In January of 2015, Pope Francis stated that “In the family, we learn to embrace and support one another, to discern the meaning of facial expressions and moments of silence, to laugh and cry together….This greatly helps us to understand the meaning of communication as recognizing and creating closeness.” We can add that it is communication that helps create a true sense of community.
What goes for the family, also goes for our religious community. One of the things that I often teach our Novices is the idea that as consecrated religious, we are called to be one. We are called, not to be isolated, but to be together in faith, hope and charity. This unity is so well expressed in our Constitutions which state:
- (65) The community constitutes the vital surroundings to grow spiritually. It should be founded upon active charity which seeks the wellbeing of the brothers……..then……71. (66) The value of the common life is to be accepted and esteemed by all, for with it we participate in the mystery of the Trinitarian life, and become in the Church and in the world creators and witnesses of that communion of love , expressed in the commandment of Jesus: “This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12), and in his prayer:” that they mauy be one as you, Father, are in me, and I in you; I pray that they may be one in us” (Jn 17:21).
- (67) The source of this common! Life is the Spirit of the risen Lord who, present in us gradually transforms our heart and makes possible our being together in charity.
Father Michael Marotta, CRM
Novice Master