The celebration of the silver and golden jubilees of religious profession was a precious occasion to recall the years gone by, but also a profound time of missionary renewal. The event, rich in grace, enabled each one to re-examine her vocation, her leadership and her ministry in the light of the Gospel, and to reaffirm the call to live consecrated life among the people, with the people and for the people.
Through the initial prayer moment, the retreats and the shared reflections, we were able to rediscover that mission flows from vocation. Consecrated life, rooted in baptism and sustained by the small and great choices of daily life, is nothing but a response to the loving call of God. This renewed awareness helped us to see ministry not as a duty, but as a joyful response born of gratitude and fidelity.
Great emphasis was placed on leadership in mission, particularly through the reflections of Pope Francis on the ailments of religious leadership. All of us were invited to embrace a leadership that is humble, transparent, participative and close to the people. A leadership that listens, accompanies and empowers, as such an approach strengthens communion, credibility and shared responsibility in ministry.
Equally important was the call to authenticity in consecrated life, expressed through a direct invitation to embrace the “fourth vow”: the vow of honesty. Integrity, accountability and transparency emerged as essential values for credible witness and fruitful mission, and this invitation was an occasion to challenge us participants to live in truth before God, before ourselves and before others.
I was struck by the insight on the need for “healed ministers” in a deeply wounded world. The reflections offered on forgiveness, regrets and inner healing reminded us that effective service flows from healed hearts. Recognising personal vulnerabilities and allowing God’s grace to restore us truly makes possible a more compassionate, patient and understanding ministry. Moreover, mission takes shape from daily choices, which help us to walk with people in hope, especially amidst challenges and uncertainties. Making decisions responsibly, being faithful in small commitments, being open to dialogue and persevering in service are signs of mature consecrated life and leadership.
At the centre of all this renewal, there must be a strong rootedness in prayer and the Word of God. The emphasis on the Holy Spirit, on personal and community prayer and on Scripture highlighted that without deep spiritual roots, service loses its direction. It is prayer that sustains leadership, energises service and keeps Christ at the centre of all ministry. Love is the beating heart of every vocation and every mission, and these days of celebration reaffirmed this powerfully. To love God above all things, and to express that love through concrete service to people, especially the poor and the most vulnerable (cf. Mt 22:37), is the heart of mission.
Celebrating the jubilee of profession thus became a vigorous invitation to integrate spirituality and ministry more deeply, and to continue serving with authenticity, compassion and Gospel joy, as true pilgrims of hope in today’s world.
Sr. Shyla Rayappan, Hyderabad
