Spiritual Moderator: Show us the way

Show Us the Way

Opening Prayer

I am yours, Holy Virgin so that I may be more completely God’s. Teach me to imitate your holy life. Like you, I want to carry out what God asks of me. In all humility I recognize my need for your assistance; you know my weakness, but you see the desire of my heart.

It is from your Son, my Redeemer that you learned the virtues that you practiced on earth. Following your example, may all my actions glorify his Love forever.

May each person render you the glory that you deserve as the beloved Daughter of the Father, Mother of the Son and worthy Spouse of the Holy Spirit.

Based on Spiritual Writings of Louise #595 A prayer with Louse de Marillac, p. 11

Formation

Liberating leadership is based, primarily, on the essential and fruitful convictions that the Pope reminds us about in “Christifideles Laici” (nº 63), when he says: “One cannot offer a true and effective formation to others if the individual has not taken on or developed a personal responsibility for formation; this, in fact, is essentially a “formation of self.” We have to remain faithful to the conviction that each of us is both the author and the object of formation.”

Formation is wide-ranging and includes, among other areas, spirituality, the Vincentian perspective, pastoral skills, group dynamics and an understanding of the Social Teaching of the Church.

• The Advisor is requested to collaborate in a special way in the area of Vincentian formation. Other aspects of formation can be cared for by other people or through specific and occasional activities.
• In formation work with Vincentian groups or associations, the Advisors must strive to bring lay people to be leaders in this task so that they, too, will be prepared to be both promoters and workers in the apostolate. This would be of particular benefit to those groups and associations that do not have the help of a priest of a sister.
• In the work of formation the Advisors should be helped by lay people themselves, by other interested groups or by experts from outside.

It must be made clear that the work of formation does not mean just giving a talk or a spiritual reflection at the beginning of a meeting, or saying Mass, but it is more a question of helping the group to make the connection between theory and practice by evaluating its actions and decisions in the light of St. Vincent’s teaching. This type of accompaniment requires collaboration, active participation in meetings and activities, openness to the Spirit working in the group.

Adapted from the AIC Manual for Spiritual Advisors

Reflection Questions

As I read this section, where do I see my strengths for this type of work?

What is an area for growth for me on which I will concentrate my efforts?

As did Louise de Marillac, the formator of the early Confraternities and Ladies of Charity, ask the guidance of the Spirit and the assistance of Mary to assist you with this work.

Closing

Because you are God’s chosen one, holy and beloved, clothe yourself with heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness, and patience… Above all virtues put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect. Christ’s peace must reign in your heart… Dedicate your self to thankfulness. . Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being.

Adapted from Colossians 3: 12-15, 23.

Mary, model of the true disciple of Jesus, grant me these graces, through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer Texts

Jn 3:22-30 - He must grow greater, I must grow smaller.

2 Cor 12:1-10 - When I am powerless…then I am strong.

Jn 14:15-20, 25-28 - I will ask the Father to send the Spirit who will teach everything.