Embarking on a Vibrant Future
Provincial Day Fully Dedicated to the Annual Theme “Decidedly Being Disciples”
Making Decisions – this was the central theme of this year’s Provincial Day in Limburg on July 6. The day was marked by inspiration, dialogue, and a forward-looking focus, as Provincial Father Markus Hau invited everyone to contribute ideas to the decision-making processes leading up to the Provincial Assembly. This time, all Pallottines, not just the usual delegates, are invited to come together on one day at the Assembly and join the discussion.
The Richard Henkes Hall at the Mission House in Limburg was bustling. More and more live-streamed faces from Nigeria, Malawi, and South Africa appeared on the screen, creating a vibrant mosaic. Around 60 brothers gathered in front of the screen, while Father Alexander Diensberg’s tech and music crew, along with musicians and singers from the formation community in Vallendar, conducted their sound checks.
Father Alexander Holzbach, the Limburg Rector, welcomed brothers from Bruchsal, Hersberg, Friedberg, Westphalia, Austria, Vallendar, and Warsaw, as well as 47 remote stations from Africa. The event opened with a video of young philosophy students from Mbaukwu singing in chorus, followed by an insight from novices in South Africa about their life at Step-Aside.
Seven Steps to Decision-Making
In his homily during the service, Vice-Provincial Father Björn Schacknies spoke on how to make good decisions. He offered his brothers the seven steps of St. Ignatius of Loyola as guidance: First, consider whether a decision even needs to be made. Second, seek alternatives for the decision. Third, weigh the pros and cons, then, fourth, listen to one’s inner feelings. In the fifth step, one can ask God for the courage and freedom to make the decision. In a sixth step, one should assess whether these inner feelings are aligned with a sustainable future, bringing a sense of comfort for the right decision. Finally, in the seventh step, the decision should be followed through with action.
Equipped with these reflections and after a shared lunch, the brothers exchanged experiences in an afternoon gathering. Four of them were chosen to speak about their experiences with decision-making. Father Wolfgang Weiss spoke about the importance of engaging in dialogue and voicing one’s opinion. He had experienced this profoundly after the Second Vatican Council when religious communities were revising their constitutions, and many suggestions were gathered as the foundation for the Pallottines’ new Constitution.
“Be a Human Being”
Father Sacha Heinze highlighted the motto, “Be a human being,” as a guiding principle. For him, being human means being able to adopt multiple perspectives and always asking oneself in decision-making, “What is going on in my own humanity that makes me feel this way?”
Father Paul Ifeji, head of the youth center in Nigeria, shared that decision-making in his life has always involved finding the right focus, often leading to unexpected outcomes. He initially felt called to become a priest, and once he was one, it brought something new and surprising. Now he asks himself how he can do good for his family and society, how he can be a blessing to others.
Father Simon Khubone, who leads the student seminary in Merrivale, South Africa, emphasized that he reached his decision to become a priest despite obstacles. He stressed that decisions should be made in a way that doesn’t allow opposing forces to gain a foothold. This approach allows one to receive and, in turn, help others.
In exchanging ideas, participants gathered further insights into decision-making processes, including listening to one another, good communication, acceptance, sharing information, involving those affected, listening to the voice of God, and having the courage to decide even in the face of uncertainties.
“I Need All of You”
At the close, Provincial Father Markus Hau emphasized that the upcoming Provincial Assembly will be crucial for making good decisions. He therefore invited everyone to come for a day and participate in the discussions. He stressed that it’s an opportunity to lead the Province into the future and bring new life to it. “It will be challenging, but also rewarding,” predicted the Provincial, adding, “I need all of you for this.”
Report & Photos: Alexander Schweda
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