Province Updates
Community Life Symposium Reflection by Vicky Otto, Precious Blood Companions Director
I love summer because it is a chance to take a break and take a breath with the hopes of perhaps seeing or doing things differently. Joyce Rupp describes this hopeful feeling as our spiritual or inner summer. She writes,“ During our inner summer, we know we are growing. There’ s a robust surge of spiritual vitality … During this time, we often sense the presence of divinity within ourselves and others.” This summer I was given the opportunity to do something different which really awakened the“ inner summer” in me, as well as giving me a whole new perspective on what it means to be part of the Precious Blood family.
Representatives from all the units of the world-wide Missionaries of the Precious Blood were invited to participate in a Community Life Symposium in Rome at the end of July. The purpose of the Symposium was to discuss what it means for the community to live authentically and what it means to live a simple life style— as well as how each unit hoped to develop or deepen its commitment towards the fullest participation possible of lay associates in its communal life. Leading up to the symposium, many members and Companions participated in discussions to provide input into the reports that were given by each of the units. During the preparation for the gathering, Moderator General Fr. Bill Nordenbrock invited myself and another lay associate from Chile to attend the Symposium to bring the voice of the lay associates into the circle of discussion.
The Symposium began with a brief review of the history of the Community, especially focusing on how the Community was formed and structured. We then heard from two different religious communities regarding what community life meant to them. On Tuesday and Wednesday, we heard reports from each of the 18 units represented. Each representative shared what the current experience of their area was as well as their hopes and dreams. We concluded the symposium by drafting a document that captured all that was spoken during the symposium, which will then be presented to each unit to determine how to make these hopes and dreams a reality.
As I reflected upon the week of the symposium the two sentiments that come to mind were awe and gratitude. When I listened to how lay associates are defined in each of the provinces I had a sense of enormous gratitude for everyone in the United States who worked to make the dream of Companions a reality in the United States. I realized that it took an enormous leap of faith to bring to life what Fr. Joe Nassal wrote about in 1987,“ We are not forming a group to create more work for ourselves but a group to work side-by-side with us in the charism of St. Gaspar. That is our starting point: the charism of Gaspar.… They are‘ companions’ in following the path of discipleship. They have their own special call.” Many of the other provinces were eager to talk about how Companions were structured and formed as well as their relationship with the members in the community. Many of the members were eager to develop something like Companions in their own areas and had lots of questions. It is exciting to imagine that the dream of Companions that began in the United States might continue in other provinces around the world.
I also had a sense of awe when listening to the stories of the members from the different units about their ministries. I was in awe after hearing about the members of the Tanzanian province working each day to help those in need throughout their country. They face each day with joy and spirit, despite the overwhelming needs of the people living in poverty. I was in awe after hearing about the members of the Mexican mission who work each day faced with violence due to the drug cartels and gang warfare— which often occur on their doorsteps. They too serve with joy and spirit, not letting the violence win out over reconciliation and peace.
As each of the members shared the stories of their ministries around the world with such intention and dedication, perhaps awe is too weak of a word to use to describe my feelings. It was an honor to spend the week with these dedicated missionaries. I left with a whole new appreciation of the work that is being done around the world by the missionaries under challenging and difficult circumstances.
While summer is a wonderful time to take a break and imagine new beginnings, we also know that fall will come. Joyce Rupp writes,“ Autumn speaks of connection and yearning …” As I reflect upon my continued on page 12
10 • The New Wine Press • September 2017