On 21 and 22 May, the New Synod Hall at the Vatican hosted an international meeting organised by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. Around 200 participants — members of the governing bodies of international associations and movements — gathered to reflect on the theme: “To Serve, accompany and guide: foundations and practices of governance in associations”.
Representing the Teresian Association were Lurdes Figueiral and Susana González, members of the General Council.
A space for sharing and growth
Over two days, the meeting provided a rich forum for dialogue, learning and exchange among a wide variety of ecclesial communities. The discussions addressed the governance of associations from theological, pastoral and canonical perspectives, combining presentations with group work.
The opening address was given by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery. This was followed by various presentations that helped to explore the foundations of governance in the Church and in associations of the faithful.
One of the most significant moments was the presence of Pope Leo XIV. He addressed the participants with warm and encouraging words. He invited them to nurture and develop the gifts they had received, highlighting some essential attitudes for the exercise of governance: “mutual listening, shared responsibility, transparency, fraternal closeness and communal discernment”. He added, moreover, that “good governance, rather than concentrating everything upon itself, promotes subsidiarity and the responsible participation of all members of the community”.
Leo XIV emphasised the importance of communion, both for the internal life of the association or movement, and for communion with other ecclesial communities and with the Church as a whole. “Anyone who exercises a mission of governance in the Church,” he said, “must learn to listen to and welcome diverse opinions, different cultural and spiritual orientations, and distinct personal temperaments, always seeking to preserve, especially in necessary and often difficult decisions, the greater good of communion. This demands a witness of meekness, detachment and selfless love.”
Following his address, which can be read in full here, the Pope personally greeted the participants, in a gesture much appreciated by all.
Lurdes Figueiral and Susana González greet Leo XIV.
Challenges, dialogue and life shared
The afternoon of the first day was devoted to identifying some of the current challenges in the governance of associations and to working together to find ways to improve. The participants worked in small groups, sharing experiences and proposals drawn from their own contexts and charisms.
The day concluded with a time of prayer—the recitation of the Rosary in the Vatican Gardens—and a shared dinner that fostered fellowship and closeness among those present.
The second day began with the celebration of Mass in St Peter’s Basilica which took place at a very special time as the feast of Pentecost was approaching. Subsequently, the work proceeded according to the synodal method of conversation in the Spirit which fostered attentive listening and respectful exchange.
Two testimonies helped to shed light on the topic ‘The Relationship between Moderators and Bishops and Reconciliation as a Style of Governance’. The day concluded with groups sharing their contributions and the Dicastery presenting its conclusions.
Group photo at the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens.
An experience of ecclesial communion
For the Teresian Association, participation in this meeting has been a valuable experience of communion and synodality. It has allowed us to share our own mission and lay vocation in dialogue with other groups in the Church, to strengthen bonds and to open ourselves up to new perspectives.
It has also been an opportunity to get to know one another, to exchange ideas and to grow together, in a broad experience of Church, on a journey and at the service of the world.
Info-IT
Original photos and DLFL photos.
Further information on the website of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life.
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