CONTENT OF THE VDMFa SYMPOSIUM 2017 · CONTENT OF THE VDMFa SYMPOSIUM 2017 To convey what was...

CONTENT OF THE VDMFa SYMPOSIUM 2017

Schedule for the day

Time Activity In-charge

10:30AM Intro / Sharing of personal fruitsOverview of the day / Flow of the Transmission: Methodology

All RepresentativesGelo

11:15AM Transmission: Commission 1-3

1. Identity Gelo

2. Mission Gelo

3. Spirituality Jess

12:00PM Lunch


Time Activity In-charge

1:00PM Transmission on: Commission 4-7

4. Itineraries of Formation Ronan

5. Incorporation (Ways of Belonging) Mau

6. Coordination Lordie

7. Administration Ronan

1:45PM Video

2:05PM Open forum Lupita

3:20PM Break

3:30PM Mass


A survey before we start:

1. Do you know Verbum Dei?2. Do you know or have you ever heard

about the statutes of VD?3. Have you read the statutes of VD?4. Do you understand it?


Briefly I will share to you:

• WHAT is the 2nd VD International Symposium

• WHY did we do this• WHEN and WHERE did we do this• WHO did this• HOW did we do this.


Verbum Dei Missionary Family History (What and Why)

2012 2017

Approval of the Statutes ad experimentum of the VDMFA

1963

First recognition of Verbum Dei

1969

Approval as an institution

2000

Approval of pontifical right to the VDMF as an institute of consecrated life

2018

Update the Statutes of VDMFA

2009

1st VD International Symposium

2nd VD International Symposium


When:

Jan 2-12,

2017Where:

Medellin, Colombia


72 Representatives

21 Countries

5 ContinentsWho: Combination of Lay Disciples, LCM’sand Missionaries


Philippines Representatives

Gelo(Luzon)

Ronan & Lordie(Visayas)

Jess & Mau(Couple Missionary – Mindanao)


How: by Commissions

1. Identity2. Mission3. Spirituality4. Itineraries of Formation5. Incorporation (Ways of Belonging)6. Coordination7. Administration


Secretary

Junta 1

Junta 2


Methodology:

1. General view of the theme / commission2. Essential points we want to highlight3. Doubts / Questions4. Suggestions for change (in the statutes)

Support Materials:

• VDMFA Statutes• Instrumentum Labores• Bible

• VDMF Constitution• Other VD Documents


Panels / Moderators

Presentor

Secretary

Panels / Moderators


The following content starting the next slide was created by the special commission in the symposium

who compiled all the conclusions per commission.

To be united worldwide and avoid subjective interpretations, we will be using the same

presentation for our transmission

NOTE


To convey what was experienced at the IISymposium of the VDMFa in Medellín 2017, wehave used different means: our international webpage, the VD Radio with testimonies andinformation about what was happening day byday; a brochure containing the chronicles, theSymposium message, etc., and some videos thatsummarize the experience of this great event ofthe Symposium.In this power point we want to basically conveythe essential contents that we have treatedthroughout the Symposium, summarizing thework of the commissions and the conclusionsgathered in the plenary sessions.

Introduction


I. IDENTITY OF VDMFa

The commission of Identity emphasizedthree points of the VDMFa Identity:

1. The centrality of the Word of Godand its dynamism.

2. The relevance of missionaryintentionality.

3. The different stages of belonging tothe VDMFa.Commission of Identity


1. The Word of God. Our identity is to be Verbum

Dei, to become the Word of God, to be a missionary

family at the service of the Word, with one same

intentionality: to form apostles of Christ. This

identity of being a VDMFa comes from sharing the

same essence, received by the Word; It is our

relationship with the Trinity. The encounter with

the living Word transforms us personally and opens

us to others. From there, it also transforms social

structures.

IDENTITY OF VDMFa


IDENTITY OF VDMFa

2. The missionary intentionality of forming apostles, evangelizingcommunities and the “hacer-hacer".

Our purpose is to live and propagate the Kingdom of Godthrough prayer, the ministry of the Word, and a clear testimony of life;Forming apostles of Christ and creating evangelizing communities.The formation of apostles is a community task. It is important to transmit theintentionality of forming apostles to all VDMFa members, since the missionaryintentionality of “hacer-hacer" is intrinsic to our charism. We need tostrengthen this dynamism so that the disciples take over and we can expandfurther.


