Sacred rest
A convivence of missionary and vocation animator fathers was held last Feb. 23-28 in St. Peter in Chains
(by Ferdinandus Supandri and Sante Gatto)
There were about ten of us in all, coming from different parts of Italy, together with a confrere from Spain. They were intense days, lived in fraternity and discussion, with moments of mutual listening and telling, updating and planning. We worked on proposals for the regional chapter and began to outline some summer activities.
Here are the most significant moments of our coexistence.
The necessary rest of the Xaverian animators
The first day was dedicated to recounting each person’s missionary experiences. It was a valuable time to share the challenges, joys and labors of our ministry. In particular, we dwelt on the theme of sacred rest, questioning how to find a balance between missionary service and the need for regeneration. The risk of burnout is a reality that also touches us animators; therefore, it was important to reflect on how to take care of ourselves without losing momentum in mission.
Artisans of peace: facing conflict with a new look
On the second day we tackled the theme “artisans of peace,” led by Fr. Adriano Cunha Lima, a Brazilian confrere. He provoked us with a direct question: what is conflict? The answer was enlightening: conflict arises from the opposition between goals.
But the key to managing it is not to avoid it but to transcend it, that is, to overcome it through a change of perspective.
When one is able to perceive and understand the other’s pain, the dynamic changes and the way to reconciliation is opened. Peace, Fr. Adriano reminded us, cannot be improvised: space and time are needed to build authentic relationships.
Pilgrimage to La Verna: in the footsteps of Francis and our founder
The third day was dedicated to a trip-pilgrimage to La Verna, a place dear to St. Francis of Assisi, where he received the stigmata two years before his death.
In addition to its Franciscan value, this place is also important for our Xaverian tradition: indeed, it was here that our founder drafted the Constitutions of the Institute.
It was a profound experience, a time of recollection and reflection on our missionary vocation. In the evening, on our return, we concluded with a viewing of the film Best Enemies, which offered further food for thought on the themes of dialogue and reconciliation.
Proposals for the regional chapter and international volunteering
The penultimate day was dedicated to sharing proposals for the regional chapter. We discussed missionary culture and initiatives for young people who will go on mission trips this summer.
In the afternoon, we listened to Fr. Alex Brai, who is in charge of the congregation for the Xaverian international volunteer project. The project is still in its early stages, but it has already set the goal of raising awareness among all the confreres and launching training courses for both those who welcome and those who send volunteers.
Specific commissions are also planned to accompany this journey.
Conclusions: faithful to the charism of the first announcement
The last day was devoted to summarizing the reflections and drafting a written proposal on behalf of the animators, to be submitted to the capitulars.
The intent is clear: in an Italy that is now a mission land, we must remain faithful to our charism of first announcement.
Thank you all for these days of sharing and growth.
Good work and … see you next time!