The document summarizes the installation of the new Viatorian General Council on September 1, 2012 in Vourles, France. It provides brief biographies of each council member and outlines their responsibilities. The event celebrated the beginning of the new pastoral team's service and renewed hope for the Viatorian community. Participants felt inspired by being in Vourles, the birthplace of their founder Louis Querbes.

1. Viator Web
NEWSBRIEF OF THE GENERAL DIRECTION
Number 51 September 2012
A Word from the Superior General
Dear Viatorians,
A new pastoral team has now officially taken office. Last September 1st, in the midst of a
warm welcome provided by the Delegation of France, some sixty Viatorians gathered at the
Cradle in Vourles to celebrate that event in a spirit of thanksgiving and hope, with Father Quer-
bes’ parish church serving as the witness. The present issue of Viator Web provides us with an
opportunity to share those important moments.
Before the new General Council of our Community is presented in the following pages, I
would like to recall the principles that guided me in forming that council. Afterwards, each of
the councilors will be invited to express his own personal convictions. Let me begin by sharing
with you the deep joy that I find in working with those persons and the enthusiasm that I dis-
cover in this new chemistry – which, of course, remains to be even further developed – between
persons coming from cultures as rich as they are diverse. All of that provides the General Coun-
cil with a new voice!
Our greatest hope is that Viator Web will serve to infuse new spirit into our entire Com-
munity. Over the coming weeks, we will adjust its contents in such a way that it will increas-
ingly help us to discover and to encourage the life and the mission of our brothers and sisters. It
goes without saying that we will be asking for your contributions in order to make its contents
even more interesting.
I share with each and every one of you the firm resolution of the members of the new
General Council to do everything in our power to be at the pastoral service of our religious fam-
ily.
Fr. Alain Ambeault, C.S.V.,
Superior General

2. The General Council
"Since the beginning of this General Chapter, we have been discovering and accepting a
number of major challenges, all of which are important for the future of the Congregation and
of the Viatorian Community. The follow
follow-up step became self-evident: we would now have to
evident:
find those persons – ourselves or others – who would be capable of dealing with those chachal-
lenges.
From the very beginning, I indicated to the Superiors of the Provinces and the Deleg
Delega-
tion that I wanted the General Council to respond less to the principle of one member per prov-
ince (this councilor is a representative of my province) and more to a choice that would enco
encom-
pass all of our personnel, no matter where they might be. In a word, I was asking the Superiors
of the Provinces and the Delegation to support a global perspective, a diversified team, and the
perspective,
collaborative capacities of the council’s members to respond to the task that is confided to us as
a reflection of what we have become. To put it more clearly, I wanted confreres from our foufoun-
dations to be present on the General Council.
I wish, therefore, to publicly express my appreciation for the close collaboration that I
ion
received from each of the Superiors of the Provinces and the Delegation. Subscribing to what I
was asking can be labeled as generosity, sacrifice, and especially great solidarity with our entire
Community. May these words of gratitude that I am now expressing have both the flexibility
ords
and the intensity to touch your hearts and those of the persons whom you represent."
(Extract from the presentation of the new General Council on July 16, 2012)
Father Alain Ambeault, C.S.V., Superior General
Born on June 28, 1959, in Lachute, Québec, Canada, Alain
,
entered the Clerics of Saint Viator in 1980. After serving in
parish ministry for a dozen years, including seven as pastor, he
inistry
was called to be of service to the Community. He served as a
member of the Provincial Council of Canada from 1993 to
2006, including assuming the responsibilities of Provincial S
Su-
perior from 1998 to 2006. Additionally, he was president of the
Canadian Religious Conference from 2004 to 2006. His train-
ing is in pastoral theology.
A community such as ours is called upon to offer, to the world and to th Church, a
the
meaningful presence, characterized by the gift of diversity and the grace that produces intera
interac-
tion among its members, all of whom are co heirs of the same charism and co
co-heirs co-responsible for
the same mission. Our title as "catechists" is very appropriate at this moment when we are fac-
ing the challenge of a new evangelization. With all of us striving to become increasingly aware
of the international character of our Community and of the solidarity that such requires, impo
impor-
tant and energizing challenges are being offered to all of us.
llenges

