In the year in which the “mighty tree” of the Pauline Family is celebrating the Centenary of its birth, the provincial governments of the three branches of the PF present in Portugal (Society of St. Paul, Daughters of St. Paul and Pious Disciples) met for a day of deeper reflection on the Pauline charism from the pastoral perspective.
The first stage of the encounter was guided by Fr. Silvio Sassi, ssp, who spoke on the theme: “The Charism of St. Paul Is Pastoral,” focusing special attention on several texts of Blessed James Alberione, such as Notes on Pastoral Theology and Women Associated to Priestly Zeal. The second stage of the meeting was animated by Sr. Maria do Carmo, pddm, whose presentation of the document of the Episcopal Conference, Rethinking Pastoral Work in Portugal, concluded with a synoptic comparison of the importance of pastoral work in the Constitutions of the three Institutes participating in the encounter.
In the final sharing session, each participant had the chance to express his/her opinion concerning the themes discussed and to offer constructive and concrete proposals to help foster growth in unity and in serving the Gospel in the Church and world. The day ended with an hour of adoration celebrated in a climate of profound gratitude.