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The Task of Superiors
14. In rediscovering the meaning and quality of
consecrated life a fundamental task is that of superiors, to whom the service
of authority has been entrusted, a demanding and at times disputed task. It
requires a constant presence which is able to animate and propose, to recall
the raison d'être of consecrated
life, and to help those entrusted to them to live in a constantly renewed
fidelity to the call of the Spirit. A superior cannot renounce the mission of
animation, of brotherly/sisterly support, of proposing, of listening and of
dialogue. Only in this way can the entire community find itself
united in full communion and in apostolic and ministerial service. The
directives offered in our Congregation's document Fraternal Life in Community remain a topic of great interest,
when, in speaking of the aspects of authority which should be evaluated today,
recalls the task of spiritual authority, of authority conducive to unity and an
authority capable of making final decisions and assuring their implementation.46
A personal and confident
participation in the community's life and mission is required of all its
members. Even if, in the end, according to proper law, it is the task of
authority to make choices and decisions, daily living in
community requires a participation which allows for the exercise of dialogue
and discernment. Each individual, then, and the whole community can work out
their own life with the plan of God, together carrying out God's will.47
Coresponsibility and participation are also exercised even in various
types of councils at various levels, in order to ensure the constant presence
of the Lord who enlightens and guides. The Holy Father did not hesitate to
recall the ancient wisdom of the
monastic tradition for a correct concrete exercise of the spirituality of
communion which promotes and assures the effective participation of all.48
A serious ongoing formation program,
built into a radical reconsideration of the problem of formation in Institutes
of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, will help light the way to
an authentic path to renewal: renewal in fact “ depends primarily upon the
formation of their members”.49
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