3. Father Harry Célestin, C.S.V., Vicar General
Harry saw the light of day on October 5, 1964, in Cap Cap-
Haitien (in the north of Haiti) in a family of five childen, of
Haiti)
whom he is the youngest. After his theological studies, he was
called to assume responsibility, from 2002 to 2005, as the pastor
of the Christian community in Grand
Grand-Goâve, where Viatorians
âve,
live and work.
Afterwards, he spent two years in Rome (2005
(2005-2007) study-
ing spiritual theology. Over these last years, he has been serving
the Community in formation programs as the master of novices
(2007-2011)
(2007 2011) and, more recently, as the director of the scholast
scholasti-
cate.
Through many different persons and in the realities of everyday life, we have exper
experi-
enced the goodness, the friendship, the tenderness, and the faithfulness of God – a God who
ced
gives his regenerating Word of life, who provides the joy and the peace that no one can take
away from us, who gives meaning to everything that we are and everything that we can accom-
plish. As with the Early Church, this God asks us to go forth and to unfurl the sails of our Vi
Via-
torian family to the winds of the Spirit, who invites us to abandon ourselves and to become i in-
creasingly welcoming and committed, giving witness through our faith as we continue to walk
witness
with the poor and the marginalized so that they can re-discover hope.
Brother Luis Álvarez Torres, C.S.V., Treasurer Ge
General
Luis was born on August 22, 1944, in Villalba, Barros,
Spain. He entered the Community in 1961. He worked in the
field of education from 1963 to 1989 as a teacher and admini
adminis-
trator in various schools. He participated closely, from 1978 to
1989, in different organizations of the educational world on b be-
half of developing freedom of education. He was president of the
Spanish Confederation of Catholic Schools from 1989 to 1998.
From 2002 to 2004, he was the provincial treasurer of Spain;
afterwards, he acquired the title of financial manager of the Cle
Cler-
ics of Saint Viator of Spain. Finally, he b
became the administrator
of the Conference of Spanish Religious (CONFER) from 2005 to
2011.
I think that both the Viatorian Community and the Co
Congre-
gation are facing challenges so great that we must confront them
with courage and confidence: the development of the Inte
International
Viatorian Community, the sense of belonging to one and the same

4. large family that provides mutual support on the human and mat rial levels; the cre
material creation of
inter-communicating vessels among the provinces, the delegation, and the foundations, all of
communicating
which are based upon clarity and ju tice in the use of material goods; and so forth.
ity justice
To help in facing those challenges, I agreed to take responsibility for general admin
sibility admini-
stration, for I believe that, in those d mains, I can offer my modest experiences in the manage-
domains,
ment and administration of material goods. My desire is to carry out that management accoraccord-
ing to the criteria of transparency, professio alism, and solidarity in co
professionalism, collaboration with the
Superior General and his council.
Brother Carlos Ernesto Flórez, C.S.V., General Cou
Councilor
Carlos Ernesto was born on October 9, 1967, in Bogotá, Colombia. He joined the Viat
bia. Viato-
rian Community in 1991. After pr pronouncing his first vows in 1993, he worked at Saint Viator
ing
School in Bogotá as director of the Catechetics Department;
afterwards, he taught religion (1995
(1995-1998). He made his per-
petual vows in 1999 and left several months later for Saint
Francis Xavier Parish in Corozal, Belize, where the work co
cis con-
fided to him led him to work with committed lay leaders in
different ministries.
A first sojourn in the United States brought him to Saint
Viator Parish in Chicago, where he was speci
specifically attentive
to pastoral ministry with Hispanics. Returning to Belize, he
became director of the Social Services Office.
Since 2007, Carlos has resided in the United States. He
was first of all director of the Admissions Office at Saint Ma
irst Mar-
tin de Porres School in Waukegan, Illinois. He remained in
that position until 2009, when he assumed, at the service of his
province, the roles of translator and interpreter for the Provi
Provin-
cial Superior and of support person for the older confreres.
ior
Carlos Ernesto has studied philosophy, theology, li lit-
urgy, and Church history. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aad-
ministration and educational supervision and a master’s degree
pervision
in community psychology.
I accepted this new mission as General Councilor b cause I want to be at the service of
because
the International Viatorian Community, offering my support to – and walking alongside of – my
Viatorian brothers and sisters in order t create a new Community that is alive and able to con-
to
front the reality of our present-day Church and of our world. I also believe that I am able to
-day
collaborate with new ideas for community life, our apostolate, our vocation programs, and our
administration. The international character of my journe – in Colombia, Belize, and the
journey
United States – permits me to contribute my personal experiences with a view to developing the
mission of Father Querbes’ Comm
Community.