3. Ways of belongingThe Verbum Dei Missionary Family shares the same identity, spirituality and mission, withdifferent modes of belonging and commitments. We need to work towards a greater senseof belonging where all can find their place in the VDMFa and thus grow in their identity asan apostle of Christ. There is a consensus of the need to grow in our understanding of whobelongs to the VDMFa. One group strongly mentioned was that of the children andjuveniles. The general opinion was in favor to include them as part of the VDMFa.

IDENTITY OF VDMFa


Some Practical Conclusions about IDENTITY

1. In search of an organization chart (organigrama)

A general contribution in this symposium has been the search for an

organization chart that clarifies the VDMFa structure. We are in that

search and it has not yet been defined. We discussed two possible

organizational charts, which are still in dialogue.

This is the organization chart approved in the

existing VDMFa Statutes, in which the

Verbum Dei Missionary Family is composed

of the VDMF, the LMC and the missionary

disciples/ laity. In addition there is a broader

group that includes other realities with a

minor commitment, which we call Verbum

Dei Family.


During the Symposium, it came up another

suggestion that could simplify and avoid the

confusion between the entire Family and the

VD Missionary Family.

Thus, this organization chart includes within

the Verbum Dei Missionary Family, the

FMVD, the LCM and the VD lay/ disciples,

as well as other wider realities such as

children, adolescents, diocesan priests,

benefactors, etc. The idea in here would be

that all are part of the Verbum Dei

Missionary Family but with different degrees

of belonging and commitment.


Some practical questions about IDENTITY

2. VERBUM DEI LOGO

Throughout our 54 years of history we have

collected several images that have served as

Logo. We recognize we need a unique logo that

gives us graphic and visual identity. The use of

the logo helps us to have a global recognition of

our Identity. In the plenary there has been a

general consensus on the importance of

promoting our logo. It was requested to put to

electronic availability the original source of the

logo and all the materials that explain the logo.


Some practical questions about IDENTITY

3. GLOSSARY

To better understand our Identity, it is

necessary to make a glossary that defines

our terminology, safeguarding the different

forms of living our Identity, according to the

different cultures and countries where we

are. The VD General Council will create a

commission for the preparation of this

glossary.


IDENTITY OF VDMFa

Some Practical Conclusions about IDENTITY

1. In search of an organization chart (organigrama)

2. Verbum Dei Logo

3. Glossary

1. The word of God

2. The missionary intentionality of forming apostles, evangelizing

communities and the “hacer-hacer".

3. Ways of belonging


II. MISSION OF THE VDMFa

1. PRAYER

The mission comes from prayer. A new way of praying: a

dialogue through the living Word that gives rise to the

mission. "There is no mission without prayer."

Listen to God in the signs of the times, to understand the

whispers of the Spirit, and thus to respond to the realities

or needs that are presented.

A prayer in which we discover that we are not only called

but also sent by God to accomplish this specific mission.

Essential elements of the Mission



2. TESTIMONY OF LIFE

The transformation that God makes in our lives is

the best sign of the effectiveness of our mission

and the first evangelization as a living expression

of the Gospel.

This testimony is accompanied by the following

fruits: a genuine joy, a deep and sincere need to

love and to forgive as Jesus, to awaken a new

sensitivity towards the other, to discover a new

identity that marks our way of living and being. As

we live, we discover new talents and abilities we

can put at the service of the mission.


Essential elements of the Mission3. APOSTOLIC ACTIVITY

Our way of evangelizing wants:

To touch the deepest root of the human being, to

transform his/ her life and to provoke a social change

in the world. In this way, we announce and propagate

the Kingdom.

To teach people to talk to God in a direct and familiar

way.

To discover that in Baptism, we are all called to a

mission.

The same missionary intentionality of Jesus to “hacer

hacer", seeking to form apostles who pass it on and

with whom we can share tasks and functions. "We

have formed an apostle when he/ she occupies our

place."

