Day 18th September: What have we heard?
Connected to the source of all life – God –we continue to listen deeply to who we are as a Family.
The gift that we are today as a Family, is in itself a response to the needs of our world.
Throughout the day there were numerous expressions of our deepest desires, our struggles and our gratitude for so many gifts.
In the assembly there was great consensus and participants expressed their thoughts in an environment of deep listening and discernment.The participants were invited to divide into vocational groups. Seven groups were formed. The results of their meetings were later presented in a plenary session.
In the evening groups met to discuss the following question:
What is practical and possible so that the Holy Family may be gift in your context?
Participants showed great unanimity of expression.
The following aspects were highlighted:
- The gift of our charism is rooted in the Word of God and the Eucharist
- We need to bring out the relationship between the Eucharist and the story of the universe so as to live in communion with all.
- We need to grow in a contemplative stance and be bearers of joy and hope to creation and to suffering humanity
- Common formation in order to deepen our understanding of the story of the Universe
- To work together as a Family on common projects in the different contexts
- Welcoming all five vocations and forming intervocational communities
- Continue intervocational meetings
- Draw close to young people; listen to them, accompany them and respond to their needs
- Creation is groaning. The world is dehumanised and it is urgent that we give a corporate response that brings hope.
- Missionary boldness. Be present in difficult contexts. Be committed to those who are vulnerable and firmly denounce situations where life is being threatened.
- Encourage communication at the service of communion among the five vocations of the Family.
The assembly took a further step towards consensus. What have you heard from the different contexts that you wish to retain in your memory?
At the end of the day, the participants gathered in the chapel to celebrate the Eucharist presided over by Monsignor Laurent Dognin, Auxiliary Bishop of Bordeaux.