Emerging Group shares…. Vitality In Our Mission

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a sense of vitality in our mission is more crucial than ever.  A three-day batch gathering was held for those of us who have received our first profession in the year 2012 to 2017, from 26^th to 28^th October 2024, in Xavier retreat house, Baga, Calangute, Goa. Fifteen participants came together for this gathering. 

We came together to explore the theme “Vitality in our mission” bringing together passionate individuals committed to invigorating our personal and professional pursuits. The event served as a platform to share insights, ignite inspiration, and foster connections that would amplify the collective energy in our endeavors.

On 26^th, the first day- We began our day with a meaningful prayer service, on the theme “Vitality In Our Mission”, which was conducted by Sr.                   .

At 9 o’clock we had our first session by Fr. Shannion SJ. He encouraged us to re-think, why did we choose this theme “Vitality in our mission”. Through the scripture he explained to us the meaning of this theme. He explained Vitality comes from the Latin word ‘Vitalitas’, which means “life”. It also means the capacity to live, grow, or develop.

Gn- 2: 18, the Lord said, “it is not good for the man to be alone. And He created Eve. So, we belong to the community. Gn- 2: 25 we see, And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed. Here naked means not sin but weakness. To be human means vulnerable, weak. By living in the community, we complement one another.

Eucharist- comes from the Greek word Eucharistia, which means “thanks giving”.

By offering mass we give thanks to God through Jesus Christ.

Mass comes from the final blessing said by the priest in Latin ‘lte missa es’ meaning “to send out” mission (go), as Jesus Christ sent His disciples out to the world to take His teaching to them. So, we are sent. There for we need to bring vitality in our mission, because it is the mission of God which He wants to accomplish through us, His instruments.

2^nd session – began at 3 o’ clock. Fr. Shannion had invited 4 of his lay staff members who are being getting trained in Ignatian Spirituality and exercise. They shared with us their personal experience with the consecrated men and women and what they expect of us?  One of them was from Hindu background.

All of them had a good experience with the consecrated men and women. 

These are some of the things they expect form a consecrated person –

1. Prayerful, See Jesus in us and through us.
2. They want to see us joyful, as a guide, teacher, leader, imparting joy to others and include every one in our cercle of love.
3. Pray for a particular mission and offer our good deeds for that purpose.
4. Laity, clergy and religious should work hand in hand. Openness of the consecrated persons to insert the laity for the mission.

After that father explained to us about LK- 5: 27-30 Matthew the tax collector. After calling Matthew, Jesus making him realize his own root by taking him to his own home. He accepts his weakness and follows Jesus. We to need to accept our weakness and follow Jesus, because Jesus meets us where we are in our situation.

On 27^th, second day – We had outing. We all enjoyed our togetherness.

On 28^th, third day – We had sharing as a whole group as well as batch wise sharing, which enabled us to know and understand one another. We were enriched by one another’s sharing and experiences.

Conclusion

The gathering on vitality in our mission was a testament to the strength found in community and shared purpose. By coming together to celebrate and nurture our passions, we can invigorate our missions and create lasting impact. As we move forward, let us carry the lessons learned and continue to cultivate vitality in all our endeavors, inspiring others to join us on this vibrant journey.

WE are grateful to our provincial Superior Sr. Philo and the team, for providing us this opportunity. We thank Sr. Neha for helping us to arrange this program in Baga, Xavier Retreat House. 

It was a time of renewing and refreshing ourselves and our commitment.

Thank you.

Srs.  Promila, Sangeeta and Ayesha