Ongoing Formation of Religious - CMGlobal

VINCENTIANA 1/2-2008 - INGLESEApril 17, 2008 − 4ª BOZZA108 Cyril de Souzaway that by the testimony of the religious the world is made aware ofChrist and of his Church. Every attempt of the consecrated person tobe a disciple of Christ (sequela Cristi) makes this configuration morereal. The living out of the evangelical counsels — poverty, chastityand obedience — is another help to a real configuration with Christ.3. Growing Intimacy with Christ: This is another important goal ofspiritual transformation, as it encompasses the meaning of religiousconsecration. In order to acquire intimacy with Christ, one has todevelop the capacity to relate deeply with Christ, which in turnrequires other intimacies, as for instance, with self, with others andultimately with God. This intimacy with Christ is expressed by agenerous self-giving and self-surrender to Christ both in thecommunity and in the apostolate.4. Integral Growth of the Personality: The full meaning of spiritualtransformation is in the ability of the individual to attain personalintegration and wholeness. On the practical level, spiritual authorssuggest a number of steps to achieve this integral growth ofpersonality, each according to their spiritual orientation. As forinstance they could be: awareness, sensitivity, acceptance, reflection,conviction, decision to change, commitment, action and evaluation. 28Another suggestion consists in a fourfold fidelity: fidelity to Christand the Gospel, fidelity to the Church and to its mission in the world,fidelity to religious life and the charism of one’s own institute, andfidelity to humanity and to our times. 29 Still another could seeintegration as a fivefold awareness of and unity with: self, God,community, society and nature. 305. Contemplation: In the mind of great spiritual masters like SaintJohn of the Cross and Saint Theresa of Avila, spiritual transformationreaches its highest degree and perfection in an intimate unionand a total identification with Christ, which leads to contemplationof the Lord. Contemplation means to see things as God sees them. Incontemplative vision one perceives the transformative work of God inthe world. The state of contemplation is thus the ultimate goal ofspiritual transformation and the fullness of religious consecration.This could also be called, living in the awareness of God’s presence.28Cf. P.J. ABRAHAM - B. PARANGIMALIL, Images for Human Wholeness(Pangaya Publications: Bangalore 1995), p. 49.29Cf. A. PARDILLA, Christ’s Way of Life at the Centre of Formation of ReligiousLife (Rogate: Rome 2005), p. 271.30Cf. D.S. AMALORPAVADASS, Integration and Interiorisation (Anjali Ashram:Mysore 1990), p. 10.