10/01/2025

Noticías

Constellation Assembly Rome: Authority in Consecrated Life for a Synodal Church

Constellation Assembly Rome: Authority in Consecrated Life for a Synodal Church

 

The Constellation Assembly in Rome, held on 9 January 2025 at the UISG headquarters, provided an important opportunity for reflection and sharing among a large number of Superiors General from different parts of the world. The theme of the Assembly, "Authority in Consecrated Life for a Synodal Church", focused on how religious life can respond to the call of an increasingly synodal, participatory and listening Church, in a context that embraces the diversity and global nature of the experiences and challenges of religious congregations.


The Assembly also featured a series of significant presentations by experts, who contributed reflections on various aspects of religious life and synodality. Among the morning speakers, Sr. Beatrice dal Santo deepened the topic of the "Mission of the Superiors General in sharing with the intercultural council"; Sr. Theresa Purayidathil spoke on "Canonical Visitation"; and Sr. Micaela Monetti addressed the theme of the "General Chapter." In the afternoon, Sr. Lia Latella presented a reflection on the "Restructuring" of congregations, followed by Sr. Miriam Altenhofen’s talk on "Intercongregational Experiences and Common Projects."

 

The Heart of the Assembly: Sr. Simona Brambilla’s Address

 

The address by Sr. Simona Brambilla, the new Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, was the focal point of the Assembly, providing deep reflection on crucial themes for religious life and its role in the synodal Church.

 

  • Synodality: A Path of Discernment and Conversion of the Heart. Sr. Simona opened her conference with a reflection on the importance of the synodal process and communal discernment in consecrated life. She emphasized that synodality, which requires an open heart ready to be transformed, is essential for building a Church capable of responding to contemporary challenges. The synodal journey is not just an institutional aspect; it must involve every member of the Church through attentive listening and deep dialogue. This process, Sr. Simona highlighted, involves a true conversion of the heart, capable of renewing thoughts, feelings, and actions, to become a more missionary and welcoming Church.

 

  • Spiritual Authority: Nourishing and Leading the Community in Service. At the core of Sr. Simona's reflection was also the theme of spiritual authority, which should not be viewed as power, but as a service that nurtures and helps the community grow. She used the image of Jesus cooking for the disciples to illustrate authority that cares for others, guiding and helping them grow in faith. This model of authority, characterized by the "mysticism of us," emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the original charism, keeping the mission of the congregation alive and vital. In a constantly changing world, religious leadership is called to respond creatively to new social and cultural challenges, guiding the institute to renew itself while remaining faithful to its charism.

 

  • Fraternity and Care: Building Authentic Relationships in Consecrated Life. Another key point in the conference was the emphasis on care and fraternity within the congregations. Sr. Simona stressed that a synodal Church cannot do without a religious life that invests in the care of persons and the creation of authentic fraternities, capable of attracting young people to consecrated life. In a context where relationships are often fractured, it is essential for religious communities to engage in repairing and renewing relationships, creating an environment of welcome, support, and mutual growth.

 

  • Restructuring and Internationalization: The Future of Religious Congregations. Sr. Simona's reflection also embraced the theme of restructuring and internationalization within religious congregations. Superiors General were invited to consider the need for revitalizing structures, both through the creation of intercultural communities that foster encounters and exchanges between different cultures and through a continuous formation process that responds to global challenges. Restructuring must take into account four fundamental dimensions: mission, formation, governance structures, and resource sharing, so that congregations can meet the needs of the universal Church without losing their identity.

 

  • Formation and Synodality: Walking Together in Discernment. Sr. Simona concluded her address with an invitation to strengthen the formation of formators, particularly those called to accompany young religious and help them grow in their capacity to live synodality. The need for adequate formation to address intercultural challenges, biodiversity, and new social dynamics, which are integral parts of the future of consecrated life, was discussed. Walking together, Sr. Simona said, is the very essence of religious life, which must increasingly be oriented towards collaboration between congregations to respond to the challenges of the global mission.

 

Projects Promoted by UISG: Priorities for the Future of Religious Life.

 

The assembly also featured the presentation of projects promoted by the UISG, which highlighted four priority areas: the fight against human trafficking, support for migrants, the care of children, and the protection of minors. The UISG is also committed to promoting the formation of religious leaders to face the challenges of our time with greater awareness and commitment.

 

Next Steps: Continuing to Walk Together

 

The Assembly concluded with an invitation to continue the synodal journey, through participation in upcoming training sessions and the UISG Plenary Assembly in May 2025. The Superiors General were also invited to fill out a feedback questionnaire about the assembly and update their contact information with the UISG secretariat. 

 

This day of reflection and sharing represented a significant moment of renewal for consecrated life, increasingly oriented towards a synodal, open, intercultural Church that listens to the needs of the contemporary world.

