Internationality
Context … The Story
"As Brothers living and working in different countries and in various cultures, we witness situations of poverty and oppression, of unequal distribution of the earth's resources and of selfish vested interest prevailing over global human needs. We also see in the efforts of our own brothers new expressions of Edmund's charism in collaborative ministries across the Congregation.
Being committed to inculturation and being international in outlook we strive to hear humanity's deepest yearnings especially in the plight of the poor.
Our sharing and reflection at this Chapter have drawn us to a global way of looking at the earth, its people and its needs. As men committed to international brotherhood we bring a special sensitivity to the search for global unity in the one Creator God.
This commitment will be painful. It has serious implications for congregational resources. It will demand from us a letting go of our limited viewpoints and some of our cherished hopes as we prepare ourselves for a new response."
Direction … The Dream
We as a Congregation pledge ourselves to internationality
Call to People at the Margins
Context … The Story
The context of our congregational story today is the rapidly changing world which sets a new agenda for the Church. In these changing circumstances we are called to discover anew what the true following of Jesus requires of us in the spirit of Edmund's charism.
The God of Jesus is a God of radical transformation "who puts down the mighty from their thrones and raises the lowly" (Lk 1:52)
• The prophetic content of Jesus' proclamation of the Reign of God was centred on the poor.
• The material resources and spiritual energies of Edmund were directed to raising the poor to a dignified manner of living.
• Responding to the cry of the poor touches what is deepest in the Good News and and is at the heart of our charism
At a personal level our involvement with people at the margins requires a conversion of heart that enables us:
• To see the world through the eyes of the poor
• To respond to the urgings of the Spirit to choose life
• To address fears and anxieties that paralyse the action of the Spirit in our response to new beginnings
• To accept that our involvement with the most disadvantaged in society is a call to faith in the person and faith-vision of Jesus
Direction … The Dream
We call all brothers to move to ministry with people at the margins
Growth Through Fragility
Context … the Story
The call to religious brotherhood-"a state of life complete in itself "(Perfectae Caritatis §10) - is a call to grow to the full potential of our manhood. We draw on our personal gifts, accept our limitations and avail of the opportunities to choose life in order to grow to maturity as balanced and integrated persons.
The Gospel vision of life in its radical vowed form is at the heart of religious life giving it meaning and direction. Any serious diminishment in living the gospel vision whether in our personal lives, as communities or in our ministries leads to death rather than life.
There are signs of death in our congregational story. Such signs include undue severity of discipline, harshness in community life, child abuse, an addiction to success, canonising work to the neglect of our basic human needs for intimacy, leisure and love. Today we have been made painfully aware of these aspects of our sinful history.
We acknowledge and accept the truth of our fragility. Our eyes have been opened to our deficiencies in the areas of psychosexual development and the affective dimensions of our lives. We accept that those aspects of our congregational life which do not foster human growth need to be addressed.
Direction … The Dream
We as brothers acknowledge and share our brokenness and fragility and claim the growth that God's healing brings to us.
The Edmund Rice Family
Context … The Story
The Chapter recognises and joyfully affirms he emergence in many parts of the world of individuals and groups who are inspired by the vision of Edmund Rice and express his charism in ways appropriate to their situation.
We affirm the value of the Brothers' vocation, convinced that vowed members make a unique contribution to spreading the Reign of God in the world.
This growing movement
Automatically includes all vowed members of the Congregation
Includes men and women of all ages from different backgrounds and walks of life.
Allows for short-term and longer term commitment
Has led to the formation of various groups and associations, some formal and some informal
Is respectful of people's autonomy and freedom
Has great potential for enabling both Brothers and other followers of Edmund Rice to live Jesus' vision more fully
Witnesses to the power and vitality of Edmund's charism in a global context.
Direction ...The Dream
We as Brothers acclaim the Edmund Rice Family as a gift for the Church and the world, and work in partnership with all authentic expressions of Edmund's charism.