Fr. Maloney Speaks to Leaders of JMV
Spiritual Values to be Fostered in the Leaders of t JMV in the Third Millenium…
I am delighted to be here with you today for this first meeting of the European National Councils of JMV. I thank God, and you, for your deep faith, for your love of the Marian-Vincentian charism of JMV, and for your generous service.
I have been asked to talk about the spiritual values to be fostered in leaders within JMV as we advance into the third millennium. I offer you a few simple thoughts today. As I do so, I am very conscious that most of you are already living the values that I will speak about. But still, it is important for us to stop and reflect on our values from time to time. Socrates once said that the unreflected life is not worth living. In other words, in order to be fully human, in order to grow continually, it is essential that we step back regularly and meditate on who we are and what the Lord is calling us to do. Who are you? You are leaders in JMV. What is the Lord calling you to do? The Lord is calling you as leaders to communicate your faith, your vision, and your love of JMV to the members of your National Associations.
Let me proceed with these reflections in two steps. First, a very brief view of the environment in which we live; secondly, an exploration of the values and qualities necessary for effective leadership in JMV.