5. Father André Simon Crozier, C.S.V., Secretary General
Secretary
Born in 1946 in Courzieu, Rhône, France, André made his
first vows in 1965. He studied at the "School for Catechists" in
Lyons. Having obtained a Religious Education Certificate, he b be-
came a catechist and a trainer of catechists. While serving as secre-
er
tary of Louis Querbes School and of the Province of Vourles and
France, he was a member of several Provincial Councils, as well as
the assistant provincial.
Ordained a priest in 1979 afte completing his studies at
after
Saint Irenaeus Seminary, he was almost immediately appointed
pastor, a ministry that he excercised for twenty
twenty-seven years: seven
years at Chessy and Châtillon and then twenty years in the four
parishes that, in 2002, received th name of "Saint Blandine of the
the
River," which included Vourles for the last six years. In 2006, he
was chosen as a General Councilor and Secretary General for the
duration of Father Mark Francis’ second term.
In taking this new step, as a member of another General Council, I am heartily resolved
tep,
to revive certain convictions in myself. I have discovered a bit more about our Community and I
am aware of the grace that is being offered to me to learn more about the Community in order
to better serve it.
The last two General Assemblies of the Viatorian Community and the last General Chapters
have assured me of a reality that is very obvious to the eyes of many of us: the e
enthusiasm and
the energy of young religious, the experience and serene perseverance of those who are less
young, and the inspiring participation of the associates.
The faces of the Viatorians in those countries where we live and work attract me and
invite me to meet and to listen to people. Authentic dialogue aimed at developing our common
actions calls for understanding, support, and hands
hands-on accompaniment on the part of those who
are willing to accept and to take up the challenges presented by recent international meetings.
I have confidence in the future of our Community, which appears to me to be on the path
to solidarity. Our Community will be successful in the measure that it is able to have each and
every member accept his or her responsibilities and insofar as it agrees to work towards the
members’ formation – human, spiritual, and especially Viatorian. The members, for their part,
will all serve as witnesses to the diffusion of Christ’s Love in the midst of the world, according
to the burning desire of Father Louis Querbes.

6. Distribution of Tasks in the General Council
Here are the different responsibilities that have been confided to the General Council members:
Father Harry Célestin
• Vicar General.
• Studies in preparation for becoming the Procurator at the Holy See. (The present assignment
of Father José Antonio Lezama as Procurator at the Holy See is therefore extended for an un-
determined length of time.)
• Responsible for spiritual life on the local level.
• Studies in preparation for becoming the Postulator of the Cause of Father Querbes.
• General Council member responsible for the Foundations of Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast
and General Council delegate to the CCVAO (West African Viatorian Coordinating Commit-
tee).
Brother Luis Álvarez
• Treasurer General.
• Responsible for these specific portfolios:
- location of the General House;
- International Mission Development Office.
• General Council member responsible for the Province of Spain.
Father André Simon Crozier
• Secretary General.
• Responsible for the Secretariate on behalf of the General Council.
• Responsible for the archives and the library.
• General Council member responsible for the Province of Canada and the Delegation of France.
Brother Carlos Ernesto Flórez
• General Councilor.
• General Council member responsible for the Province of Chicago.
• General Council member responsible for the Province of Chile and the Foundations belonging
to the CLAC (Latin American and Caribbean Council) and General Council delegate to the
CLAC.
Father Alain Ambeault
• Superior General.
• Link with the Union of Superiors General of Men and with bishops.
• Presider at meetings of the General Council and of the Extraordinary General Council.
• General coordination.
• Pastoral visits.

7. Celebrating our New General Coulcil
Vourles, September 1, 2012
Reflections in Vourles
By Thomas R. von Behren, C.S.V.
Provincial Superior of the United States
Each time I travel to Vourles, France, I get that special feeling in my heart and suddenly
I find that my spirit is lifted and becomes brighter. A sense of awe overcomes me, and I am
taken back to the inspirations of a man who walked these very streets and traveled the beautiful
hills of the countryside off in the horizon of this small village community.
For it is here that the spirit of Father Louis Querbes, founder of the Clerics of St. Viator,
continues to permeate and inspire Viatorians and visitors alike as they make their pilgrimage to
Vourles. Here, in the 1830’s, as
pastor of the local parish, Father
Querbes inspired his parishioners,
preached the gospel, celebrated the
Eucharist, and enhanced its music
and chants, all with the quiet certi-
tude that God was with him through
the Spirit of Jesus and the guidance
of Mary, the Mother of God.
And so again, I have just
returned from a visit to Vourles.
For it was with this visit on Sep-
tember 1, 2012, the 153rd anniver-
sary date of the death of Father
Querbes, that Viatorians from four continents gathered together for the special occasion of the
installation of the 15th Superior General of the Clerics of St. Viator. Viatorians representing
every province/delegation of the congregation gathered at the parish church of St. Bonnet,
where Father Querbes served as pastor as a young priest in the Diocese of Lyon, to witness and
support Fr. Alain Ambeault, C.S.V. as he made his profession of faith, along with his Vicar
General, Fr. Harry Célestin, C.S.V., thus becoming our Superior General.
The special day began with nearly 50 Viatorians gathering at the gravesite of Father
Querbes, remembering this anniversary date and giving thanks for the life and vision of our
Founder. We prayed together, remembered, and looked to the future as a new chapter of the
Viatorian story was about to begin.

