General considerations

Now that the week of formation for Provincial Superiors is over, I would like to share my reflections on what I have assimilated and learned, which certainly broadens the perspective of our mission in this new period that is opening up in the Church in order to carry out what was discussed during the Synod on Synodality.

I would like to begin by highlighting the diversity of the themes presented and their depth, although, although on different aspects, they maintain a common thread: the reflection on the SSS charism and a new look in the light of the return to the sources, to the Founder, and its application to our presence in the present world in which we live, to our mission. During those five days we had different elements of analysis that attest to this.

The themes of the formation

The topics discussed and on which we have worked, reflected and shared, have their reference in the International Theological Commission (ITC), especially the first presentation, given by Father Hans van Schijndel, who presented the SSS charism as Passion for the Eucharist, with references to the recent history of the Congregation and that is collected in the Rule of Life, in several of its numbers (3, 4, 21).

The second day, on the return to the sources, to our Founder, entails a better knowledge of his personality in the light of his writings, the theme of Father Fiorenzo Salvi's presentation. The structure of the writings allows us to advance in the new form of religious life in the Church, in which the Eucharist is the force that shapes the lifestyle, holiness and mission of her religious. It is noteworthy that Peter Julian, as Father Fiorenzo said, did not forget the laity. Eymard thought of a form of Eucharistic life for the laity, respecting their identity and their place in the Church and in society: the Aggregates, the third branch of the Eymardian Family.

Continuing this theme, Fr. Manuel Barbiero, focused on the formation, commitment and mission of the SSS Aggregates in the light of the RL (43) and the concept of the Church as communion, as the people of God, as proposed by the Second Vatican Council.

Mgr. Eugênio Barbosa Martins gave a panoramic and overall view of the Administration in the context of synodality. He gave an overview of the characteristics of this Synod, his perception and the questions that are still pending. We can summarize that the great advance has been to avoid taking a step backwards, and to leave open all the possibilities to advance in the future. The most important thing has been the incorporation of the new vision of our mission, which does not consist in adopting the new language but in changing our thinking, our heart. Mgr. Eugênio's personal contributions on synodality were very enlightening and enriching, given his profound knowledge of the Congregation and all its members. Another important aspect of his talk was to highlight the importance of first formation at all levels, as well as to encourage the religious life of the confreres, independently of the priesthood. To focus our mission in accordance with what was established by our Founder is also in perfect harmony with what the synodal journey entails.

A separate topic in the middle of the week was the topic on Safeguarding in the Catholic Church, which, although it is a more technical issue, also challenges us as a fundamental part of the Church’s mission. This topic was taught by a great expert of our Congregation, Fr. Mike Garcia. In the present moment we must be and know how to be able to act, especially with regard to issues related to the abuse of minors and vulnerable people.

In short, an intense week in which the importance of formation in those fundamental aspects that determine our being as religious and in a particular way as “Blessed Sacrament religious” in the ecclesial and social sphere has once again been pointed out.

Father José Antonio Rivera Ruiz, sss
General Consultor