Christian formation as a work of synergy and communion, under the motto of giving birth to the faith. This is the characteristic that the Pope highlighted in his address this morning, in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace, during the audience with the participants of the Third Plenary Assembly of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life.
The meeting, which began on February 4 at the General Curia of the Jesuits in Rome, focused on the theme “Until Christ is formed in you,” taken from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Galatians. Pope Francis today picks up on this theme to highlight the particularities of an art that, according to him, must be placed in a dynamic that, even with pain, leads the disciple to a vital union with the person of the Savior himself.
Not only the transmission of doctrine, but the offering of life.
The Pope points out that, on occasion, in the Church, the figure of the educator as a “pedagogue” who transmits instructions has prevailed over that of the “father.” He clarifies:
Our mission, however, is much higher, so we cannot limit ourselves to simply transmitting doctrine, an observance, or an ethic, but we are called to share what we live, with generosity, sincere love for souls, a willingness to suffer for others, and a selfless offering, like parents who sacrifice for the good of their children.
The community dimension of formation
Quoting from Evangelii Gaudium, Leo XVI praises the community dimension of formation:
It’s not just the priest, nor a catechist, nor a charismatic leader, who generates faith, but the Church, the united and living Church, formed by families, young people, single people, consecrated persons, animated by charity and, therefore, eager to be fruitful, to transmit to everyone, and especially to new generations, the joy and the fullness of meaning that it lives and experiences.
Prevent all forms of abuse against minors and vulnerable people
The Pontiff’s discourse offers guidance on how to move forward in the Church’s commitment to formation, considering that it is an art that is not improvised and that «requires patience, listening, accompaniment and verification». The path to follow is that of the mustard seed, which alludes to the ability to make even the smallest things bear fruit, as experienced by some saints whom the Pope calls “giants of the spirit”: St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Philip Neri, St. Joseph of Calasanz, St. Gaspar del Buffalo, St. John Leonardi.
Also remember the Treaty of St. Augustine, *De catechizandis rudibus*, which can be a source of inspiration, and strive to “foster life paths that are coherent, appealing, and personal, leading to Baptism and the Sacraments, or to their rediscovery”; to help those who embark **on a journey of faith to develop and foster a new way of life** that encompasses all aspects of life, private and public, such as work, relationships, and daily life. In particular, it adds:
Promote in our communities formative aspects oriented to respect for human life at all stages, particularly those that contribute to preventing all forms of abuse of minors and vulnerable people, as well as accompanying and supporting victims.
Vatican News
Religión Digital
English version translated with AI