8. And then we moved to
the installation ceremony and
mass. At the beginning of the
mass, each provincial representa-
tive processed in with a lit can-
dle and proclaimed a personal
international greeting from his
province to the entire gathered
community; affirming the sup-
port of his province to work in
collaboration with Fr. Ambeault
and his new council. And as the
mass continued, each member of
the General Council – Fr. Harry
Célestin, Vicar General;Br. Luis Álvarez, General Treasurer, Br. Carlos Ernesto Flórez, General
Councilor, and Fr. André Crozier, General Secretary read
excerpts from the formal “Message to the Viatorian
Community” that was written and approved at the conclu-
sion of the General Chapter, that was held in July in Aric-
cia, Italy. It was an inspirational moment.
The spirit of this day was one of hope – interna-
tional solidarity with a commitment to pursue the ap-
proved priorities for the next six years, namely, a renewed
emphasis on vocation ministry and a re-commitment to
advance peace and social justice in our Viatorian minis-
tries and community life.

9. The spirit of this day was one of hope – international solidarity with a commitment to
pursue the approved priorities for the next six years, namely, a renewed emphasis on vocation
ministry and a re-commitment to advance peace and social justice in our Viatorian ministries
and community life.
Yes, a new era has begun for the Viatorian Community with new leadership and a re-
newed commitment to continue to make the vision of Father Querbes come alive in our world
today. May God bless our new Superior General and his council, and may they always be
guided by the words of our founder that in all things,“May Jesus be Adored and Loved.”
Homily ries eliminated, we find co-existing, side by
side, the enthusiasm of young people who
The Viatorian Community has once again want to move forward and to establish roots
come together in the parish church of Father in new places and the wisdom of other peo-
Louis Querbes, where today it will leave ple who resolutely propose putting their
behind a remembrance of a new moment in shoulders to the wheel, without forgetting
its history. Gathered here in Vourles, our the lessons of history and the imperatives of
hearts are touched by the graces of our foun- the present. Rich cultures, having all wit-
dation, as if the tree could feel life flowing nessed the miracle of a young bud, the grace
into it from its roots. Here at the "Cradle," a of a charism, the welcome of a new land,
sentiment of faithfulness to the calls of the and the slow but sure putting down of roots
Spirit challenges us more than ever to con- to bring forth unexpected fruits, are calling
tinue sharing our 181-year-old charism in out and presenting challenges to each other.
the fifteen countries where we live and work Men and women have seen – and continue to
today. Thus, we pilgrim sons and daughters see – the paths of their vocations intersecting.
of Father Querbes have come to Vourles this They recognize, in the actions of others,
morning to give thanks to the Father of hope, something that is both unique and shared.
who dwells within us. And thus they come to a crossroads and rec-
The discussions that we have had recently, ognize the vocation and the charismof which
both at the Second General Assembly of the all of us are co-heirs and for which all of us
Viatorian Community in Bogotá in February, are co-responsible.
2011, as well as at the General Chapter this Today, more than ever, Viatorians are con-
past July in Rome, indicate the rather exact vinced of their international figure, which
characteristics of what we have been living clearly proclaims the need that we have for
during these years. With all national bounda- one another in order to maintain the beauty

