Lahore Archdiocese Hosts a Day of Prayer and Reflection
Lahore: The Archdiocese of Lahore recently hosted a meaningful day of prayer & reflection for its priests, guided by His Grace Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese. Held at the Archbishop’s House on November 4, 2024, this special gathering focused on fostering “Communion Among Priests.”
Renowned Jesuit priest, Fr. Robbie D’Lima, served as the keynote speaker, delving into the profound nature of communion rooted in the Holy Trinity. Emphasizing that “Our God is Communion,” Fr. Robbie highlighted how the Trinity embodies perfect communion through self-giving love, revealed in Jesus’ Incarnation and ultimate sacrifice on the Cross. This communion, he noted, transcends unity for a cause, instead participating in the divine life that flows into the Church.
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Drawing from Scripture, Fr. Robbie illustrated how communion manifests across salvation history. From God uniting His people in the Old Testament to the New Testament’s three “Pentecosts” – St. Paul’s emphasis on the gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12), the Johannine call to truth, and St. Luke’s depiction in Acts 2 of believers being of “one heart and mind” – communion remains a constant thread.
Fr. Robbie also underscored the foundational role of spiritual conversation in fostering priestly communion. This involves attentive, loving listening and a non-judgmental approach, allowing each person to share their story and be heard. He encouraged priests to create a safe space for authentic dialogue, cultivating a “culture of conversation” as a path to communion. In South Asian contexts, where honest dialogue can be challenging, such a culture is vital to overcoming negative silence or hostility.
Archbishop’s Address
Archbishop Benny Mario Travas expressed gratitude to Fr. Robbie for his insights and echoed the importance of spiritual conversation. Quoting Pope Francis, he emphasized the need for dialogue guided by the Holy Spirit. The Archbishop invited priests to reflect on whether spiritual conversation exists within their own parishes and communities, stressing the importance of developing “soul language” – a way of communicating that transcends superficial issues and touches upon the true joys and sorrows of ministry.
Reflecting on Henri Nouwen’s wisdom, Archbishop Travas highlighted the need for metanoia, a transformation of heart and mind, rather than paranoia, which hinders communion. The event concluded with a celebration honoring priests who celebrated birthdays and ordination anniversaries in November, symbolizing the shared joy of priestly vocation.
Conclusion
This day of prayer and reflection served as a powerful reminder of the importance of communion among priests, fostering a deeper understanding of their shared calling and commitment to serving the Lord. As the Archdiocese of Lahore continues to nurture this sense of communion, its priests will undoubtedly be empowered to minister more effectively, guided by the Holy Spirit and the principles of self-giving love.
Source: The Catholics: Lahore Focus
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