A CRITICAL REFLECTION
AND PROPOSALS FOR NEW FORMATION PROGRAMS
COMMENTS ON THE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF YOUNG RELIGIOUS

Introduction

My reflection does not arise exclusively from my own interpretation but also takes into account the words of the other two speakers at the Conference: Sr. Anna Mary Mukamwezi and Sr. Vilma Moreira who have given me a written copy of their reflections on the Conference. I also had access to the analyses of the groups of young religious who attended the congress as well as individual reflections, reactions and responses.

This critical reflection is an attempt to analyze and highlight some of the elements which emerged from the Congress, from the reactions of the young people in the assembly hall to the proposals or to the fact that for the first time ever they came together in such great numbers from so many different places.

I shall focus this reflection on a few of the more essential points: the image of the young man/woman religious which emerges from this Congress, the idea of the consecrated life, interaction with the previous generation (or with superiors and formators) and finally some proposals for formation programs. This will all be presented very briefly.