The UISG introduces a new series of short videos with a few religious women who are taking part in the Programme for the Preparation of Formators. It offers formation for sisters taking up the responsibility of accompanying those in the initial stages of formation to religious life.

So what do the participants say about this year’s edition?

“I am inspired to take the challenges in my current context as opportunities to grow in hope, faith, and charity,” shares Sr. Mary Nu Nguyen from Vietnam who belongs to Lovers of the Holy Cross of Thu Thiem and continues:

“During our discussion on what the essence of religious life is, we watched a documentary about the lives of Catholic sisters in Eastern European communism. It had a very strong impact on me and I believe on many of my classmates as well.”

Notwithstanding the hardship and suffering in communist regimes, the sisters had inner freedom and remained loving and forgiving people. It was inspiring for Sr. Mary:

“Nothing but a close relationship with God would help me to fully live my consecrated life as an exegesis of the Word of God in any circumstances”.

The Vietnamese religious learned many other lessons including the importance of Canon Law. As one of the speakers said, its foundation is nothing else but the Gospel itself, thereby Canon Law has a loving heart of a mother and is more loving than judging, stressed Sr. Mary:

“Through Canon Law, the Church provides us with instructions to help us grow freely in the vocations that God is calling us to live.”

Last but not least, being involved in formation is not only important, but also a sacred ministry, explained Sr. Mary:

“I am not the one who forms the people. God is, but I am given the opportunity to participate in God’s creative action that happens in the life of each and every woman he has entrusted to me. This perception of formation gives me joy and courage.”

Programme for the Preparation of Formators runs from January 13 to July 4, 2025. It is in English and takes place on-site at the UISG seat in Rome.

We already accept application for next year’s edition. For more information and registration
 
The programme offers various ways to help the participant integrate the content of the programme including personal reflection, group work and interaction, and mentoring. Each participant assumes the responsibility for her own human and spiritual growth and commits herself to active and engaged participation.