Discernment in Response to a Social Challenge | Ignite the Way
In the 13th episode of Ignite the Way video series, Fr Alvar Sánchez Calvo, SJ, shares the experience of a religious community as they faced a social challenge that required deep discernment and decision-making. Despite having institutional support, volunteer presence, and approval from the religious order, the community encountered a pivotal moment of reflection when one member expressed doubts about their role if they relocated. This prompted a collective realization that the discernment was beyond their immediate interests and required listening to a deeper spiritual calling.
The community decided to take a risk by sending a member to live in the new place while continuing to support him remotely, which altered their communal dynamics and deepened their spiritual listening. Through these experiences, the community embraced the Spirit and made a commitment rooted in love to respond to the social challenge.
Related Posts:
Luis Valdés Castellanos, a Jesuit from the Mexican Province, discusses the vital role of spiritual conversation as a tool for shared discernment within religious communities. He emphasizes that neither discernment nor spiritual conversation is exclusive to the Society of Jesus...
Sister Pat Murray, a member of the Congregation of Jesus, in episode 21 of Ignite the Way series delivers an insightful presentation on the role of facilitation in general chapters, which are pivotal events in the life of any religious congregation. She emphasizes that general chapters serve as...
In episode 20 of Ignite the Way video series, Fr Hung Pham, a Vietnamese American Jesuit, explores the challenges and strategies involved in discernment within a mixed cultural or intercultural context. Drawing from his personal experience navigating dual cultural identities, Fr Pham emphasizes...
Fr Somy Matthew Mannoor, SJ, a Jesuit from India and formation delegate, presents a case study in the 19th episode of Ignite the Way video series on discernment in common, particularly focusing on young religious in formation. He shares two concrete examples illustrating...
Fr Philippe Komi Habada, SJ, a Jesuit priest and medical professional from Togo currently on mission in Cameroon, discusses the challenges and solutions related to overcoming resistance during communal discernment within groups. Drawing from his experience leading a group...
Fr David McCallum, SJ, a Jesuit priest and executive director of the Discerning Leadership Program in Rome, presents an insightful overview of group dynamics within communal discernment processes. He emphasizes that communal discernment requires managing groups effectively...
