Echo of the 2026 Workshop of the Formators of the Oblate sisters of Assumption 💬 0 👁 49

An international workshop of all the formators of the Congregation of the Oblate sisters of the Assumption, is being held from June 9 to July 3, 2026, in Chekereni-Arusha, in the Province of East Africa, on the theme: "Formation today for the consecrated life: transmitting our spiritual heritage in a changing world". This meeting brings together formators from the different Provinces of Europe and Africa. Unfortunately, only the sisters of the Province of Congo were unable to make the trip.

This opening day was marked by two highlights: a recollection led by Father Dieuze Kaghoma, Assumptionist and novice master in Tanzania, as well as the opening remarks of our Superior General, Sister Zoe Vandermersch.

The theme of the meditation proposed by Father Dueze Kaghoma was: "Called to be instruments of God in the transmission of spiritual heritage in a changing world". In his spiritual exhortation, he invited the participants to contemplate the vocation of the prophet Jeremiah (Jer 18:1-12), called by the Lord despite his human frailty. Through the image of the potter and clay, "You are in my hand as clay in the potter's hand", formators are called to discover a God as a teacher, who shapes his people with patience, hope and mercy.

The preacher also reminded us that, in the New Covenant, Christ remains the main formator. Following him, each formator is invited to faithfully transmit the spiritual heritage of the Congregation, while remaining attentive to the signs of the times and the challenges of the contemporary world.

In her opening remarks, Sister Zoe Vandermersch emphasized that this session responds to one of the calls of the 2023 General Chapter. She recalled that formation today must not only deepen the spiritual identity of formators, but also prepare them to transmit the charism to new generations. She particularly insisted on several contemporary challenges: interculturality, synodality, technological transformations and adaptation to the realities of today's young people.

The Superior General also highlighted the importance of sharing experiences, networking and active and participatory pedagogy in the formation mission. While expressing her gratitude to all those who contributed to the organization of this meeting, she entrusted this session to the Lord so that it may bear much fruit for the Congregation and for the Church.

This first day ended in a festive and fraternal atmosphere, marked by a moment of welcome offered to the formators who came to participate in the workshop.

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