We started the day gathered in the chapel celebrating Holy Mass with Fr Jacob Nampudakam, SAC.
Later on Brother Mark Hilton, Superior General of Sacred Heart Brothers Congregation, gave a very inspiring talk about Synodality.
When Jesus died on the cross his disciples were desperate. Two of them are on their way home to Emmaus when Jesus joins them. He does not give a lecture, he just asks and listens. And in doing so a process of growth and mutual understanding begins. The disciples invite the stranger to stay and encounter Christ. And in hindsight their eyes are opened: “We’re not our hearts burning within us?”
Doing what Jesus did is the concept of synodality. And synodality is not a concept kept for special occasions – synodality is about daily life.
Jesus welcomes the other. He invites to share and listens undivided. This opens space for a dialogue that is personal and results in mutual listening.
A dialogue in this manner is the discovery of God among us.
If we as religious persons embrace this we will be able to discern and find the will of God together.
Brother Mark ignited a spark in us to reflect on our daily life in our communities and that we need to follow Christ more and more in his attentive way in every encounter.
The afternoon was dedicated to reports from the provinces and delegatures.
We shared joyful news and supported each other with experience and knowledge.
We ended our day with adoration: Encoutering Christ, sharing and listening to his vivid spirit.
Let us all together have more often Emmaus experiences – in our communities, at the places we work, in the church – letting our burning hearts bear witness of our teacher: Christ who is risen.
Text: Sr. Astrid Meinert, SAC
Photos: Sr. Adelheid Scheloske SAC
