1. What does the celebration of these centenaries mean to you from the point of view of your vocation?
My vocation as a Trinitarian is a gift I received in the Church as a consecrated person to live religious life according to the charism and mission of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity. The Order to which I belong is founded by St. John de Matha and renewed by St. John Baptist of the Conception. They were the privileged recipients and transmitters of our precious charism in the Church, and as such, they are our spiritual fathers. The patrimony and heritage that we have received from them is inextricably linked to our vocation as Trinitarians. The celebration of their death centenaries calls for a greater introspection into the sincerity and fidelity of my own Trinitarian vocation.
2. Do you think that it is an important event for the Trinitarian Family?
Soon after the foundation of the Order, women religious and lay people started to associate with its charism and spirituality and thus also to collaborate with the redemptive activities of the friars.
Gradually contemplative sisters, other institutes of active women religious and other lay associations during the past several centuries were inspired by the Trinitarian charism, choosing to affiliate themselves to the Order, thus forming the present Trinitarian Family. They all consider St. John de Matha as their Patriarch and spiritual Father. Therefore, it is quite logical that these centenaries are significant for the whole Trinitarian Family.
3. How can we offer these two important figures as relevant witnesses in today’s world?
St. John de Matha and St. John Baptist of the Conception were prophets and mystics of their time. Both Saints were gifted men and enjoyed a relatively prestigious position in the world and in the Church. They were confronted by the reality of a world divided between the privileged and the under-privileged. They received a special inspiration and intervention from God to be prophets and mystics of their respective time; they were made uncomfortable as they lived in the comfortable circumstances by the impulse of God’s grace. They were challenged to move from mediocrity to a passionate way of life for God and suffering humanity. To respond to this challenge, they had to let go of their prestige, power and other human securities. In doing do, they were given the grace to be champions of freedom and faith, they courageously and generously dared to risk and so now they stand as steady witnesses of freedom and authenticity. In the many challenges facing the Church and Society, we need courageous and generous men and women who can show the way to others as bold visionaries and authentic prophets.
4.How can we present these outstanding figures as models for our young people in formation?
Both St. John de Matha and St. John Baptist of the Conception, as fathers of our Order and Family, are significant figures for all of us. They received a clear vision and a bold mission from God. To respond generously to this divine call , they let go of their personal interests and conveniences. Love for truth and authenticity moved them to a prophetic and radical way of life. The social challenges of their day transformed them into valiant champions of faith and freedom, thus becoming true prophets and mystics. Thanks to their courage and daring authenticity, the Order was founded and renewed and continues to exist. Today, the Church and the Order need men and women who are attentive to God and His message, attentive to human beings and their cry for dignity and freedom. Do you dare to be one who can respond to this challenge?
Responde la Familia Trinitaria
800
Centenaries
400
Fr. Jose Narlaly, Minister general of the Order
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