10. and the truth of our fidelity. The current por- might find ourselves, God’s miracle always
trait presented to us by these two major takes place at the very heart of the absolute
Community events proclaims clearly that we poverty of the person who is searching for
are men and women of hope – not a hope God. Only a humble community knows how
that hides our weaknesses, our doubts, or our to leave room, at the heart of its mission, for
errors or that disguises our darker side, but a God’s unexpected miracle. Surprising divine
hope that calls forth and lets in the miracle graces will always be channeled through
of God’s presence among us. May these those who are accounted of least importance
words of Saint Paul be inscribed in gold at among us.
the beginning of this new moment in our Saint John, in his Gospel, tells us that there
history that we are undertaking together: is a young boy here who has five barley
Faith is the way of already possessing what loaves and two fish.
we are hoping for and of understanding the By way of conclusion, I would like to assure
realities that we do not yet see. And when you that the new General Council will place
Scripture pays homage to the people of old, all its hope, its deep faith in the mission that
it is because of their faith. All of them have is ours, its renewed youthfulness, its cultural
died without having experienced the ful- diversity, and its passion at the service of
fillment of the promises; but, in faith, they what you are living on each of your journeys.
had seen it and acknowledged it from afar You can rest assured that we will be there!
(Hebrews 11:1-2; 13a). We will be there especially to carry forward
That hope is the most wonderful witness that the memory of the various points of consen-
we can render to Father Querbes, since it sus and the inspired gestures that we re-
was that very same hope that so often urged cently experienced. Believe us when we say
him, as a reason to go on living, to place that we shall remain faithful to what we are
everything in the hands of Divine Provi- called upon to become, confirming and chal-
dence. It is that same hope, Father Querbes, lenging whatever energizes us!
that continues today to brighten the faces of Our hearts are filled with these challenges,
your daughters and sons, who are very much for they already make it possible for us to
aware that they transport your treasure in possess what we are hoping for.
vessels of clay. As the Lord continues to
gaze down upon your community, the future Brothers and sisters, may that hope enliven
is embraced as a grace that will ceaselessly you! As you come into contact with the peo-
lead us to wonderful new horizons. ple whom you serve, learn again, if neces-
sary, the words and the ways of accommo-
The members of the new General Council dating them so as to leave room for God’s
who are here with me – and please permit creation to continue. Hum life’s popular
me at this time to salute their availability, tunes as they come and go. Share with those
their courage, and their desire to take up this who live in joy. And discover the brilliant
great pastoral challenge – are very much colors that transform the boundaries of life.
aware of the imperative nature of this morn-
ing’s Gospel message, a message that en- And, especially, share that hope wherever
compasses what all of us are experiencing: you might be!
The people are hungry! The Lord’s response
does not leave any doubt: "Give them some- Alain Ambeault, C.S.V.
thing to eat yourselves!" Those words re-
mind us that, no matter what our daily real- Superior General
ity might be, no matter in what context we

11. 2012 General Chapter
"In concluding, I wish to personally add my voice to the ex-
pressions of gratitude that André Simon, speaking for all of us,
addressed to Mark yesterday during our visit to the General
House. Mark, you have been our shepherd for twelve years,
which represent an important slice out of a person’s life. You
spent those years placing your talents, your sense of responsibil-
ity, your concern for truth and effectiveness, and your pastoral
sensitivities at the service of our Community. We recognize you
as a man of faith, who knows how to choose words to express
that faith, actions to celebrate that faith, and the commitments
necessary so that such faith can transform the world.
We hope that, in the eyes of the thirty-nine chapter members
and of the support personnel, you will be able to see the recogni-
tion and the gratitude of all your Viatorian brothers and sisters.
The challenges that lie ahead of us are imprinted with your sig-
nature.
you, Mark, and all the best as you continue with your mis-
sion."
Alain Ambeault, C.S.V.,
Closing Homily of the General Chapter
The News in Brief
2012 Chapter Acts
The new General Council is getting established and, while taking care of necessary details
as the members settle in and get acclimated and determine their manner of functioning, the prior-
ity task remains making available as soon as possible, in the usual three languages, the 2012
Chapter Acts. Texts must be harmonized before they can be translated into English and Spanish
from the official French version. And, finally, they must be printed up. We wish to assure you
that we are doing everything in our power so that, as soon as possible, you will have in your
hands the new Charter of the Viatorian Community and, afterwards, the Chapter Acts.
A Witness Recognized in Peru
In a letter addressed to Bishop Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, S.J., bishop of Huancayo in
Peru, Father Alain Ambeault, our Superior General, joined his voice with so many others to con-
gratulate the bishop of Huancayo as he was decorated with the National Unity Prize of Peru.
Highlighting to what extent the pastoral actions of this bishop give precious witness to the
action of the Holy Spirit in our world and are living proof that the Reign of God is indeed being
constructed here on earth, Father General expressed his joy that the Viatorian Community would
henceforth be present in the Diocese of Huancayo.

