Since 2023, following Pope Francis’ invitation for the Church to focus on the evangelisation of today’s world through discerning leadership, the Congregation has been implementing training in this area at all levels. In our Province, this training has already taken place in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Spain, and we are awaiting the opportunity to carry it out in Zimbabwe as well (1–7 September), with members of the Provincial Government being the first to receive it. Moreover, let us remember that leaders are a key focus of our mission, which is why this training has also been adapted and delivered to the leadership teams of the five schools we run in Spain and Portugal.
Now more than ever, we need leaders who are capable of reading and discerning the signs of our times—people who, listening to the Spirit, can guide us from who we are to what the world and the Church ask of us.
We share with you some of the reflections that have emerged from these training sessions. We continue on our journey.
How can this help you in your specific context? In community life and in missionary responsibilities
“It is particularly useful for understanding the circumstances of my community life and, above all, for balancing the potential frustrations between the “ideal” I project onto the community and congregation and the reality of what actually exists”.
“In my personal life: being open to others. In my community life: knowing how to welcome the gifts of my brothers. In my missionary responsibilities: being attentive to the movements of the Holy Spirit”.
“It is helping me to be more participative and compassionate in relationships, as well as to make more considered decisions”.
“It is important to be aware of what we can realistically achieve. Being realistic helps to prevent tensions and frustrations”.
What challenges does this pose to your way of exercising leadership? Community cooperation and understanding.
“In pastoral work, leadership alone is not enough. It is essential to exercise discerning leadership. Discernment is a key aspect of action”.
“The greatest challenge is finding the balance between my natural assertiveness and the gentleness that a team and those in our care require. Without being harsh or overly lenient, the real challenge is knowing how to lead with wisdom”.
“The main challenge is changing certain routines and working more as a team”.
“Communication among all members must improve in order to make collective decisions and seek God’s will. Intercommunication”.
“It encourages me to be more resilient and bold in both community and mission”.
“Seeking the positive through open conversations”.
“The importance of personal and communal discernment in the planning, execution, follow-up, and evaluation of pastoral life”.
What insights does this bring to discernment and decision-making processes?
“The adjective “discerning” gives the simple exercise of leadership an exceptional quality, as what is required of a leader is the ability to discern in concrete situations and to make decisions with sound judgment and spiritual wisdom”.
“Recognising that teamwork is more effective and more ecclesial”.
“It helps me understand that the process is important in achieving the final goal; it is better to listen to everyone before making a decision”.
“That we are all co-responsible for our life and mission”.
“It leads me to conclude that, in the service of leadership, I must always seek God’s will in the mission entrusted to me and discern what is best for the community and my apostolic work”.
“In the community setting, I believe the main challenge is learning to look at the reality around us with hope. This may be the most difficult part, but I believe it is essential”.
“The importance of listening and of a proper discernment process”.
“Not to rush processes but to carry them out synodally, with discernment and prayer”.