Vayan y prediquen el Evangelio por todo el mundo


4. FORMATION OF COMMUNITIES

The VDMFa wishes to live its dedication to prayerand ministry of the Word in the spirit of the firstChristian community, forming communities ofevangelical and evangelizing life that pray andteach others to pray. Striving to live incommunion is the guarantee and authenticity ofGod’s presence among us. The VDMFa should bemore open to the missionary itinerancy, buildingup an entire family in co-responsibility.



5. SOCIAL IMPACT

Our mission has a great social impactbecause it transforms people, families,society and its structures with the liberatingforce of the word of God. Thistransformation is not perceptible at firstsight since, in a preventive way, we arrive intime to many realities, before they arebroken. Our mission prevents many potentialevils that afflict our present society.We need to take away the "idea" that ourmission is not social, because it actuallytouches the person's heart and transformshim/ her.



1. Prayer

2. Testimony of Life

3. Apostolic Activity

4. Formation of Communities

5. Social Impact


Suggestions and feedback1. It is suggested to change the order in the structure of the Statutes, placing the chapterof Mission in the 3rd chapter instead of the 4th, before the chapter of Spirituality. Thus,it’d follow the order of the documents of the VDMF, since the mission is part of Identityand marks the mode of spirituality.

2. To foment the dynamics of “hacer-hacer", forming disciples with capacity to assumeresponsibilities.

3. That the Fraternity is more available and dynamic to go to the places where thedisciples are, making visible the dynamism of the Church on the move.

4. To emphasize the importance of using social networks, observing their effectivenessand without losing the intentionality of our mission. We are aware that the priority is ourpersonal contact.


End of Identity and Mission

Commission


III. SPIRITUALITY OF THE VDMFa

Spirituality is an intrinsic dimension of the humanbeing, in any condition and state. This leads us tobe attentive to helping each person to discoverthis dimension as an access to the encounter withGod, especially before the signs of the times thatindicate a search for spirituality andcontemplation. We can say that all our VDspirituality is contemplative-missionary, integral,incarnated and liberating. It is not an intimate andindividualistic spirituality. Instead, from oursources of spirituality, this union with God musttransform us into men and women ofcommunion, open to the world.

Comission of Spirituality


MEANS OF SPIRITUALITYWe have become aware that the means ofspirituality we have are a gift for all in theVerbum Dei; a gift that extends to theChurch. For this reason, it is necessary tospread them to others, but also to continuepromote it to the Missionary Family, so ourcommunities can be consolidated. As we livethe means of spirituality, we can help thedisciples of the VDMFa to respond withfidelity to God in the specific charism of theVerbum Dei.

SPIRITUALITY of the VDMFa


SPIRITUALITY OF THE VDMFa

PRAYER AND LIFE IN UNION WITH GOD

All the responses of the communities in thepreparation phase of the Symposium, pointed out thevital importance of a profound prayer, with qualityand familiarity with God; listening to his Word andfrom there leading us to love our brothers and sisterswith a committed love. It was stressed the need toreview our prayer and not to stay in the means ofspirituality, but in our aim that is to live a continuouslife of union with God, in the midst of daily life. This isthe spirituality of all baptized.



SPIRITUAL ACCOMPANIMENT AND REVISION OF LIFE

The importance of these means is highlighted. Theycan not be neglected. However, in many places theyare being left aside, they are not giving enoughimportance. However, without them, it is difficult tohave an integrated human and spiritual growth.We also see the need to form the laity of the VDMissionary Family in spiritual accompaniment so thatthey can also accompany the people who come to ourcommunities.



INTEGRATED SPIRITUALITY

It is necessary to have an adequate formationthat provides basic knowledge of psychology.Thus, one is able to identify conflictive traits ordifficult situations in the people weaccompany, and to provide a more accurateguidance both humanly and spiritually.Sometimes it becomes necessary to refer themto psychological counseling. However, whenmembers of the VDMFa are referred toprofessionals of this specialty, they should bepersons of faith who contribute to an adequateorientation.



