Friday’s meeting of the international leaders of the Congregation focused on a presentation of a significantly updated version of our basic formation document, “Ratio Formationis”, with guidelines for formation for mission.
This document aims to be the most comprehensive set of guidelines to date in that it treats of formation at all stages in the life of a missioner.
Fr. Gerard Luttenberger, Chair of the Preparatory Commission, asked for input into the final draft which he hopes to present to the General Council by October 2013.
The five areas of special concern are all drawn from issues considered in Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 8 of the draft. These are areas where the cultural diversity manifest in our provinces must be most carefully recognized and honored. The Ratio Formationis seeks to foster the unity of the community which exists only in a diversity of cultures, is enriched by that diversity, and must foster the development of the Vincentian charism within those cultures.
Within each one’s culture, the various provinces as well as the Congregation as a whole can learn from the other cultures and walk the paths of ongoing formation together. So, he invited reflections and comments so that  the Commission for the revision of the Ratio, can be sure that they have heard and have understood adequately the gifts, the needs, and the challenges which exist in each of your provinces.
Visit the documentation page for the text of his presentation and the process used in providing feedback.
