Rectors between temptation and spiritual animation

By Our own Correspondent

Port Moresby, PNG, 20 March 2017 -- Under the protection and guidance of Saint Joseph, the new provincial of PGS (Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands) started his 6 year period in service of authority. Next day after the installation Fr. Alfred Maravilla has held the first Rectors meeting, held in the provincial house in East Boroko, Don Bosco compound.

First part was dedicated to the formation of the 9 Rectors, with an animation by the EAO Regional Councilor. Quite lively, deep and insightful sharing focus on the rectors temptation and effective practices in animation of our communities. Seven rectors from PNG and two rectors of Solomon Islands with their provincial exchanged also some suggestions for growth in communication and communion within the province and with the whole Congregation (video messages of the Rector Major. Some points of Pope Francis wisdom about accompaniment (The Joy of the Gospel, art. 169-173) enlightened the joint reflection.

What are the temptations of the rector?

Complacency to do the same activities (as before). Tendency of not asking the confreres. Privileged oriented mentality, domination or authority exercised as power and not as a service. Mentality of 'I can do, what do I want.' Busy with my 'own things' forgetting what are the most important things in our community. Not appreciating enough the individuality of each confrere, while animating the whole community. Rector as manager, builder of infrastructures who put aside the community building. Paternalistic and not fatherly approach to our youth. Temptation of power, dont' like to step down after 20 years of this service.

What are the most effective animation tools in our communities?

• Personal presence of the Rector in common prayers, meals and break time of the school.
• Regularity in everyday practices of piety - Eucharist, Morning and evening prayers, Rosary with the youth.
• Weekly Bible sharing (Lectio divina) on Saturday morning.
• Spend time of personal talk with each confrere (rendiconto, personal chat) with calm, as enriching time for the rector.
• Knowing deeply each confrere, concern about their family and difficulties
• Enjoy together our missionary life.
• Making and sharing personal plan of life as good venue for the growth in communion.

In the second part of the rectors meeting the new Provincial listened to the needs of the communities, shared the EAO Team Visit experience and in the afternoon followed the provincial commissions encounter. In next few weeks Fr. Maravilla will continue his first round of community visits in both countries of the PGS Vice-province asking all confreres about their vision and life experience.

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