One hundred and forty leaders of Religious Institutes from around Australia converged on Parramatta last month for the ‘Daring to Dream’ National Assembly of Catholic Religious Australia.

The Assembly, held from July 31 to August 3, provided a space for leaders to recharge spiritually, psychologically and intellectually, to share experiences of faith and governance, and to find hope and energy for their respective missions. A rich smorgasbord of programme offerings unpacked the theme of ‘dreaming’ in the context of discerning the synodal path, and ‘daring’ in the context of a vision for the future of religious life.

“Was there a stand-out moment?” When this question was put to participants later, many respondents highlighted the high-quality of the presentations. There was resounding praise for the presentation of Chris Monaghan CP, ‘Your young ones will see visions, Your old ones will dream dreams,’ which explored the Scriptures for the importance of dreams across age, gender, culture, language, and for how they reflect inner motivations and drive individuals toward their life missions.

Appreciated, too, were the highly creative keynote sessions of Maeve Heaney VDMF, ‘The space of our dreams’ and ‘Welcoming God’s voice’, described by a participant as “engaging and unique, with a focus on the intersection of theology and music”.

Indigenous leader Aunty Vicki Clark shared a ‘two-way cross’ weaving together symbols of the sacraments and symbols of her indigenous identity. Through her presentation, ‘Dare to dream of an ancient story of the two ways,’ she asked participants to paint their own cross, reflecting on their culture and sacramental journey. Participants affirmed the exercise for its “valuable insights into the connection between art, spirituality and personal growth”.

Meanwhile, an excellent offering from Ann Gilroy RSJ ‘Dare to dream of kinship and community’ explored “the interconnectedness of all beings, the communal and social impact of our dreams and actions” and “the importance of working towards a common good that encompasses people, nature and the universe”.

Participant feedback commended the Assembly’s use of diverse mediums, such as music, poetry, art and video, as well as the presenters’ gifts for weaving spirituality, scripture, art and the global context into their presentations.

Appreciated, too, was the opportunity to connect, “to engage in thoughtful and spirited conversation with our peers, and to draw strength from the sense of togetherness during the Conference”, as one participant put it.

The Assembly also made space for the election and commissioning of a new CRA National Council, as well as prayerful interludes, a full-voiced Assembly Mass followed by a formal Dinner, and dedicated meetings held for female and male Leaders.

A notable feature for 2023 was the launch of a new book by CRA, Our Stories, Our Lives, Our Mission: Catholic Religious in Australia. Published with St Pauls Publications, this is the fruit of a 12-month project flowing from the 2022 World Day of Consecrated Life, collating the stories and profiles of Religious Congregations into a user-friendly format for educators and formators of young people and as a celebration of religious life.

So, what was the most significant ‘takeaway’ from this year's CRA Assembly? Respondents typically spoke of unity, renewal and embracing change. Sacred Scripture and the theme of dreaming were frequently cited as sources of inspiration. Clearly, for today’s Religious, no less than for their biblical ancestors in faith, God’s revealing word still beckons, still challenges and still invites radical trust.