12/02/2025

Marietta Samuel

I really enjoyed reading these reflections. I was doing some research on Synodality and Internationalization and i just landed to right place. Thanks and be blessed

30/01/2025

Lang Doan

It is very clear structure and helpful. Thank you.

25/01/2025

Margarita Juarez Castillo

es de mucha riqueza la información y formación que nos envían para ir buscando caminos en nuestras congregaciones muchas gracias por su dedicación y atención

18/01/2025

INES DÁVILA MONTAÑEZ

Excelente información

18/01/2025

Carmela Trujillo

Thank you for great sharing!

18/01/2025

Loreda Spagnolo

Sono Vicaria generale delle Suore Missionarie dell'Incarnazione e responsabile della Formazione. Vorrei essere informata tramite la mia email dei vari incontri di formazione. Grazie Sr. Loreda Spagnolo

16/01/2025

Marisela Aceves Gutiérrez

Me encantaria conocer los próximos eventos en los que podemos participar vía virtual desde México. Gracias Hna. Marisela Aceves Gutiérrez Vicaria General Hermanas Catequistas de Jesús Crucificado

16/01/2025

SR BELLA DOREEN

I MISSED THIS MEETING. CAN I HAVE THE NOTES ON ALL TOPICS PRESENTED? THANKS IN ADVANCE

16/01/2025

Monette Ouellette, m. i. c.

Merci beaucoup pour ces communications régulières qui nous permettent de suivre le mouvement ecclésial à travers l’Église universelle. Que l’Esprit Saint nous guide toutes ensembles en église synodale… dans l’espérance. Bonne Année 2025

16/01/2025

Pushpa Purathur

Every session of 'Authority in Consecrated Life for a Synodal Church, were tremendously helpful and practical. Thank you very much. Pushpa fc.

16/01/2025

Sr. Annmary Andrews pbvm

Good morning. I am aware that these training programs are for superior generals and leaders. I have been following the recordings of the sessions and found them very helpful in my life and mission in Dominica. I minister to the vulnerable youth. Thank you

16/01/2025

Daphrose Kiraniguye

Intervention de Sr Simone approfondie et très riche basée sur la synodalite'. Si, les Congrégations Religieuses doivent appuyer notre Église pour qu'elle soit capable de répondre aux défis contemporains. Comme Supérieure Générale, j'exhorte ll'UISG l'UISG à former les leaderships religieux. Soyez bénies. Meilleures salutations de Ngozi/Burundi

16/01/2025

M. Eugenia Hueto Sainz

Nos alegra mucho que sea una religiosa la que atienda el Dicasterio para los institutos de vida consgrada y soiedades de vida apostólica. Los temas que trató me parecen muy importantes y responden muy bien a las neceidades del hoy.

16/01/2025

MARIA PILAR LASCORZ FES

Me parece muy interesante vuestro encuentros, sobre todo laa aue no nos encontramos en Roma

16/01/2025

Rita Zuccher

Very deep, challenging and with much hope for the future. Thanks 🙏

16/01/2025

Bridget Murphy

I find this very encouraging and also challenging. Living in Australia the time zone does not easily facilitate live participation in events in Rome so it is very important that we get at least a summary of the conversations and presentations. Thank you

15/01/2025

HERMANA BERTHA DE LOURDES SERRANO RODAS OP

Estoy maravillada por estas magníficas palabras de nuestra Prefecta, ha dado una luz, para continuar nuestro misión en este proceso de sinodalidad y cuán importante es el liderazgo de la autoridad mayor para la reestructuración y revitalización. Nuestro gran reto es trabajar por las vocaciones y la atención a las Hermanas especialmente jubiladas.

15/01/2025

YANICK SYLFRADIN

JE TROUVE CELA UNE TRES BONNE IDÉE. CE SERAIT INTERESSANT D'AVOIR CETTE ASSEMBLÉE AILLEURS AUSSI

15/01/2025

Longuengo

Bonjour, je suis Abbé Kevin longuengo, prêtre de l'archidiocèse d'owando formateur et économe, directeur des études au lycée catholique Abbé Marie Paul mopiako de makoua, merci beaucoup pour ce partage surtout pour la synodale, ensemble pour redynamiser la vie religieuse. Ensemble pour aller de l'avant. Aider aussi les églises d'Afrique.

14/01/2025

PATRIZIA sr Gabriella MASTURZO

Ero riuscita ad ascoltare in parte il prezioso intervento di Sr Simona Brambilla. Purtroppo non è più fruibile. Sarei davvero molto grata se potessi avere se non la registrazione almeno il testo scritto. Sono la Postulatrice Generale dei Trappisti e vivo nel monastero trappiste di Vitorchiano, la riflessione l'ho trovata vitale. Grazie