After Mary Ward’s death her followers found themselves on a challenging and unexpected path. There were significant struggles and doubts. Yet considerable opportunities arose to share the message of hope that is so central to our charism and to the gospel of Jesus. Being attuned to the spirit led women like Mary Poyntz, Frances Bedingfield and Teresa Ball to begin new foundations, leave the safe and familiar and make a contribution in other cultures, other lands.
In 1900, Gonzaga Barry, foundress of the Australian Province of the IBVM, organized a meeting in Rome for all Mary Ward foundations. Following that, there were a number of reunions – the CJ German speaking branches in 1953, three independent IBVM Irish groups returned to Rathfarnham – Omagh 1934, Navan 1969 and Fermoy 1987. The first meeting of the General Superiors of the by then three branches was held in Rome in 1983 – Frederica Boyle (North America), Immolata Wetter (Roman Branch) and Agnes Walsh (Loreto Branch). In 2003, the North American branch was reunited with the Irish Branch. Noelle Corscadden and Jane Livesey, with their teams, continued the pilgrimage and invited all members to enter into a reflective, discerning process. The fruits of the engagement culminated in a unanimous YES at both General Congregations to move to a proposed merger, to walk together on a pilgrimage where not only the goal, but every step on the journey is a sacred space, an encounter with the Lord who himself is the Way. He guides us on joyful and also challenging paths.
The navigation of uncharted waters means embracing uncertainty as we address challenges and seek to adapt and transform existing models. Currently, the two leadership teams are engaged in a facilitated process of consolation and desolation. We are clear that the merger is from God and of God. As pilgrims, we are seeking to listen to the Spirit who will help us choose what is best. CJ and IBVM both have a distinct culture, with certain similarities but also obvious differences. We are sufficiently grounded in our origins to look lovingly at the issues as they arise. For the most part, our conversations are open and honest and, occasionally there is tension. Practical issues can move us to misgivings and fears. We desire to merge what is best of both cultures so that a new ‘third way’ embodies our MW/Ignatian heritage in a contemporary model, apt for an ever-changing 21st century. This joint pilgrimage is an opportunity to re-imagine and to birth newness.
When, on both sides, our deeply held traditions and structures are challenged, when legitimate yet competing perspectives emerge, the facilitators help us to distinguish worthy values from historical practices. They help reframe the issues. We are coming to realise that experiments, new discoveries and adjustments are required. Sometimes we struggle to understand the changing nature of our situation, which is unclear and unmapped. However, in the power of the Spirit, we seek to develop new ways of living our mission as two leadership teams who will become one. It is risky and scary at times and calls for personal changes of mind and heart, but above all there is the firm conviction that we are called to be one. Let us embrace it and trust deeply that God will guide us step by step.
The spiritual journey which all members worldwide embarked on this week will open us to identify areas in our personal life, community, province/region where change is needed. Such a process involves the dynamics of the spiritual life and of transformation, which includes loss, trust, even death and resurrection. Jesus say Amen.
Questions for reflection:
Rooted in our congregational identity, are we sincerely open to the to the newness that emerges in our process of Becoming One?
Sr. Veronica Fuhrmann CJ and Sr. Carmel Swords IBVM: both missioned to Rome
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