
New Novitiate in Burkina Faso
The novitiate of the Burkina Faso Foundation, situated in Boassa, opened on August 31,2012. Accompanied by Father Julien Rainville, the master of novices, three young Burkina Fasomen Michel Da, Hermann Pal, and Franois Zoma began their year of initiation into reli-gious life.
A New Viatorian Blog
Our Spanish confrere Toms Aranberri, who is well known for his involvement with theSERSO (Spanish Solidarity Service) movement, has just gone on-line with a blog that opens awindow into our religious family. This blog is clearly inspired by one of the two priorities of the2012 General Chapter Vocation Ministry. The blog can be visited at www.sanviator.net/
In our Prayers
Br. Yves LABERGE (Ca), July 28, 2012, at the age of 89, in his 69th year of religious pro-fession.
Mr. Richard GODIN (Ca), August 3, 2012 at the age of 71, in his 4th year of associate com-mitment.
Br. Maurice BONY (F), August 9, 2012, at the age of 86, in his 62nd year of religious profes-sion.
Br. Grard LEMIEUX (Ca), August 12, 2012, at the age of 85, in his 67th year of religiousprofession.
Fr. Louis CHAUFFOUR (F), August 20, 2012, at the age of 98, in his 83 rd year of religiousprofession and his 68th year of priesthood.
Br. Gilles BROCHU (Ca), Septembre 15, 2012, at the age of 84, in his 68 th year of religiousprofession.
Mrs Gloria MARTIN RODRIGUEZ (E), September 17, 2012, at the age of 94, in her 31 styear of associate commitment.
7/28/2019 Viator Web 051 En
13/13
To Nourish our Reflections
Young people are calling us to a more authentic religious life!
Rather recently, in Quito, Ecuador, as the Eighteenth General Assembly of the Latin American
and Caribbean Confederation of Men and Women Religious (CLAR) wascoming to its conclusion, Sister Mercedes Casas Snchez was elected itspresident. For the first time, a woman from Mexico was designated for thatoffice. There follows a short interview conducted by Vida Nueva (magazine)with the new president.
- What is the strength of religious life in Latin America?The love that it brings forth. An attachment to that vocation can be
perceived, as well as faith in the strength and the treasure that religious lifeconstitutes for the Church. That love is seen through the conviction withwhich each conference works steadfastly in order to encourage its men andwomen religious, to create bonds, and to respond to the reality of Gods calls. By accompanyingour people in their sorrows, their joys, and their difficult moments, religious life has not lost itsability to reflect reality. But its greatest strength lies in the people to whom God sends us andwho always help us to better define our identity as religious.
- What are the principal challenges facing the CLAR?Challenges spring forth from listening to the cries of the people. God wants us to be
where we can listen attentively to those vehement voices the voice of an economic growthfrom which many are excluded, the voices of a misuse of nature, of human trafficking, of migra-tion, of corruption, of drug trafficking; the voices of the young and of the social movements thatare coming to birth; the voices of the native peoples who are seeking justice, the voice that clam-ors about women and their situation. A renewed option for the poor also constitutes a major chal-lenge.
We religious are called upon
to live prophetically day by day
in a daily offering and in unity
more than by any display of titles.
We must not cease listening to the voices of the new generations of religious, as well as the
voices of other young people, for they are calling us to a life that is more transparent and authen-tic. Even if that does not always appear to be evident, they are indeed searching. Even thoughthey have a great thirst for God, they do not find an answer to their concerns in religious life.
In conclusion, the great challenge is to continue our journey through this mystical and propheticlife, but based upon other categories. Perhaps we are not called to be great prophets. But we arecertainly called to live prophetically in the gift of each day, in unity, more than by any display ofour titles. And the mystical? Perhaps we are not called to be great mystics whose works peopleread. But we are called to be transfused by the mysticism of the mustard seed, of the grain ofwheat that dies, of the seed that is sown, that grows, and that produces fruit.
In issue # 2,814 ofVida Nueva (magazine).