At a time when some religious communities are facing declining numbers, a recent gathering heard that they have an especially important role in today’s world.
On the evening of 20 May, men and women from the many groups of consecrated life in our Diocese gathered for a Mass in the Chapel of Our Lady of Czestochowa at Marayong.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, in leading the Eucharistic celebration, encouraged those of us present to give thanks for our respective charisms and to rekindle our commitment to live the radicality of God’s love.
Br Michael Green fms, gave an occasional address at the dinner after the Mass. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
It was renewing for all of us to be reminded that: “Religious life is not about numbers, prestige and influence. Primarily it is about embodying God’s radical love – the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated.”
We were encouraged to hear, that despite this diminishment in numbers, now is a time of “new possibilities, of pioneering and trailblazing”, he said.
Following the Eucharist, we shared a special evening meal in the adjoining hall during which Br Michael Green fms, gave an occasional address titled “Keeping our Founders’ Charisms, Charismatic.”
Michael began by citing the overuse and often misunderstood application of the word “charism”. He assured us that charism is not something we can easily acquire through taking the culture inherited from our founders and shaped by the history of various religious congregations. Instead, it is primarily about, “God alive in us.” Therefore, “it is not something that we own or acquire, not an add on. It is rather, simply who we are and who we can be, individually and together at our core: who we are graced by God’s Spirit to be.”
Fr Cao Nguyen SJ and Sr Carlene Allen present gifts of bread and wine. to Bishop Vincent at the Mass. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
In reference to the Church Document on Consecrated life, Vita Consecrata (1996), Michael cited the threefold essence of this form of the vowed life: to be a spiritual leaven, a weaver of community and a model of generous service.
These essential qualities were embodied for us as we named and celebrated those marking a Jubilee milestone.
Br Michael Burton CFC – 60 years
Br Ray Weston CFC – 60 years
Fr Adrain Robson OFM Conv – 30 years
Fr Christopher Shorrock OFM Conv – 40 years
Fr Joseph Troung Nguyen OFM Conv – 30 years
Fr Paschal Corby OFM Conv – 25 years
Sr Ailsa Mackinnon RSM – 60 years
Sr Margaret Jones RSM – 60 years
Sr Margaret Tisch SMSM – 65 years
Sr Pattie Snudden RSJ – 70 years
Sr Therese Campbell SM – 70 years
Bishop Vincent and Marisa VanderHout. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Our gathering concluded with a floral presentation to Marisa VanderHout. This was a twofold expression of thanks; appreciation for all that Marisa does in service and administration for those in Consecrated life and for the healing she has experienced in her cancer journey.
Sr Patty Andrew osu is the Vicar for Consecrated Life in the Diocese of Parramatta
Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
This is an example of the Pastoral Plan priorities of prayer, formation and the objective of being A Church Renewed in Spirit and Prayer. Please visit Synodality to learn more.
For more images from the gathering click here.
Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
