Learning together and the art of accompaniment

We learn from one another. We are always learning. God did not want us to be know-it-alls working independent of each other. He wanted us to work together, to serve one another. As St. Catherine of Siena shared, God wants us to need one another.

We read in her Dialogue, a collection of her spiritual writings, “I have distributed them all (gifts and graces) in such a way that no one has all of them. Thus have I given you reason — necessity, in fact — to practice mutual charity. … I wanted to make you dependent on one another so that each of you would be my minister, dispensing the graces and gifts you have received from me.”

Understanding “we do not evangelize alone or in a vacuum; we need each other,” the bishops of the United State convened a historical gathering in July, the Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America.  More than 3,500 people (bishops, priests, religious and lay leaders) gathered in Orlando, Fla., the first four days in July to “reflect, pray and discern together … to renew our baptismal commitment to be missionary disciples …” Our goal – focus on how to reach all the peripheries and share the Joy of the Gospel.

While there is certainly much to unpack and process from the talks and conversations that took place, I return with hope, energized for the journey ahead. In the words of Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, who spoke at the closing Mass, “The spirit is alive in the Church in the United States.”

Among my pages of notes, five points stand out in regard to what is needed from each of us – 1. a renewal of joy; 2. to grow our own faith; 3. to go out in a spirit of mission; 4. to be present and accompany others; 5. to go out to the peripheries. 

Our starting point begins with joy, as it is Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), which brought us together. “We, your pastors, believe with Pope Francis, that a renewal of joy is essential for a deepening Catholic vitality and confidence at this moment,” said Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, during his homily at the convocation opening Mass. He quoted philosopher Leon Bloy, who said, “Joy is the infallible sign of God’s presence.”

How do we find joy? Cardinal Dolan shared a story of St. Teresa of Calcutta who said you find joy by looking at the word; each letter outlines our priorities: 1. J, Jesus; 2. O, Others; and 3. Y, Yourself. 

During the convocation, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of Bridgeport emphasized the importance of our interior lives and a radical response. He said it begins as well with humility. Humility, he said, “is needed amongst all of us so that we can come together as a family and create a home.” He asked a telling question, “How many times does our own selfishness and ego get in the way of missionary discipleship?”

I think this question reminds us of our role as lifelong learners. The understanding that we are always learning helps keep our egos in check before they explode into arrogance. No matter how many years I have in the communications field, I find there is always something more to learn. In July, I signed up for another writing class. Even though I write every day, I realize there is so much more to learn. It also provides an opportunity to get feedback from my colleagues as we learn from one another.

I am thankful as well for the grace of this column space and for each of you who read what I share each month. I don’t come before you as an expert, but as a humble servant putting ideas on the page, learning, sharing, wanting to learn more.

As we share, we give witness. It is a part of going out, a spirit of mission. As noted in the convocation Participant Guidebook and Journal, “Each of us is called to witness Christ in the world.”

Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium, tells us we “can make present the fragrance of Christ’s closeness and his personal gaze.” To do this, the Holy Father notes, “The Church will have to initiate everyone – priests, religious and laity – into this ‘art of accompaniment’ which teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other (cf. Ex 3:5). The pace of this accompaniment must be steady and reassuring, reflecting our closeness and our compassionate gaze which also heals, liberates and encourages growth in the Christian life.” (EG 169)

The “Art of Accompaniment” certainly reminds us that we walk with one another. We focus on the other, our neighbors near and far. “As we journey together,” said Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, “may we each grow closer to the Lord.”

We have much work ahead of us. As Archbishop Pierre, said before we departed the convocation, “Our mission is beginning. It is always beginning.” And in the words he quoted from a child, “¡Vamos gente; muevanse para Jesus!” 

As a recap, I leave your with a string of hashtags, as I like how they can serve as quick summary – #joy #service #other #humility #accompaniment #witness #missionarydisciple #lifelonglearner.

(Originally published in August 2017 edition of The Valley Catholic newspaper)