Faithful Governance: Embracing Structure and Spirit in Missionary Life

Bishop Abella Addresses Council Members on the Principles of Congregation Governance and Missionary Life

The council members of the Delegation held their 2nd Council Meeting in Japan from January 13-15, 2025, with Bishop Abella, CMF as the guest speaker, sharing profound insights on governance, spiritual leadership, and the Congregation's mission.

He revisited the Congregation’s governance structure, highlighting the shift in focus introduced in 1979, where the Constitutions prioritized faith-based fundamentals before organizational matters. 

“The Congregation is not merely a company,” he emphasized. “It is raised up by the Holy Spirit and established by the Church (CC 86). It is both charismatic and institutional in nature. Our fundamental belonging is to the Congregation as a whole, rather than to any individual province or delegation.”

Bishop Abella stressed the importance of culturally responsive governance and the delegation superior’s role under the superior general’s authority. True obedience, he noted, involves “1) Discernment within the community and 2) Guidance from superiors.” 

He also discussed deliberative and consultative decisions, subordination and subsidiarity, and the role of itinerancy, clarifying distinctions between the powers of the provincial chapter and the delegation assembly.

Reflecting on current challenges, particularly the decline of religious life in smaller dioceses, he urged council members to engage deeply with those in need, cautioning, “We often close ourselves off from others rather than engage and move toward those who are in need.” He called for leadership rooted in faith and cultural responsiveness to fulfill the Congregation’s mission.

The session concluded with a renewed commitment to the Congregation’s purpose, inspiring council members to approach their roles with unity, faith, and a compassionate response to local communities' needs.

[Credits: Fr. Thomas Chirayilparampil, CMFDelegation Secretary]