It might seem strange but even though we are meeting in a room with closed doors, ever since yesterday afternoon we have been making an extraordinary trip to the world’s countries and continents, peoples and cultures, languages and traditions, as we listen to accounts of apostolic and missionary projects through which our Institute is attempting with creativity and tenacity to make the Gospel resound in every corner of the earth.
Today’s key word-PASSION-is a good summary of what we are living and sharing these days because it is passion for God and for contemporary humanity that moves the heart of an apostle. It is passion that gives meaning to our every sacrifice and renunciation. Only passion can strengthen the will, revive hope, transform dreams into reality and allow us to reach out to people so as to share with them our greatest wealth: Jesus Christ.
Today’s key word-PASSION-is a good summary of what we are living and sharing these days because it is passion for God and for contemporary humanity that moves the heart of an apostle. It is passion that gives meaning to our every sacrifice and renunciation. Only passion can strengthen the will, revive hope, transform dreams into reality and allow us to reach out to people so as to share with them our greatest wealth: Jesus Christ.
Passion makes it possible for us to plan projects and carry them out; it enables us to patiently wait, discern and tirelessly explore ways of living the Gospel in every culture. Our passion often results in tears and suffering when we are not able to respond to the many appeals we receive because we are so few.
If it is true that in these days we are “visiting the world” so as to experience a cross section of the Pauline life, it is also true that we are “revving our motors” in preparation for carrying out the concrete work of the Chapter. The Central Commission has assigned specific duties to some of our members: it has set up an editorial team to draw up the texts on which the Chapter will be working; a team to keep the members of the Institute and externs informed about our activities; a team to read and approve the minutes of our sessions, and a team to prepare our recreations and times of celebration. As you can see, a Chapter involves a lot of work!
We know that many communities of Pauline sisters and brothers are accompanying us with their prayers. While thanking you all, we would like to say a special thanks today to our sick and elderly sisters, who are offering their health problems and sufferings in order that this important congregational event will yield abundant fruit.
Ariccia, 26 August 2013
