Looking ahead: 2018 – 2021
Taipei, 8 Febbraio 2018
I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some (1Cor. 9,22).
Introduction
Inspired by the vision of the Founder and accepting the directives of the XVII General Chapter, the China Delegation, answering to the need of renewal, restructuring, and repositioning, gathered to make a plan for the next three years.
While in the past our documents have emphasized three major areas of involvement, during these days, we have recognized two others which are already part of our missionary work: the charismatic family and interreligious dialogue.
- Pastoral
The assembly has recognized the missionary value associated with pastoral ministry.
Parish work remains an ideal place of evangelization. At the same time, new challenges and opportunities arise from working with migrants and displaced people, cooperation and contacts with the local Church, and activities with lay people and the youth.
- Social
We have gathered a rich experience in the field of human promotion. Despite the difficulties in obtaining a working visa in this area, it remains an effective approach which requires qualification and endurance.
- Academic
Experience demonstrates that work in academic field (teaching and research) quite easily provides a way of being present as missionaries. This involvement requires commitment and stability.
- Charismatic family
As we strive to pass on our Xaverian missionary spirit 神恩中国特色, to others, we become aware of their potential to receive, verbalize and live the charism. Fostering a closer relationship with “our” sisters of St. Joseph, our friends and following possible vocation prospects guarantees a future to our missionary presence. In view of deepening their sense of belonging to the Xaverians, it was suggested to start a school of spirituality and plan pilgrimages to other Xaverian regions.
- Interreligious dialogue
Answering to the Church invitation and the Xaverian vision of mission, inter-religious dialogue has been a privileged missionary approach in our Delegation. We continue to develop an attitude of openness; at the same time, dialogue requires us to study, keep ourselves informed, reach out to those within the Catholic community as well as with those without. Within the Xaverian family, we encourage organizing continental meetings of people working or interested in interreligious dialogue. The Delegation remains open to requests of collaboration from non-Christian organizations.
Proposals
By the end of the next three years, the Delegation will have:
a) organized two pilgrimages of friends;
b) held one or two intracontinental meetings on interreligious dialogue;
c) held one assembly in the Philippines as a way to foster cooperation with the confreres there;
d) invited Xaverian regionals working in Asia to consider ways of collaboration;
e) welcomed and assisted in their insertion eight new confreres assigned to the Delegation.
