11. What this letter leaves unsaid

Few of the issues about the local superior (NC 318) were touched on among these reactions to the official letters of the whole Society. He plays so decisive a role, however, that again this year special directives will address it. In this letter, it seemed better to underscore the personal responsibility of each man for the growth of community life as Master Ignatius envisioned it. And again, the collaboration between superior and director of work has not been addressed here. The Society at large is currently focusing on this difficult and complex issue, on which the apostolic identity of many of our apostolates depends. After a good number of years of both successful and unsuccessful experiments, one can hope to end this year with some clear directives.

This letter has been inspired by two recent publications of the Church, even if it has not made explicit reference to them. They are the Holy Father's post-synodal "Apostolic Exhortation on the Consecrated Life" and a document from the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life, "Fraternal Life in Community." Reading these two documents, which were well received by the various religious institutes, can continue to nourish and guide our reflection on community life.