PART THREE

FACING THE CHALLENGES OF OUR TIMES

    The aim of our reflections at this Assembly is to take note of the real reasons that motivated the birth of the USG, in order to re-read and re-interpret them in the context of our own time. In that way, we will be able, in creative fidelity, to revive the efforts made in the past and renew our will to serve the consecrated life in this difficult period of transition and study.

    Amongst the great challenges of the present time, I would like to bring out the following:

    1. Contact with the Holy Father: The Executive Council must, as it did previously, have the possibility of direct meetings with the Holy Father.

    2. Dialog and communication with CIVCSVA. On 31 May 1998, we sent a letter to CIVCSVA. It was suggested that the Council of 16, instead of meeting the Congregation for three half-days a year, should meet them only twice, but for a whole day each time, with working methods that would allow the theme to be prepared and studied three months before the meeting, so that practical conclusions could be reached. CIVCSVA’s response was totally negative. They reminded us in no uncertain terms of the consultative nature of the Council of 16 which, as stated in their reply dated 23 June 1998, "was born as a body for exchanging experiences and for consultation, and not as a body to reach executive conclusions or take decisions to be submitted for approval. That would be going beyond the attributes of the Council".

    3. Dialog - exchange - commitment with the CEP. The missionary ability of religious, always at the forefront of evangelization, constitutes a gift and a blessing for the whole Church. Their availability and their commitment merit consideration so that they can be living and active members in research and joint missionary responsibility. Here we are truly beginning to take a new and positive road, thanks to H.E. Mgr. Marcello Zago.

    4. Relations with the National Conferences of Men and Women Religious. In a world of rapid communication and globalization, it is important to improve relations with the National Conferences of Men and Women Religious. Although the USG is not a body with legal powers, it should be more open to dialog and to collaboration with the National Conferences of Men and Women Religious. It must look for simple means of furthering contacts.

    5. Promoting theological reflection on the consecrated life. There is a need for a regular Theological Team which, on a permanent basis, would assist reflection on the consecrated life, in the light of the challenges of today’s world. This is a service the USG is called on to provide.

    6. Strengthening and redefining the service of the USG Secretariat. In the light of the experiences of those who have been the Union’s Secretaries and of their colleagues, it is necessary to reorganize the Secretariat so that it can be an instrument that provides swifter, more efficient and more wide-ranging service.

    7. Other potential services. Realistic and creative examination is needed as to the possibility of offering other services to the consecrated life.