General Conference – Communication 1 – June 17, 2022

After two years of pandemic and virtual meetings, we are all back at the Mother House, gathered near the heart of Marguerite Bourgeoys. The opening prayer prepared by Sister Ona Bessette, leader of the Congregation, marks the beginning of this international meeting. The meditation on The Synodal Journey: A Call to Listening, Dialoguing and Discerning Together allows me to dwell a little on each verb.

Listening is a demanding attitude; it is necessary to begin by creating a space within myself to welcome the other. Because listening is giving hope, it is giving dignity to the other, it is acting like God. Loving God, open my heart to listen.

To dialogue implies several steps and calls me to risk letting myself be touched, to risk letting my guard down and letting the other enrich me, thus opening me to the possibility of transformation. Loving God, teach us true Dialogue.

Finally, walking together as a Church or as a Congregation is an invitation to communal discernment. This means that the meeting that begins this evening needs all my collaboration so that with others, and supported by the Spirit, we opt for the life of the world. Loving God, may the Spirit of Pentecost descend upon us and guide our work. Amen.