On Sunday 5 November 2023, we had a wonderful meeting of all the Associates of the religious Congregations of Peru, in Lima.
The theme was: “The spirituality of the laity in difficult times and in synodality”. Father Raul Pariamachi and Juan Miguel Espinoza, a layman, helped us to emphasise the importance of our role as lay associates in the Church and in the world, in the spirit of synodality. Putting God back at the centre of our vision, so that we can be a Church that sees humanity with mercy, in a Church that is united and fraternal. We are the “salt of the earth” that must salt and the “light” that enlightens life, the life of families, parish and work groups, the life of neighbours, of other religions… in the spirit of our charism. Once again, we are confirming that bringing our spirituality to others is enriching in these very difficult times in which we live, at a time of Church reform. It is a right to live a spirituality of listening, coordination, understanding, respect, constancy and dialogue. We have understood that it is very important to learn to live in community by sharing the diversity of our missions. We have the same faith in God that unites us to walk together towards the same goal with Jesus Christ, as the disciples of Emmaus walked with Him: to approach, accompany, ask, listen, discern, dialogue and act; to share with others their moments of joy and sorrow, to listen to and respect the cry of Mother Earth. And so to be a beacon of hope for our world today in the midst of violence, division and war.
We ended our day with Mass, followed by some entertainment… It was a wonderful day of meetings and sharing between lay people, as part of the synodal dynamic.
Thank you to Sister Pascaline, our counsellor, for giving us the opportunity to take part in this meeting.
Donatilde Gutierrez, associate from Callao/Peru. Published on 13 November 2023
4th photo:
If we join forces
If we unite our wills
If we act now
THERE ARE GROUNDS FOR HOPE
