DIALOGUE BETWEEN SUPERIOR GENERALS
AND CONSTELLATIONS MODERATORS

When the moderators of the constellations finished to present these appeals, there was, as usual, a rapid exchange with one’s "neighbor on the bench"; then, a dialogue between the two moderators and the Assembly members started. Once more, was underlined the request of the young for community that promote individuals, without fostering individualism; the fact of not having succeeded in producing a consensus message from the Congress seems to confirm it.

We admire the enthusiasm of the young, it is somehow similar to what we felt when we were their age. But what measure of that enthusiasm do we still retain? A question about the dream of the young was particularly stimulating (the dream of the religious men seemed to be different from that of religious sisters).

In his answer, Fr Fabio Ciardi underlined there is a neat dichotomy between communion and individualism. It is a matter of paying attention to the person, not giving priority to the group and to the resulting standardization: there must be suitable place for silence, personal prayer, Eucharist adoration. Young people often expressed their exacting desire to be "accompanied"; there is a real need of personal attention, even though individualism is a rather common sin.

Fr Frank Santucci said the Congress experience confirmed his own daily personal experience in an international community, where young people allow their own culture to emerge. He also reaffirmed the necessity of assuring personal accompaniment. He confirmed that it was not possible to write one single (consensus) message. For the purpose, a synthesis of each Constellation conclusions was foreseen; one impressive text titled "Credo" from the French speaking constellation was singled out, but it was not accepted by the English speaking constellation, consequently, it was expediently decided to publish the conclusion of each constellation. After all, what seemed very important was more, to listen to each other than to try solving problems.

Fr Fabio Ciardi came in again to say that the young people were enthusiastic and lucid. Half of the group have finished their studies (university level for many) and integrated in apostolic activities. So they were aware of the obstacles, they were not to be convinced by an off hand remark like "This too, will pass" with reference to their enthusiasm. It is surely true that if engaged-couple knew all the difficulties they have to pass through in their marital life they would never get married. Father Ciardi, wittily added that young religious enthusiasm is somewhat like the love of engaged young people, but we also know married people who still love each other after fifty years of marriage, even they are no more fond of each other, because there are appropriate gifts for each age.

As for the dream of the young and the ways to help them realize it, someone reminded the assembly of the important distinction established by the young people in the Congress between "formation and conformation". It is a matter of reciprocal trust.

On the other hand, added Fr Frank Santucci, young people want clarity, and we may ask if we really know our Founders with all their ideals.

The re-reading of the International Congress of Young Women and Men Religious went on with the reflections proposed by two of the four organizers of the same Congress, Fathers Cencini and Veilleux.