The influence
of the Movement
is evident in
the prominent place occupied
by the Word,
in a new and
more spontaneous and communal prayer way,
in the climate
of welcome
and brotherhood, and the new pastoral style

Cristo Vive Aleluia! N° 62
 

Contribution of the Movement to a slum

During seven years The Movement of the Word of God did missionary work in San Atilio, Jose C. Paz, prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Here P. Jose Maria, in pastoral charge of the place, summarizes what has been the contribution of the Movement in those years.

What gave the Movement?

The Movement's contribution seems to have been very important and very positive. This stands out much more given its very limited presence in both time and number of people. It should be added that the situation in which they have performed their task was especially difficult: situation of great oppression of the people of the neighborhood, beginning of the Church's presence in the place, very little humanized situations in most catechists (core team which they worked with).

In the past three years, the community has grown very noticeable, both externally and internally. And that was, in large part, due to the presence and work of the Movement's people.

The positive influence has overstepped the boundaries of the district. It has been clearly felt in the Catechetical Movement "Family of Jesus", involving catechists of five San Atilio's neighboring centers. At this time, take part of it more than a hundred catechists.

This influence is due to the presence of Cecilia in the meetings of coordinators and camps, the Days and retreat animated by individuals or groups of the Movement, the work of the catechists in San Atilio and, importantly, to what I have received and assimilated from the Movement and that affects the whole pastoral work, both with the catechists as with communities of other neighborhoods. It is likely that this influence has its main effects in the future.

When specifying in what has been felt the influence of the Movement, I think that four keys areas may be mentioned:

The prominent place that occupies the Word of God: In every encounter, every prayer time, in life and daily prayer of the catechists. In addition, a new way of encountering with God in the Word, more vital, confident and committed.

A new form of prayer: A more spontaneous and community prayer. The intense assessment of times of prayer in the life of the Christian and the catechist. A more prominent place for prayer in every encounter with catechists, children, and parents. A more vivid way of doing the singing, prayer.

A climate of acceptance and fraternity: From love and human warmth. From a sincere closeness. From a very visible concern of being loving to everyone. From a willingness to be the first at work.

A new pastoral style: With a personal (pastoral) accompaniment as close as possible. With an assessment of each person and empowerment of their charisms. With a special attention to the signs that appear. With a criterion of depth over amplitude. With a sense of historical projection: programming, evaluation, patience. With a clear criteria of not planting what cannot be taken care of, of not to raise what cannot be held. With a special concern for those having moments of pain or difficulty.

In regards to me personally, the Movement has given me a lot in the areas mentioned. I have noticed a great transformation in me over the years, and I feel that, to a large extent, this transformation has come by the contact, knowledge and influence of people of the Movement.


Jesus is the Hope this world does not know
El P. José María

Jose Maria Aguirre, msf
translated from Cristo Vive Aleluia!
Nº 62, p. 10 (1988)

© The Movement of the Word of God, a Roman Catholic pastoral community of disciples. This testimony was originally published by the Word of God's Publishing House and can be reproduced on condition that its origin is mentioned.