LITURGICAL DIMENSION

In the practice of our spiritual living experience

we find a deficiency in our way of celebrating the

liturgies. We need to emphasize the liturgical and

sacramental dimension of our charism as a

privileged means to live, celebrate and show our

missionary identity. It is also a communitarian

experience around the Trinity and Mary. It is

necessary to encourage the Eucharistic

experience and the sacrament of confession in

the members of the VDMFa.

Desde casi los inicios contamos con un SELLO que nos identifica basado en la cruz y la biblia abierta como símbolos gráficos.

19642009

Idea de renovarlo

2013Renovado

IDENTIDAD VISUAL VERBUM DEI

¿Con cuál nos identifican como Institución a nivel mundial?

Tenemos muchas imágenes que hemosido personalizando y adaptandoen estos 53 años de recorrido.

IDENTIDAD VISUAL VERBUM DEI

Verbum DeiVerbum Dei


IV. ITINERARIES OF FORMATION

CommissionofItineraries of Formation

In general in our communities the threegreat formative stages are:

1. Initiation stage

2. Discipleship stage

3. Apostolic stage

• However, there is a lack of clarity in theitineraries of formation

• The same terms are not used in all ourcommunities.

• The most common challenge is usuallyin the third stage.





This is the proposed nomenclature, more agreed with our identity, intention and objectives:

1• Initiation Stage

2• Missionary Discipleship Stage

3• Permanent Apostolic Stage

• There is a document, called "Orientations for the Formation of Lay Disciples of the FaMVD."

It does not substitute the chapter ofthe Statutes of the VDMFa, but anannex.

It develops the specific points in thevarious formative stages.

(VDMFa Statutes, Chapter 6, No. 66-70)



• We see that the intention of

being apostles, the leaven of

evangelizing communities, is

expressed in a very general

way in the Statutes.

• To have this intention in all

formation stages.



The formation process of a person should not be conditioned by: The time it takes for

perseverance. The commitments or bonds

taken.

Rather it should be defined according to the person’s inner process, profile, skills, competenciesand objectives.



How does the Fraternity ensure that the local communities follow

faithfully these general guidelines and that the local responsibles of

the VDMF are trained to accompany the VDMFa in its growth?

Are we all really aware that the formation we receive is also to enrich

the local church, and not only for the VDMFa?

To include the aspect of the discernment of the different profiles of

apostles (ministry, service) in what we still need to work and improve.

Emphasize and deepen what the process of the last permanent

apostolic stage can entail.

QUESTIONS FOR DEBATE IN THE PLENARY



The Statutes emphasize the formation of apostles but do not developthe formation of evangelizing communities. To include in the objectivenot only to form apostles but also evangelizing communities that prayand teach others to pray.

Continuous formation that combines general aspects with morespecific and local ones according to the needs of each community.

Increase the diffusion of the VD diplomas in local communities, as aformative tool for the formation of apostles.

SUGGESTIONS:



• We need to have written files with theformative processes.

• To have a revised formative project bythe community.



Re-elaborate the Guidance document for the

formation of missionary disciples.

Proposal of a virtual library.

From the beginning, the integrating dynamism

will be the mission; the intention of being an

apostle and forming an evangelizing

community.



To include in the formative process how tobe VD Missionary Family, to work incommunion, in team.

That the General Board delegates acommission to work on improving thedocument of orientations for the formationof the missionary disciples.




V. INCORPORATION/ BONDS

In the debate on the bonds in the VDMFa, the followingquestions guided our plenary:1. Who are the people who constitute the VDMFa and

wider VD Family?2. When we propose explicit bonds or commitments:

What does it mean? How? Why?3. Could we consider different ways of linking to

VDMFa, different degrees of belonging and differentstages, allowing for a gradual approach in personalprocesses?

4. What happens if we do not meet the minimumrequirements?

5. Do not identify but differentiate process, identity,formation, belonging and bonding?

Comisión de Vinculación


INCORPORATION

What is leading people to a commitment inthe VDMFa does not depend exclusively onthe formation, the external activities or thetime that the person carries, rather on thereal commitment of following Jesus in dailylife, on the full experience of the baptismalconsecration, living the Verbum Deispirituality and mission in community.


