Poverty is not being loved, not being accepted, not being valued, not being cared for
European PTV Session on the Theme of the Vow of Poverty
February 7–9, 2025
Gathered on Zoom, the PTVs of Europe, their formators, Montse Prats RSCJ (ESP), who is part of the initial formation team of the province of Spain, and Mary Finlayson RSCJ (USC), spent three afternoons together (February 7–9, 2025) reflecting on the theme of the vow of poverty. The meeting allowed them to share their lives, experiences, thoughts, and convictions on poverty, both in small groups and in plenary sessions. They were able to reflect on a specific case regarding poverty, as well as on two articles addressing poverty from different perspectives. They also had the opportunity to listen to Montse’s introduction and testimony.
Montse provided the key to understanding how to interpret the terms “fragility”, “vulnerability”, and “poverty”. The reading of the two articles revealed how deeply our personal histories and fundamental relationships shape our experience of the vow of poverty. We discovered that being vulnerable opens us to others and to the Other, and that remaining “poor” allows us to be in an authentic relationship with the Lord, with others, and with creation. Reflection on the suggested readings highlighted the human and political dimensions of the vow of poverty.
The PTVs of Europe come from four countries and three new provinces: Alicja and Alejandra from Spain and Ula (Urszula) from Poland (ESP-POL); Gaëtane and Françoise from France (BFN-ITA-EGY); Kata Simon, Timi, and Cili from Hungary (CEU/CEI). Thanks to the timing of the meeting, Cili was able to join the group from Chicago, where she has been sent to the novitiate community for one year.
The team of European formators has some new members: Alicja Boronska (POL) and Kata Heim (CEU) have joined Carmen Díaz – Mamen (ESP) and Sophie Maille (BFN). During this meeting, Sophie was “replaced” by Magda Khalifa RSCJ (EGY) who is also a member of the initial formation team in BFN. Montse was invited to lead the second day and to share her life testimony. The group is very grateful for Mary’s presence, as she provided translation throughout the meeting.
Each participant brought her richness and vulnerability to the gathering, in an atmosphere of freedom and reciprocity. For this, we give thanks to the Lord!
Cecília Sarolta Molnár rscj
Section |International News|Vocation & Youth Ministry
Province |Belgium/France/Netherlands|Central Europe|Egypt|Poland|Spain
