By Rosalie Haver-Talstra, Partner-in-Mission, Netherlands (Province of Europe – BFMN)

The Commission for Spirituality, Mission, and the Laity of the Province of Europe – BFMN organized a weekend gathering for sisters and partners-in-mission at the end of March 2025. Around 80 people participated, including 26 sisters. Eight groups were formed, composed of laypeople and sisters, young and older, from several countries.

Former Pope Francis’s encyclical “Dilexit Nos” served as the working tool. Dilexit nos translate as “He loved us.” Many participants were not used to reading encyclicals, and it was Eudist Father Jean-Michel Armouriaux, Superior General of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, who helped us understand it more clearly. If we truly take the words from the Bible as our foundation — God is Love (1 John 4) — we see that the life of Jesus is an expression of those words. And it is this expression of his life that can guide us toward ourselves and toward others: Love your neighbor as yourself. This opens a path that leads from being a recipient to becoming a witness and an actor of Love.

The Commission chose to work using the method “Conversation in the Spirit.” In the first round, each group studied a part of the Encyclical, and everyone shared what they understood from the text. In the second round, each person expressed what moved them in what others had said and understood. A real exercise in listening and in realizing that it’s not immediately about voicing one’s own opinion. In the third round, an exchange took place. Then, it became evident within the groups that a shared understanding was forming, and each group was able to share the core insights that emerged.

First, we heard that the unifying element in each person is the heart. This intimate center within us receives, understands, and sees — in order to then give to those around us. To receive again, and give again… like a circle. This brings vitality, beyond beautiful words, and inspires us to commit with our whole selves. And in doing so, we often feel transformed.

Another way to describe this reality is with the symbol of water. Water is the source of life, a vital element. Without water, drought decimates all life. At a very difficult moment in his life, Jesus himself said: I thirst. And we, too, are sometimes thirsty, and we see people who are thirsty around us. We would like to quench that thirst, so that vitality may return, and situations may transform.

Several people also shared how they have been actively involved with the Congregation in various Good Shepherd missions: in a secondary school among 1,500 students; in the diaconate of Var, with the Pau community; in forming a mission partner sharing group in Angers. It was uplifting to hear these concrete testimonies.

In Europe – BFMN, an increasingly urgent question is “What could the future look like for this aging region of the Congregation?”. At the same time, some partners-in-mission asked: “What are the specific needs?” Perhaps this is something that needs to be clarified further, linked to the question: “What opportunity can the Congregation offer today for partners-in-mission to make a commitment?

We met in geographic groups (Angers, Caen, North Brussels hub, Roubaix, Marquette and the Netherlands, Pau, and Toulon). These are very diverse places with very different missions — and therefore very different needs. It’s not simple, and there’s still work to do!

The presence of several young people was valuable, as it helped us realize that we sometimes use jargon that they don’t understand. However, it also showed that the Congregation has something to offer — a place of belonging where we can journey together with others.

The Commission for Spirituality, Mission, and the Laity continues its work and will be reflecting on how to follow up.

Some participant testimonies

“This gathering brought me great joy. I experienced fraternal moments. I lived the meaning of Dilexit Nos — He loved us — through the people I met and exchanged with. I return full of hope in humanity’s capacity to transmit Christ’s love.” — Chantal Dalouman

“We appreciated the round-table discussions on what partners-in-mission can bring to the Congregation. We want to be more involved in the Good Shepherd mission. All the sisters and partners we met were friendly and fraternal. Thank you very much for what we learned: When sin causes pain, harming the Church and society, evangelization must shine through charity. Join filial love for God with love of neighbor.” — Anastasie and Michel Bardon

“During the weekend, we had moments of discussion around the pope’s encyclical. It wasn’t easy to understand the texts; they raised many questions. Discussing together helped clarify some parts. We also shared meals, prayers, debates, and testimonies. I found the atmosphere very warm and joyful. The wide range of intergenerational encounters was enriching. I was touched by the simplicity and kindness within the group. The community clearly wants to know more about young people and consider them in its reflections. We received a lot of new information in just two days — sometimes it was a bit much. Now we need to meditate on what we’ve learned.” — Rose-Hélène Morice and Gloria dea Zechmeiszter (Young tenants in Angers)

“The session at the Motherhouse on the encyclical Dilexit Nos was very rich. Even though I had partially read the text before, a second reading opened new doors. This ‘reminder shot’ was not useless! The good atmosphere created a climate conducive to meaningful exchanges and deeper reflection. I greatly appreciated the different testimonies. Thanks to the steering team and all participants.” — Élisabeth Poulain

Read a Global Sisters Report article about the event here.