INCORPORATION

We have concluded that the followingrealities can not be identified:

• Personal process of following Jesus.• Identification in and with the Verbum

Dei charism.• Formative itinerary of the person• Belonging to the Missionary Family.• Implementation of the commitments

or bonds.

These realities are independent and do notmean the same thing. A person may havecompleted a formative stage but it does notmean that he/ she has the Verbum Dei identityor that he/ she is prepared to makecommitments in the VDMFa. On the other hand,some people do not feel the need to formalizetheir membership even though they have a realcommitment to the local Verbum Dei communityand mission. Commitments should not,therefore, be equated with the formative pathor itineraries, although these are essential andgive structure to the missionary disciples.


INCORPORATION

Taking a commitment will always be a free, mature and discerned option that

leads to a membership in the VDMFa, explicitly expressed. Above all, we

consider that it is always necessary to adapt the commitments to each culture

and social reality, as already mentioned in n. 77 of the Family Statutes.


INCORPORATION

• The minimum requirement is to bewilling to live a commitment to Godthrough the VDMFa, and to doeverything possible to live it out.Rather than a list of things to do orminimum requirements, thecommitments listed in No. 80 of theStatutes, are means and essentialguidelines for human and spiritualgrowth, as well as for one’s identityand effective membership in theVDMFa.

• All this led us to open the possibility ofhaving missionary disciples belonging tothe VDMFa without the need to maketemporary or stable commitments.


INCORPORATION

Summary of the discussion and of the different opinions:

What is leading people to acommitment in the VDMFa doesnot depend exclusively on theformation, the external activities orthe time of the person in theFamily, rather on the realcommitment of following Jesus indaily life, on the full experience ofthe baptismal consecration, livingthe Verbum Dei spirituality andmission in community.


VI. COORDINATION

Commission of Coordination


VI. COORDINATION

I. Change the word “government” to “coordination”

- more appropriate to the reality of the Verbum Dei Missionary Family


VI. COORDINATION

II. General Principles that should govern coordination of VDMFa:

1. Vocation to serve

2. Communion

3. Equality

4. Co-responsibility

5. Trust

6. Transparency

7. Verbum Dei Identity & experience in the charism


VI. COORDINATION

III. NUEVO NOSOTROS

To have the mentality of the “new us”


VI. COORDINATION

IV. Apostolic Council - the organization where this

coordination can take place

- Made up of members of the entire VDMFa (VDMF, laity & missionary disciples)


VI. COORDINATION

Tasks of the Apostolic Council:1. Keep alive the foundational

charism

2. Encourage missionary expansion

3. Elaborate, divulge, review & evaluate the apostolic project*

4. Establish a healthy communication *

5. Create a national apostolic project (applicable countries only)


VI. COORDINATION

V. STRUCTURE OF COORDINATION

Missionary disciples assumes the coordination of groups or apostolates while the members of the fraternity are to advise, accompany, trainand empower the coordinators (missionary disciples) to assume the responsiblity.


VI. COORDINATION

VI. Missionary Disciples

Which Missionary disciple can be a member of the Apostolic Council?• A committed missionary disciple

• Has the capacity to be in the service

• Ability to listen and dialogue

• Ability to discern and to know how to work as a team

How can a Missionary disciple be a part of the Apostolic Council?• By election after a survey of the different groups they represent


VI. COORDINATION

VII. Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity (VDMF)

• When there are changes among the members of the VDMF, it is important to carry a certain continuity of the projects and formative processes*

• Responsible of the Verbum Dei Missionary Family*

• Not only must they have the same qualifications as the missionary disciple members but also have formation and qualifications in the coordination and vision of the VDMFa.


VII. ADMINISTRATION

CommissionofAdministration


VII. ADMINISTRATION

- Its strengthens ties in our identity and mission

- Must be a testimony of divine providence and fraternal love

- At the service of the community

- Living in a fraternal communion and co-responsibility between the whole VDMFa

- Start from our missionary commitment

- Must be lived in community and with creativity


VII. ADMINISTRATION

• Suggestion for VDMFa Admin

- Formation on administrative co-responsibility

- Take advantage of existing capacities of the members of the VDMFa


II SYMPOSIUM OF THE VERBUM DEI MISIONARY FAMILYMedellín 2017

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