Ongoing Formation of Religious - CMGlobal

VINCENTIANA 1/2-2008 - INGLESEApril 17, 2008 − 4ª BOZZA126 Cyril de Souza9.3. Provide Formative MomentsUpdated and qualified information is very important, so that onedoes not get stagnated about the demands of the consecratedvocation. Hence there should be occasions like seminars, conferencesand study sessions which provide ample and updated input onvarious topics: biblical, liturgical, spiritual, charismatic, psychologicaland apostolic. These sessions will arm the members and makethem better disposed to use the experiences of their daily lives, bothin the community and in their apostolate. Such special moments willalso help them to proceed with their continuing religious formationand respond to their religious call with psychological and spiritualtransformation and thus move ahead towards fullness in theirconsecration.9.4. The Role of the Religious InstituteThe local, provincial and international communities also have animportant duty and service for the ongoing religious formation oftheir members, in order to foster in them the desire to becontinuously transformed and be better disposed to conform theirlives to that of Christ. Each of the communities (local, provincial andinternational), in its own way has a very important role to play inthis regard by careful planning and execution. They too share in theresponsibility of the ongoing religious formation of their members.This is true in a particular way for local communities in so far asthey have daily occasions to accompany their confreres/sisters intheir continuing formation.9.5. The Role of PrayerThrough one’s participation in prayer, personal and communitarian,purification can be achieved, and thus an inner transformation, ametanoia, the basis for ongoing formation. The general attitude toprayer would include one’s awareness of the presence of God, and ageneral availability, response and generosity to his unconditionallove. At specific and regular moments of prayer, the Word of Godshould have a primary place and one should be inclined to listen toGod’s Word, meditate on it and be generous to respond to it as theSpirit inspires. Occasions of lectio divina and participation in it willhelp the process of transformation. Regular meditation andcontemplation also deepen the possibility to be in contact with thedivine and offer an occasion for self-knowledge and growth. For thispurpose, one’s personal life and the community timetable should