Feb 9 – Culture of Vocations

Our February Conversation Group discussion invites us to consider the culture of vocation here at New Melleray Abbey.  The facilitation committee provided us with some quotes from Pope Francis for consideration. Quotes from a recent homily by Fr. Mark were also included in the preparatory material. These provide the context for our reflections on how we learned about monastic life, what the New Melleray culture was like when we entered, how we currently witness to Christ and the love of God, and what experiences we would most like to share with a man considering a religious vocation.

Today there is an urgency to bring into the Christian community a new vocation culture . . . . Youth today need a fresh spring of water to quench their thirst and then continue their journey of discovery.

Your witness will be more persuasive if, with joy and truth, you know how to tell the beauty, the awe, and wonder of being in love with God.

Pope Francis, Jan. 5, 2017

Your Order has known times of grace and moments of difficulty but it has always persevered in fidelity to sequela Christi having as its purpose the glory of God and the good of the people. Continuing in the way of your spiritual tradition, may you read the present state of the Order in its shadows and lights and in the novelty of the Spirit, identify with courage new possibilities and occasions to witness your charism in the presence of the Church and society.

Pope Francis to the OCSO General Chapter, Sept. 23, 2017

 

Culture is an environment where something can develop and grow in a healthy way.

We want vocations because we eagerly long to pass on to others the Cistercian life that we ourselves have been fortunate to discover and receive.

Fr. Mark Scott

Conversation Groups (CG)

The purpose of the CGs is to provide a forum where the brothers “come together to listen to the Spirit speaking through one another,” to foster skills of good communication that will promote mutual understanding and trust (Gdlns 2), and to provide the superior with the data he needs for taking decisions with foresight and fairness by the brothers humbly and honestly expressing their views (RB 3)