Over the past few months, we have interviewed all the new Provincial and Delegation Teams, asking the same questions to get an overview of future actions to be implemented. To close this series, we spoke with the Provincial Team of India.
In this interview, we delve into the team’s perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing their Province in the context of spiritual, ecological and community renewal. Following the conclusions of the Chapter, the provincial leaders share their plans and strategies for moving away from outdated approaches and making room for creative initiatives that promote growth and sustainability within the Vedruna Family. This dialogue addresses key issues such as community life, sustainability, balancing prayer and work, and fostering a synodal culture, all while facing the challenges of the contemporary world.
Faced with the most challenging realities of your Province, what strategies has the new Provincial Team proposed to face them and sow life as part of the Vedruna Family?
The current political situation and the government:
Keeping up to date with requirements and demands in a timely manner, keeping proper documentation and conducting training programs for sisters on these same issues.
Sustainability:
Seek local donors to support the communities and the mission, plan the budget well and stick to it, collaborate with others where there is no need to invest a lot in infrastructure, and send sisters to work in other institutes.
Maintain a proper balance between prayer and work/prophetic witness of life:
Encourage sisters to participate in ongoing formation programs and offer accompaniment for a healthy and quality community life.
2. In the light of the proposals emerging from the Chapter, what specific aspects do you think your province could leave behind to make room for new initiatives and renewal?
- Individualistic approach to community life and apostolates.
- Compartmentalized style of operation in our missions.
- Old mental structures, “it has always been this way”.
- Complacency and a lethargic lifestyle.
What are the main objectives that the provincial team intends to achieve during this new period, in response to the needs and challenges identified in the Chapter and the provincial reality?
Deepen integral and ecological spirituality, recreate our communities with threads of synodality and foster a creative mission through ongoing formation. Work towards favorable structural changes that promote and foster sustainability.
4. In the current context of the degradation of our common home, how do you plan to address environmental challenges as a Province and what specific actions could you take to contribute to sustainability?
- Strengthen the “green commission” initiative in our schools to implement plastic-free zones.
- Encourage the delivery of seedlings instead of flowers to guests and dignitaries during celebrations.
- Conscious use of natural resources, such as electricity, water, etc.
- Join with like-minded people to promote the care of the Common Home.
How do you plan to facilitate an open and constructive dialogue among the different communities and members of the Vedruna Family in your Province, in a way that promotes a synodal culture?
- We are given the opportunity to express our opinions at provincial and community meetings. Decisions are made after listening to all the sisters.
- The entire province participates in the preparation of the provincial project.
- Encourage communication, active listening and dialogue in the communities and places of mission.
We also invite you to read the interviews with the General Team and the provincial teams, which are now available:
