Formation

Togo: Seven New Postulants Welcomed

On February 10 the two Assumptionist communities of Sokodé, Togo gathered in the new chapel of the novitiate to give thanks to God for the official entry of seven postulants.

Assumption’s Love of the Church

Last day

At the end of these four days of workshop, everyone is convinced that the love of the Church is an essential dimension of the charism of our entire Assumption family. The goal of the last day’s work was to gather together the ideas and reflections shared during the preceding three days and to produce a document that could communicate to all religious and lay members of the Assumption family.

Assumption’s Love of the Church

Third day
 
After two very rich days, even if it is not always easy to discern the line of thought that can gather all together, the participants in the “Charism Workshop” pinned a few things down. After the Sunday Eucharist, celebrated on this 6th day of February, each participant took the time to do some personal thinking with the help of a few questions prepared by the Steering Committee. Then together the participants shared their thoughts and made their way to Saint Peter’s Square, where the Pope would lead the pilgrims gathered there for the Angelus prayer.

Assumption’s Love of the Church

Our personal experience
 
After reflection and conversation regarding the founders’ experience of the Church, the participants at the “Charism Workshop” spent their second day, Saturday, February 5th, thinking about the experience that each one has had of the Church. But the day began with another, very moving pilgrimage: in the catacombs of Saint Priscilla. More than 40,000 Christians were buried in this place, where very beautiful frescoes of the 2nd and 3rd centuries are beautifully preserved. In an underground chapel in the catacombs, the group celebrated the Eucharist.

Assumption’s Love of the Church

Our Founders
 
At Due Pini, the General House of the Assumptionists in Rome, a workshop is currently in progress, bringing together the five Congregations of the Assumption family (with four representatives from each Congregation). It is the second gathering of this kind, dedicated to deepening reflection on the charism of our religious family. (See photos)

Session on Ongoing Formation - P 8

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Rome, August 18 to September 6, 2008

Commitment and send-off

Friday September 5, we found ourselves at 7 AM at the tomb of St. Peter to celebrate the Eucharist presided by Fr. General, Richard Lamoureux, who, in his homily, spoke about the newness that Christ inaugurated and which we, the heirs of Saint Augustine and of Father d’Alzon are called to live by.  This newness is Christ himself, the new man whom we must know, imitate, love, and follow while journeying with Him.

Session on Ongoing Formation - P 7

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Rome, August 18 to September 6, 2008
In the footsteps of Father d’Alzon, belonging and charism

As foreseen in the schedule, on Monday September 1, we began the third and final week of the session. The theme: In the footsteps of Father d’Alzon, belonging and charism.

During the entire forenoon on Monday, guided by Fr. Jean-Paul Périer-Muzet, we made the rounds in Rome of the most significant places in the life of our Venerable Founder, places where he either lived or did certain things.

Session on Ongoing Formation - P 6

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Rome, August 18 to September 6, 2008
Outing to the Castelli Romani

Saturday August 30 was set aside for an outing to the Castelli Romani.  This name takes us back to the Roman Castles of the Middle Ages, to a group of thirteen villages on the slopes of the Albano Mountains.  This was originally a volcanic region whose ancient craters became Lakes Albano and Nemi.  Noble families that had fled from the disorder and the lack of security in Rome built their fortified castles in this area. Today, during the summer, Romans, like the Pope, find in these villages a pleasant climate amid the groves of chestnut trees, olive trees, and grape vines that produce excellent wine.

Session on Ongoing Formation - P 5

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Rome, August 18 to September 6, 2008
Penitential Act

At the end of the first week dedicated to rereading our lives in the presence of God and in the company of Saint Augustine, the participants in the International Session of Ongoing Formation in Rome reflected for a week on the apostolic community from five different points-of-view: 1) welcoming, sharing, and proclaiming the Word; 2) brotherhood, charity, friendship; 3) living the evangelical counsels; 4) apostolic sharing; 5) forgiveness and reconciliation.

Session on Ongoing Formation - P 4

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Rome, August 18 to September 6, 2008

Apostolic Community

We have begun the second week of our meeting on Ongoing Formation.  The main theme of this week is the apostolic community, and we are under the leadership of Fr. André Brombart who is introducing us to this theme in his talks.