Reflections on the Letter of the Superior General

We are approaching the midway point of the term of office of Father Tomaž Mavrič, CM (the 24^th Successor of Saint Vincent de Paul). I do not believe that the theme of his recent letter on vocations and formation, addressed to the Visitors and dated, (March 29, 2019) surprised us. Almost two years ago Father Mavrič began to address this subject of vocations and this new letter continues the line of thought that was previously expressed (including, he entitled the letter with an expression that he used when he first addressed this theme: Towards a Renewed Culture of Vocations [see. Letter of September 20, 2017).

What contributions does this new letter make to our discussion? What themes remain to be deepened and to be concretized in provincial plans? What aspects are implied in this letter and what other aspects are subjects for discussion?

I propose that we reflect on all of this from two perspectives: first, I refer to the heart of the matter that could lead to the development of the Vincentian Culture of Vocations and second, I place before you some questions that I began to ask myself after a first reading of this letter.

The heart of the matter that could lead to the development of the Vincentian Culture of Vocations

1. Realistic awareness

We do not see any elements of numerical idealism nor any signs of pessimism with regard to vocational promotion. Rather, the letter provides us with two affirmations that place us in harmony with reality. First, with regard to the external element of young people who respond to the missionary call, the letter does not lose sight of the reality of those places where the response now is not so great or even almost non-existent. Second, with regard to what happens within the Little Company: we also know that in many cases, a confrere carries three, four or even more responsibilities at the same time, so that the formation of our own cannot always be a priority.

A serious and conscientious analysis of the distinct provincial realities is an indispensable step in developing a plan that will lead us toward a Vincentian Culture of Vocations.

2. Personal suitability

Process, stages or phases … those are three concepts that are not always understood when talking about formation. If we are attempting to develop a culture of vocations, it will be difficult to move in that direction if we only consider “marketing strategies” as a way to attract young people to the Congregation and if we view seminaries as the only place of formation and thus, forget or ignore the reality of on-going formation (especially since on-going formation becomes either the strength or the weakness in any plan intended to lead us toward a culture of vocations). 

Therefore, the words of Father Mavrič appear to be very opportune: We all need to help and encourage each other so that every province, region, or international mission has confreres who will have the opportunity to prepare to accompany our young men in the initial stages of formation, in the first years after vows and ordination and in our ongoing formation.

As the Superior General has pointed out, in any provincial plan with regard to on-going formation, that is, in any overall plan that is in harmony with reality, it is necessary to prepare formators for each stage of formation. While affirming the contributions and the richness that confreres specialized in philosophy and theology make to the different provinces, today there appears to be a prophetic sign urging the Congregation to invest personnel and resources in the “formation of formators” as a proper discipline and as an idea that decades ago would not have been considered.

3. The importance of priorities

Some months ago, Father Eli Chavez, CM (a former Assistant General) wrote an article and stated: 

Although late, nevertheless, the theme of a Culture of Vocations has gained prominence among us as members of the Congregation of the Mission.

Therefore, in a letter from the Superior General that is addressed to the Visitors and the members of their Council, it is very wise to move from a simple dialogue/reflection to the establishment of a priority: I would like to encourage and recommend that, together, we make Vocation Ministry and the Formation of Formators in the Congregation two of our priorities in all the countries and places where we serve.

A few months before the Meeting of Visitors in the Philippines it is important to place these issues of vocational promotion and formation in a proactive perspective so that they are not viewed as a response to an emergency situation that is felt in some provinces as a result of aging of confreres and/or a lack of personnel. Clarifying and establishing priorities is a difficult but necessary step if we hope to create a culture of vocations.

Necessary Questions

It would be quite naïve to think that in a letter of the superior general we would find a well-developed plan for the Congregation with regard to the issues of vocational promotion and formation. Father Tomaž presents us with some of his reflections but he does not give us a Formation Handbook. We do have, however, a well-developed Ratio Formationis which should help us in the concretization of a provincial plan in this area. What we can do — and perhaps what we should do — is take advantage of this opportunity in order to dialogue and question ourselves about these two important issues. Let me propose some questions!

Are we hopeful about the future of the Congregation of the Mission? Do we view the positive attitude of the Superior General as unrealistic and/or naïve? Does the principle that is expressed by the Superior General (the true vocational crisis is found in the response of the persons being called, that is, their positive response or their non-response) make us pause and reflect? Is on-going formation a priority in our local and provincial communities? How do we train formators so that we avoid improvisation when assigning confreres and individuals to this ministry? Am I willing to live my vocation in such a manner that I give vocational witness to young people? Is the culture of vocation a perspective that guides the evaluation of our missionary work, our formation structures and our life together? What steps must we take if we want to establish a renewed culture of vocation?

By: Rolando Gutiérrez, CM

Translated:
Charles T. Plock, CM
Eastern Province, USA