Pope to Superior Generals: Seek God in brethren

Pope Benedict XVI on Friday addressed the participants in the general assembly of the Union of Superior Generals and International Union of Superior Generals. Speaking to the Superior Generals in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall, Pope Benedict XVI reflected on the previous two assemblies, which focussed on the future of religious life in Europe. The Holy Father said that considering religious life means rethinking the very meaning of vocation, and seeking God.

The Holy Father said: Seek God in the brethren that He gave you, with whom you share the same life and mission. Seek Him in the men and women to which you are sent to offer them the gift of the Gospel. And seek Him in particularly in the poor – the first recipients of the Good News.

The Pope encouraged them to always be passionate seekers and witnesses of God, and to be a living Gospel.

The Holy Father went on to discuss fraternity as another fundamental aspect of religious life, saying that it is what most young people seek when approaching their vocation. He called on the Superior Generals to be masters of discernment in their positions, to help their communities recognize what is from the Lord and what is not. Without discernment, the Pope said, consecrated life is in danger of giving in to individualism, consumerism and materialism – criteria of this world that cause the fraternity to fail.

Finally, the Holy Father highlighted the importance of mission. He said that mission, supported by a strong experience of God and a robust training and life in community, is key to understanding and revitalizing consecrated life. The Pope urged the Superior Generals to renew their presence in the Areopagus of today and to announce, as St. Paul of Athens did, the “unknown” God.

Listen to full report by Kelsea Brennan-Wessels: