Ongoing Formation of Religious - CMGlobal

VINCENTIANA 1/2-2008 - INGLESEApril 17, 2008 − 4ª BOZZA116 Cyril de Souzarich historical traditions of that religious institute, and, on the otherhand, will have an ever-present sensitivity and attention to thechanging cultural conditions, both at the general level of society andat the local levels of the apostolate. 41There are two sides to this apostolic dimension: one consists inmaintaining what pertains to tradition, and the other concerns theupdating of methods and forms of ministry and apostolate inagreement with recent developments in the pastoral field.Ministry demands and consumes energy and enthusiasm. Onemust have adequate provision to support and strengthen the effortsin ministry lest one manifest a lack of motivation and a loss ofmeaning to those for whom one works. Closely related to this is theneed to evaluate one’s corporate ministries to determine the level oftheir continuing responsiveness and relevance to current anddeveloping needs. The apostolic dimension of religious life challengesnot only individuals, but also communities to periodically examinethe actual needs being met through individual and communityservices. 42Thus, the apostolic dimension of the life of a religious becomesone of the most important areas that demands a constant updatingand renewal both at the personal level as well as at the communitylevel.6.6. Cultural DimensionWe are exhorted by John Paul II in Vita Consecrata that theformation of the cultural dimension be based upon a solidtheological training, which provides the means for wise discernment,which involves continual updating and special interest in thedifferent areas to which each charism is directed (VC 71). Thisapproach will assure that consecrated persons keep themselves asintellectually open and adaptable as possible, so that the apostolatewill be envisaged and carried out according to the needs of one’s owntime and circumstances and making use of the means provided bycultural progress.It should be remembered that, as far as the cultural aspects ofsociety are concerned, the society in which we live is marked by41Cf. J. CASTELLANO, “The Founders Today. A Gift and a Challenge for OurTime,” in J. COTTON (Ed.), Growing Together in Christ. Personal Development inthe Religious Life (New City: Dublin 1991), p. 19.42Cf. J. GIALLANZA, “Continuing Formation. Perspectives from VitaConsecrata,” in Review for Religious 66 (1997) 5, p. 474.