The Church and the world in the 21st century need a holistic approach to religious formation, according to the umbrella organisation for Catholic women religious superiors, reports Vatican News.
This year marks 6 years of service in responding to the need to prepare religious sisters for formation ministry by the International Union of Superiors General (UISG).
Participants in the UISG Formators' Program 2024. PHOTO: Vatican Media.
In an interview with Vatican News, Sister Shalini Mulackal, PBVM, coordinator of the UISG formators program indicated that the formation program is offered in English in the context of present-day religious life.
She said that the course is destined for sisters who will be responsible for accompanying women in the initial stages of formation.
The program covers different topics based on the basics of the ministry of formation, the context of consecrated life, the vows from different perspectives, interculturality and intercultural living, and ministry, creative forms and processes for deepening self-knowledge, discernment and leadership, and mission and global concerns.
The formators program seeks to enable each sister to experience an inner transformation, said Sr Mulackal.
“Whatever they learn during this time will assist them to be graced companions to those who are entrusted to their care and accompany them in their formative journey,” she said.
Sr Mulackal added that participants find the programme edifying and appreciate the group work, interaction, personal reflection, and mentoring.
The programme concludes with a ceremony focused of the theme: "In Gratitude we Go Forth as Graced Companions.”
According to one participant, Sr. Beena Peter, EF, a daughter of the Church from India, women religious have found strength in each other’s experience.
“Coming together as women religious in different cultures and nationalities is an opportunity that allows new connections to be made and deepened, as we aspire for communion, transformation, and the spirit of formation renewal in the 21st century” she said.
Sr. Giao-Huong Symphonie Ngo, CCVI, of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, Texas, said the program has enabled interdependence, interculturality, and deeper relationships with other sisters from other parts of the world.
This article by Sr Katleho Khang, SNJM was published in Vatican News.