12. Bishop Barreto is deeply involved in defending the living conditions of peasants affected by the
mining activities of major international companies.
Congratulations
• To Brother Jeanin Gaëtan, who made his perpetual vows in Haiti on August 25, 2012.
• To Brothers Ferry François, Jean-Yves Medidor, and Paul Pierre, who were ordained dea-
cons in Haiti on September 1, 2012.
• To the six new Viatorian associates of the Province of Spain: Tomás Collado García, Elena
García Batista, María Monserrat Gómez López, Ana Rosa Gutiérrez Manzano, María José
Martínez Remírez, and Mertxe Moreno Ascanio. They made their commitment on August 15,
2012.
New Novitiate in Burkina Faso
The novitiate of the Burkina Faso Foundation, situated in Boassa, opened on August 31,
2012. Accompanied by Father Julien Rainville, the master of novices, three young Burkina Faso
men – Michel Da, Hermann Palé, and François Zoma – began their year of initiation into reli-
gious life.
A New Viatorian Blog
Our Spanish confrere Tomás Aranberri, who is well known for his involvement with the
SERSO (Spanish Solidarity Service) movement, has just gone on-line with a blog that opens a
window into our religious family. This blog is clearly inspired by one of the two priorities of the
2012 General Chapter – Vocation Ministry. The blog can be visited at www.sanviator.net/
In our Prayers
• Br. Yves LABERGE (Ca), July 28, 2012, at the age of 89, in his 69th year of religious pro-
fession.
• Mr. Richard GODIN (Ca), August 3, 2012 at the age of 71, in his 4th year of associate com-
mitment.
• Br. Maurice BONY (F), August 9, 2012, at the age of 86, in his 62nd year of religious profes-
sion.
• Br. Gérard LEMIEUX (Ca), August 12, 2012, at the age of 85, in his 67th year of religious
profession.
• Fr. Louis CHAUFFOUR (F), August 20, 2012, at the age of 98, in his 83rd year of religious
profession and his 68th year of priesthood.
• Br. Gilles BROCHU (Ca), Septembre 15, 2012, at the age of 84, in his 68th year of religious
profession.
• Mrs Gloria MARTIN RODRIGUEZ (E), September 17, 2012, at the age of 94, in her 31st
year of associate commitment.

13. To Nourish our Reflections
Young people are calling us to a more authentic religious life!
Rather recently, in Quito, Ecuador, as the Eighteenth General Assembly of the Latin American
and Caribbean Confederation of Men and Women Religious (CLAR) was
coming to its conclusion, Sister Mercedes Casas Sánchez was elected its
president. For the first time, a woman from Mexico was designated for that
office. There follows a short interview conducted by Vida Nueva (magazine)
with the new president.
- What is the strength of religious life in Latin America?
The love that it brings forth. An attachment to that vocation can be
perceived, as well as faith in the strength and the treasure that religious life
constitutes for the Church. That love is seen through the conviction with
which each conference works steadfastly in order to encourage its men and
women religious, to create bonds, and to respond to the reality of God’s calls. By accompanying
our people in their sorrows, their joys, and their difficult moments, religious life has not lost its
ability to reflect reality. But its greatest strength lies in the people to whom God sends us and
who always help us to better define our identity as religious.
- What are the principal challenges facing the CLAR?
Challenges spring forth from listening to the cries of the people. God wants us to be
where we can listen attentively to those vehement voices – the voice of an economic growth
from which many are excluded, the voices of a misuse of nature, of human trafficking, of migra-
tion, of corruption, of drug trafficking; the voices of the young and of the social movements that
are coming to birth; the voices of the native peoples who are seeking justice, the voice that clam-
ors about women and their situation. A renewed option for the poor also constitutes a major chal-
lenge.
We religious are called upon
to live prophetically day by day
in a daily offering and in unity
more than by any display of titles.
We must not cease listening to the voices of the new generations of religious, as well as the
voices of other young people, for they are calling us to a life that is more transparent and authen-
tic. Even if that does not always appear to be evident, they are indeed searching. Even though
they have a great thirst for God, they do not find an answer to their concerns in religious life.
In conclusion, the great challenge is to continue our journey through this mystical and prophetic
life, but based upon other categories. Perhaps we are not called to be great prophets. But we are
certainly called to live prophetically in the gift of each day, in unity, more than by any display of
our titles. And the mystical? Perhaps we are not called to be great mystics whose works people
read. But we are called to be transfused by the mysticism of the mustard seed, of the grain of
wheat that dies, of the seed that is sown, that grows, and that produces fruit.
In issue # 2,814 of Vida Nueva (magazine).