Dear Brothers of the Fraternity,
I thank God for the excellent experience of fraternity we shared at the 12th Assembly in Buenos Aires. In a special way, our gratitude goes to Eric and his team for organizing and coordinating the entire meeting, without forgetting the welcome and logistics team in Argentina, coordinated by Tino. May God bless you all.
Certainly, Brother Charles continues to inspire us to “shout the Gospel” in our ministry, living out our mission “for the sake of Jesus and the Gospel,” as everything we shared in the national and continental reports presented during the assembly still echoes in our minds and hearts, as well as in our group conversations, at the table, or during the outings we enjoyed.
I waited for the first online meeting of the International Team to write you this letter. I wanted to listen to and share with the brothers of this “coordination fraternity” that is beginning, the “memories, feelings of joy, hope, and the challenges” that remained after the Assembly, so we can work on them over the next six years.
Among all the concerns, two draw our attention the most. First: our fraternities are aging, and second: new priests are not joining our fraternities. Why are we not reaching the hearts and wills of the young? Is this related to our life testimony, or are these signs of the times? One thing is clear: we have a problem with the continuity of the Jesus Caritas Priestly Fraternity, and we need to pray and reflect on how to face it.
It is true that we are going through a change of era with radical transformations in all areas of life, especially in the values that guide human life. Ancient problems of humanity mix with fictitious problems from fake news. Communication in this digital age, with its algorithms, alters people’s perception and way of understanding existential reality, their relationship with God, and their ability to live in fraternal relationships with one another. Added to this are the uncertainties and fear of a possible third world war, where what is at stake is not only geopolitical conflict but also ethnic and religious tensions. Consequently, it affects our life and existence, that is, “our witness,” since this world surrounds us on all sides and seems to contradict our desire to act and live out our spirituality.
Nevertheless, it is in this time that we are called to live the spirituality of Nazareth, of the last place. While the digital world demands spotlights, microphones, glitter, and likes to appear loud and clear, and to constantly show itself to be “seen and heard” by others, the spirituality of Nazareth, lived in the Jesus Caritas Priestly Fraternity, following in the footsteps of Brother Charles, goes in another direction: silence, hiddenness, and simplicity; detachment and living with humble means; lowering oneself to serve the least; intimacy with Jesus of Nazareth to witness goodness and universal fraternity.
We want, like Brother Charles, to uphold the gift of Christ, which makes us brothers to all, and to pray and act for this world wounded by war and violence. But a question remains: is our spirituality in contradiction with the current world? I don’t think so. Is it possible to touch the hearts and minds of people through the internet? I believe so, but we must learn more in order to better evangelize in this world. Is it possible to touch their hearts so that they may encounter Jesus, the poor servant, and experience “being with Him” and becoming His followers? I believe so. What we cannot do is stand by idly, thinking we are too busy—managing the parish, the seminary, the pastoral work, etc.
Brothers, I believe we can make a difference where we are, if we live with closeness, kindness, and love. Let us look to Brother Charles. What do we see? A man who lived the reality of his time, determined to imitate his Beloved Jesus Christ; determined to witness what Jesus would do if He were in his place. Let us pay attention to the reality that surrounds us, both the difficult and painful situations and the joys and hopes that inspire us, whether in the world or in our fraternities.
But first, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, as Brother Charles did. He pointed to Jesus, seeking in Him the inspiration to witness the life of Nazareth; Brother Charles lived “Nazareth” in all places and situations he found himself. Let us listen to the Beloved Jesus of Nazareth, whom Brother Charles listened to so attentively—every word, every action, and how He encountered people—and tried to imitate Him. At each Eucharist, let us celebrate with our Beloved Jesus His offering of life; and let us also offer our own lives, making ourselves an offering with Jesus, as Brother Charles did, to collaborate in the salvation of people.
Brothers, our Beloved Jesus of Nazareth is the “only model” where we can find the answers we so deeply need for today’s world.
In the name of Jesus, a big embrace with all my affection,
Fr. Carlos Roberto dos SANTOS,
International Responsible