The XVI GENERAL CHAPTER
of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles
"Prophetic Religious Life in our world today"
May the Lord be blessed for that."Prophetic Religious Life in our world today"
The input on the above topic was delivered by Sr. Pat Murray, a religious of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), and the Executive Director of USIG. Her presentation centred on her own practical lived experience in Sudan, which she titled, 'whole-makers, risk-takers and the experience of solidarity with south Sudan'. Her experience of mission bothered on how solidarity and effective collaboration with others who share similar vision can make a big difference in the people we are called to or serve.
She drew attention to images of 'whole-makers' and 'risk-takers' in the scriptures as a way of helping us to creatively shape a new paradigm for prophetic religious life and mission in our contemporary world. For instance, on vulnerability and risk-taking she referred to the images of the Good Samaritan and the Samaritan woman. These could symbolise what religious life should be today; a "spiritual adventure of passion for the missions (passion for Christ and passion for human beings).
In her view, the mission confronting us (Religious) is more urgent than we think, and extends beyond us. It is a call to connectedness with all humans, and trusting in the spirit of God working in all peoples. Acts 2:27 "I will pour out my spirit among all peoples ... Your sons and daughters will prophesy; young women and men will see visions, old women and men will dream dreams". It is a call that founding fathers responded to and no less is expected of us. This is a prophetic call, to encourage people to shun individualistic attitude, connect with people and be in solidarity with one another; to work together as a way of combining forces to tackle global and local challenges.
She emphasized that contemporary missionary life is a big risk that we must all dare to embrace. We need to discover the cross-roads where we can meet the poor and the marginalized, the suffering, the broken, weak and the vulnerable. There is a prophetic call within each of us to enter into new realities. This call beckons us to listen more deeply to the prophetic voice calling us to be the compassionate companions of people who are wounded and hurting in our world today. We should however, remember that the mission is God's mission, we are not in charge. God is the one who shows the way, and we can but follow.