The SVD Australia Province is embarking on a period of communal discernment in the lead-up to the Provincial and Council elections for the next triennium.
The discernment process aims to infuse the Provincial Elections with Pope Francis’s vision for a synodal Church in which the Spirit-led participation of all is valued and necessary.
“The essence of this synodal initiative is to align ourselves with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and with each other, enabling us to identify potential nominations by delving into our deepest aspirations through prayer and reflection,” said Provincial, Fr Asaeli Rass SVD.
Fr Rass said the communal discernment is scheduled to run from April to mid-May, after which the Provincial Council is planning to issue the first indicative ballot, to identify the confreres considered most qualified for office, whether that be a priest or brother.
It is anticipated that individual discernment will persist throughout the process until the SVD Generalate in Rome reaches a decision in collaboration with a select group through the current provincial administration.
“Through the discernment process, confreres will look beyond personal preferences to identify the qualities they desire in a leader to guide the Province in the upcoming triennium,” Fr Rass said. “This process will be directed by their collective discernment and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who plays a central role.”
Fr Rass said the discernment and election process is based on a shared responsibility for the common good.
“I firmly believe that every confrere is capable of making informed decisions about nominations, provided they have access to the relevant information and adequate time to consider it,” he said.
“Establishing a standard for evaluating the knowledge and understanding of confreres regarding each other's competencies is challenging. It is my belief that confreres will make well-informed choices; however, it is unclear how many dedicate time to exploring their options thoroughly.
“Consequently, it is vital to ensure that their vote is not squandered; every confrere has a responsibility to vote thoughtfully. This issue is of great significance, as it impacts the entire Province, the Society at large.”
Fr Rass said all seven districts of the Province, across Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Myanmar, including the formation house, Dorish Maru College, will come together to engage in a profound process of listening, reflection, and prayer to understand God’s will
It is hoped that district leaders will arrange a half-day retreat or a spiritual communal discernment session, often referred to as ‘Conversation in the Spirit’.
“This gathering will allow participants to reflect on critical topics, such as the qualities of effective leadership, intercultural sensitivity, age-related considerations, and valid reasons for declining a position,” he said.
“A fundamental principle of communal discernment or conversation in the spirit is that all participants have equal access to pertinent information, ensuring that no individual, ethnic group, or district holds an unfair advantage.”
Fr Rass said that as the current Provincial leadership nears the end of its term, there is much to appreciate.
“The Council views the call to leadership as separate from a direct vocation from God; instead, it is a mediated call that emerges from the collective voice of confreres who have made perpetual vows within the Province,” he said.
“Pope Francis emphasises the importance of participating in this shared spiritual journey, advocating for a synodal approach in all facets of the Church’s life and mission.”
PHOTOS
TOP RIGHT: Provincial, Fr Asaeli Rass SVD, speaking at the 2023 Provincial Chapter.
BOTTOM LEFT: Delegates to the 2023 Provincial Chapter. Confreres from across the Province will be part of the communal discernment in the lead-up to this year's Provincial elections.