The joy of consecrated life ” “

There are 43 female congregations and religious orders and 29 congregations and male religious orders present in 446 communities throughout Slovakia. It is a rooted, widespread, lively presence. Both conferences of major superiors, men and women religious, have created a Joint Coordination Group for the Year of Consecrated Life, planning dozens of activities and events. The first is the solemn opening of the Year with the Vespers on November 29. In Bratislava, Danka Jaceckova interviewed for Sir Europe father Juraj Pigula, superior of the Order of Saint Augustine in Slovakia. The Year of Consecrated Life offers various opportunities of enrichment for the lives of religious communities in the world. What are the expectations and programs in Slovakia? “This is certainly an opportunity to reflect, read, listen and act. A deep reflection on our life as consecrated persons is of the essence. We must read and study the importance of consecrated life in the history of the Church and of humanity, be rooted into this wealth of primary motivations in a profound spirituality. It will be important to read the signs of the present times, offered by the Church through the beautiful and evocative letters of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. We need to listen to others – Catholics, the faithful of other Christian denominations and of other religions – as well as those who do not identify with any faith. God has a dream for us, and there are also legitimate expectations of those near us, that must be included in the dialogue. The wealth that I find in the history and theology of consecrated life, the orientation towards the ideals and responses to new opportunities on how to adhere to God: all of this, I hope, will help me every day in my vocation as a consecrated persons to act with personal conviction, with greater love, with faith and hope”. Are young people interested in religious vocations in Slovakia? “I see an absolute interest, and many young people operate a discernment of their vocation. It is a great sign of sensitivity towards this issue. Of course, in many ways religious life might appear far removed from reality, and I must admit that sometimes it is. I consider the Year of Consecrated Life as an important opportunity for conversion, a challenge that leads to a transformation. This means dissipating prejudices and changing ourselves, our attitudes, and also to be open to criticism. Learning to accept others, their opinion. Young people will be touched by consecrated life only when they will see happy religious and happy consecrated persons. Personal testimonies offered through the Internet or through the radio and television stations of Christian inspiration represent another opportunity to sow the seeds of religious vocations”. How do you view the contribution of religious communities in the deepening of the faith between people in Slovakia? “The contribution of congregations and religious orders under the Communist regime has been immense, and even today we are reaping the fruits of a faith lived heroically. Religious people are a family. They create communities where people feel at home and can conduct a dialogue on the problems of life without timidness. This contribution in the anonymous world of today is priceless. Religious communities create a spontaneous environment where faith becomes a natural part of everyday life, without formalities. We need to share and witness our faith to each other, because only in this way can we grow and become stronger. Slovakia, thanks mainly to religious communities, has developed a wide range of movements and lay communities. Sharing faith with the laity offers a space where all of us can learn. There is something else typical of Slovakia: we have very young religious communities, which is not frequently seen in Europe. Slovakian congregations and orders are dynamic communities, and many communities ‘of an aging, weary Europe’ ‘ view them with hope. Our task will is to ask the Lord to give Slovakia young people who are willing to offer their lives with joy to God through concrete love for others”. What are the programs for the Year of Consecrated Life in the Country’s Communities? “In our magazine ‘Consecrated Life’ we decided to record several documentaries titled ‘five minutes with us’, which will be presented on the website www.zasvatenyzivot.sk. Every Friday, throughout the year, a short film on a given subject seen through the eyes of a consecrated man or woman will be screened. I believe that this form of presentation of the life of the religious will be understandable and effective, both for the faithful and for those who do not identify with any religious confession. In 2015 the Order of St. Augustine will celebrate 20 years since its foundation in Slovakia. We plan to organize a series of monthly lectures on well-known spiritual figures, and in April 2015 will be held a conference on St. Augustine and our spirituality”.