Ongoing Formation of Religious - CMGlobal

VINCENTIANA 1/2-2008 - INGLESEApril 17, 2008 − 4ª BOZZAOngoing Formation of Religious1259. The Institute’s Role in Ongoing Religious FormationIn my opinion, the best way to conclude this intervention wouldbe in terms of seeing how, on the practical level, a religious institutecan help the ongoing formation of its members. This FormationMeeting, with regard to confreres in difficulty held at theinternational level, in my opinion, is already a clear indication of theseriousness you give to this issue. As for me, I wish to conclude thispresentation, by giving some general and practical suggestions forongoing religious formation. There is no doubt that you, participantsof this meeting, are in a better position to be more specific andconcrete in your formation planning and decision-making.9.1. Formation Plan of the InstituteTo guarantee the full participation of the consecrated person inongoing formation, the institute should formulate and make knownto the members the Ratio institutionis, which should contain aprecise and systematic description of its plan of formation. This ratioshould comprise the comprehensive formation design in all its detailsso that the members get a complete picture of their life. The ratioshould describe in ample particulars the qualities that the membersshould have, making reference to the different dimensions — human,spiritual, charismatic, apostolic, and cultural. These qualities will bethe working tools to help, especially, the middle-aged and seniorconfreres attend to and plan their ongoing transformation.9.2. Capable and Trained FormatorsMembers should also be made aware that one cannot beover-confident and live in self-sufficient isolation; rather they shouldbe convinced that no one can be so secure and committed that he/shedoes not need to give careful attention to making specific andpositive efforts to persevere in his/her vocation in faithfulness. Hence,the institute should identify the profile and the role of formators atdifferent stages of one’s life, but in a particular way in the initialstages of formation. These formators should have the necessarytraining and regular updating to be able to accompany the membersin their efforts to identify their lives with Christ and acquire anintimacy with him.