While doing the annual planning, also this year, the community of the Theologate of Manila decided to have a moment of fraternal correction (correctio fraterna), which took place during the community outing after Christmas in the mountains of Baguio city. As a delicate formative tool, it had been prepared through a formative meeting to clarify its spiritual meaning, the necessary attitude, and the way of doing it: the fraternal correction aims to foster our human and spiritual growth, and strengthen the brotherhood among us. The fraternal correction was concretely consisting in writing down in a piece of paper short pointers both for the positive things we see in the other confrere and things to be improved. At the bottom of the pointers, we were asked to sign the correction in view of further clarifications. Before the last mass in Baguio, these small sheets were then put in envelopes so that the correctio took the shape of personal letters written by the confreres to each other.
Before reading the letters in the envelope, I also felt nervous because I would usually be anxious or somehow downcast to know my negative points coming from others. Yet, I told myself that I needed to keep the same attitude I wrote my suggestion for others. While thinking and writing the strengths and where my brothers need to improve, I paid attention to my words and addressed them, ensuring that the points were understandable and could encourage others. I wanted to participate in this activity because I wanted the good of other brothers and the community. Therefore, I opened the envelope and read what they wrote to me with the approach that they love me.
It was indeed a heartwarming moment for me to read those letters because I could perceive the kindness and genuineness expressed from words. I was affirmed with the strengths they noticed in me, and I also reflected upon the points that I need to grow. At that moment, perhaps because their suggestions were precise, authentic, and honest, what appeared in my heart was a sense of joy, and I agreed with many of the suggestions. Those words were not about “right” or “wrong” but my personal growth and the harmony of the community. I did not only know from others where I needed to grow, but I also felt encouraged and supported to do so.
Apart from the sense of joy, reading another “version” of myself was very interesting. I often think and act according to what I know and already have an image of myself, but I discovered more things from their observations that I did not notice, which was indeed a treasure. My self-understanding has been enlarged, and I become more aware of how I speak, act and work in the community. Therefore, I am advancing in human maturity with the help of my brothers living with me.
I experienced that fraternal correction, which brought me joy and a new perspective to live in community life, is an actual and constructive method when done with love and sincerity. I could not change myself immediately even if I knew my shortcomings, but I have confidence in the support and patience of the other members of the community. The experience of fraternal correction this year was a grace for me.
Simon
II year of Theology in Manila – The Philippines
Other sharings on the topic of Correctio Fraterna, can be found here:
