OPINIONS
Jorge Enrique MOLINA. Colombia
The building of community, with “the joyous gift that each of us represents”, became a reality from the moment we set foot in Rome. It was evident in the Brothers who welcomed us, the joy of seeing each other and knowing we were Brothers, and in all the wonderful hospitality that we have received.
What we experienced at the opening has inspired hope in us for the future and for the success of the 44th General Chapter. You could feel something very special in the air, everyone sensed it -- it was our brotherhood!
In spite of our language limitation, cultural differences, or the fact that we are meeting each other for the first time, each person, each Brother brings a wealth of riches which he is contributing to the Chapter process. There does not seem to be any barrier that can keep us from getting to know each other and to accept each other.
Building a community is something that is constantly in process, it implies giving of ourselves in order to make it a reality. Every day, there are new experiences that surface that help to enrich our community life.
The atmosphere here is tranquil and serene. This has allowed us to dialogue and work on proposals together in order to reach a successful outcome.
There are great challenges ahead of the Chapter and the Institute. We must be attentive and docile to the call of the Lord in order to discover his will for our Institute. We must be willing to enter into this experience with humble minds, hearts, and wills in order to accept what God is asking of us today and for the future.
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