Religious Life in Latin America and the Caribbean met in Cordoba (Argentina) from 22 to 24 November to reflect on and share the Hopes that strengthen the path of Religious Life and the despairs that challenge the vocation to be ‘Sentinels of Hope’. With over 1000 religious, 400 participants in person and 600 virtual participants, the V Congress organised by CLAR (Confederación Latinoamericana de Religiosos) with the support of CONFAR (Conferencia de Religiosas/os de Argentina) began in hybrid mode.
The Congress began with a moment of artistic prayer, led by CONFAR, which placed the participants in a spirit of pilgrimage with the people, with Hope as the key word. As part of the culmination of the second session of the Synod of Synodality and on the threshold of the Jubilee Year of Hope, during these three days we gradually allowed ourselves to be guided and enlightened by the Holy Spirit through the various speakers, in a profound reflection on the current situation in the world and to find responses to the uncertainty and crises affecting religious life.
We recognised the bleak picture of the times: an ‘uncertain landscape’, ‘convulsive and unsustainable times’, and ‘unstable structures’ that are destabilising people. We also recognised that our condition as Sentinels of Hope is inescapable and cannot be postponed, because without hope, we see only stones. Hope has flaws that allow us to see further, to dialogue with the future, to create an atmosphere of reconciliation, to offer signs and indicators, giving meaning and direction to our journey together. We also reflected on the cuts that each Congregation is experiencing: staff shortages and ageing, community closures, lack of vocations, etc. In the midst of these challenges, a question arose: can this context of reduction be a space for the emergence of hope?
Father Fernando stated that constant reflection on the downsizing process is necessary. It’s not just a question of downsizing, but of doing it strategically, by renewing the mission and going back to basics to reaffirm the identity and belonging within the Congregations: opening the doors of our houses, our communities, our churches, carrying our charisms to continue to be lights of hope for our world.
These were intense moments of reflection, listening, fraternity, sharing of what each congregation lives and does to continue to dream and generate life, to continue to believe that we walk to the rhythm of the Spirit. With renewed joy and confirmed hope, we said goodbye with hugs and goodbyes and the strength to continue the journey.
Sister Pascaline YAMEOGO – Peru. Published on 26 November 2024
