World International Congress on Consecrated Life Studies

Formation 2015-04-08 Vatican Radio

Sisters Bertha Flores, Rosantina
Garzafox and Aurora Isabel Ramirez
recently traveled to Rome to
participate in the World International
Conference for Formators of Religious
Life. More info on the following link:
http://www.news.va/en/news/popeencourages-religious-to-be-witnesses
(Vatican Radio) An international Congress
for instructors for Consecrated Life kicked
off Wednesday in Rome following a prayer
vigil Tuesday for the success of the
initiative. The April 7-11 Congress has as
its theme To live in Christ according to the Form of Life of the Gospel Formed to consecrated
life in the heart of the Church and of the world.
In remarks at the opening of the Congress, the Prefect for the Congregation for
Consecrated Life, Cardinal Joo Braz de Aviz recalled that over the next few days, religious including hermits, monks, brothers and sisters - of institutes of consecrated life would be
reflecting on the basic identity of their calling in the Church and the world, and on formational
needs to meet todays challenges.
He recalled Pope Francis invitation to look to the past with gratitude and to look at
the signs of the times through the eyes of faith and to respond creatively to the needs of the
Church. He noted new geographical and cultural challenges which can disorient one today but
invited those present to live the present with passion, putting the Gospel message into action
in their daily lives.
Living the present with passion means becoming experts in communion, witnesses and
artisans of communion, he said.
In a conflict-torn society where different cultures struggle to find balance amidst
inequalities and injustices, Cardinal de Aviz said we are called to offer a concrete model of
fraternal community where the dignity and gifts inherent in each person are recognized and
appreciated.
Calling for the consecrated to embrace the future with hope, Cardinal de Aviz
acknowledged the difficulties surrounding various forms of consecrated life, including aging and
fewer vocations, economic problems, the challenges of globalization, the insidiousness of
relativism, marginalization and social irrelevance. Despite these, the Cardinal encouraged
those present to look with hope to the Lord for whom nothing is impossible so that they can
continue to contribute in great ways to the Churchs mission.