b) Collaboration and solidarity in formation

8. The principle of collaboration(²⁹) and solidarity among the various institutes, especially among those present in a determined geographic-cultural area, also needs to be emphasized, in connection with the preceding principle. In fact, religious life has acquired a deeper consciousness of the uniqueness of each charism, of its specific ecclesial role, and also of the characteristics and responsibilities common to all institutes.

Formation has a deep common root. In fact, it is the action of God the Father who forms in those called the image of his Son by means of the sanctifying action of the Spirit, according to a particular charismatic design.(³⁰)

Further, collaboration finds its soul in the pneumatic-mysterious dimension of the Church from which, by the work of the Spirit, arises the multiplicity of charisms and toward whose communion and mission the life and missionary mandate of the institutes converge. It is founded on the richness, vitality, and beauty of the Church,(³¹) and it is fruitful because the various charismatic initiatives complement and illumine one another; one uncovering for the other its own gifts by being together and by sharing,(³²) in fraternity.

A concrete expression of collaboration and solidarity among religious families is the initiative, now spread in various contexts, of creating inter-institute centers of formation, especially where individual institutes do not have sufficient means to offer a complete formation to their members.

The Holy Father spoke about this collaboration in an audience granted to the International Union of Superiors General, saying: “The essential thing is that on the part of religious families there should be absolute co-operation in forming their members in a total, sincere and joyous love for Jesus Christ, who is deeply known, followed and obeyed”.(³³)

Experience gathered suggests that, when this collaboration is well done, it contributes to a greater appreciation of the charism of one's own institute as well as that of others, manifests concrete solidarity among communities which are richer and poorer in both members and means, offers an eloquent testimony of the communion to which the Church is called by divine vocation, and helps formation achieve the level and breadth that the mission of religious life requires in today's world.