On Saturday March 4, the anniversary of the priestly ordination of the Good Father, a meeting of the local superiors of the Region took place. The meeting was online and all the local superiors of the Region participated.
The meeting began with a short prayer animated by Umakant Porichha, coordinator of the Ongoing Formation Commission. Likewise, Uma addressed a few introductory words recalling the importance of constant renewal in our religious life, alluding to the document Perfectae Caritatis (Vatican II), the process of synodality that we are experiencing today in the Church, as well as the Vision Statement 2022-25 of the last Regional Assembly.
The objectives of this meeting were to have a space to share among the local superiors, how this service is being carried out, learning from each other, reinforcing communion and also having a moment for formation of the superiors in their task.
Responding to the previously sent questionnaires, the participants began to share how they feel in in the exercise of this service of authority. The most repeated feeling was that they are happy although concerns were also expressed about the attitudes of some brothers, about the difficulties that arise in the pastoral service because of fatigue or because of having to spend much time outside the community.
The superiors shared about their blessings and their challenges in the exercise of their service, as well as how communion and mission are being encouraged in the local communities, with reference to practices that they have in their communities.
The second part of the meeting was a presentation by Camille Sapu sscc, Provincial Superior of Africa, on “The role of the local Superior”, who offered his own experience as a superior and, with very realistic observations, he reflected on the role of the local community, the qualities of the local superior, synodality in the community and some concluding reflections.
Camille's presentation was highly valued, for his way of presenting the ideas and for being very much down-to-earth; at the same time the way he transmitted ss.cc values and its style of service of authority.
03/06/2023