Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - "Passion per Christ Passion for Humanity" was the theme of a six day International Congress in Rome attended by 850 religious, representing more than one million men (200,000) and women (800,000) members of Orders and Congregations which closes this evening. "From the Congress there emerges a new image of Consecrated Life anxious to be more in contact with the joys and sufferings, hopes and fears of humanity, as well as being more ‘in’ the Church - Father José Maria Arnaiz, secretary of the Union of General Superiors told Fides in a report". "One main change taking place in religious life - Father Arnaiz said- is this: previously emphasis was on ‘work’ achieved, now what is important is to express a charisma. Service of education and assistance is still important, but is even more important for the basic spiritual motivations to be expressed. Therefore, less professionals and more witnesses".
This evening the Congress will approve a final message which will summarise findings of discussion groups. "Some lines have already emerged. The drop in numbers is not a worry, because we intend to aim for quality witness and commitment for evangelisation and human promotion. We also aim for more intense dialogue with all the Church’s components: the Bishops, the Holy See, associations and movements, because we have common goals". Challenges include " on-going formation" so as not to lose the ability to dialogue with the world and social communications, to find the right words with which to speak to the world. Salesian Sr Caterina Cangià, directress of the "Vidimus Dominum" web site, the voice of the Congress, stresses the positive experience. More than 2,000 hits every day during the Congress were registered by the site which gave news of the Congress, addresses and documents produced. "Consecrated life - Sr Cangià said - is ever more aware that communication within itself and with the outside is a task of absolute importance". (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 27/11/2004; Righe 24 - Parole 349)
