REKINDLING THE FLAME: A Journey of Rediscovering Our SSS Identity through Ongoing Formation

Ongoing Formation Program for SSS Religious (6 to 15 Years of Ministry)
Dates: 8th July (Evening) – 11th July (Afternoon), 2025
Venue: Shanti Sadan, Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), Benaulim, South Goa

The Importance of Ongoing Formation

Ongoing formation is not an optional luxury but a spiritual necessity in religious life. For us, the Blessed Sacrament Religious priests and brothers, it is an opportunity to pause, reflect, renew, and re-commit ourselves to the Eucharistic mission entrusted to us by our Founder, St. Peter Julian Eymard. Formation is indeed a lifelong journey, and for those of us who are between 6 and 15 years in ministry, this program served as a timely moment to reassess our vocation with fresh eyes and rekindled hearts. This year, 16 of us participated, 9 physically present and 7 engaging online. The hybrid model enabled rich interaction and participation, marked by openness, depth, and genuine fraternity.

Setting the Tone: Fr. Philip Benzy’s Inaugural Address

The program began with an inspiring inaugural talk by our General Superior, Fr. Philip Benzy SSS, which set the right tone. Drawing from Pastores Dabo Vobis (70), he emphasized that formation is a lifelong call to grow in Eucharistic spirituality, consecrated identity, and priestly mission. His creative analogies, the dockyard and the rocking chair, along with probing questions, invited us to revisit our personal journeys, rediscover the Founder’s vision, and become resilient, faithful, joyful, and fruitful religious in a digitally fast-paced world. His insight on “leading without a title” was particularly impactful, reminding us that Eucharistic leadership begins from within.

Accompaniment and Animation: Fr. Peter Jayakanthan SSS

Our Provincial and the in charge of the Ongoing Formation, Fr. Peter Jayakanthan SSS, accompanied us throughout the program. His deep involvement, from animation to spiritual guidance, enriched our sessions. Through his facilitation, we shared key moments that brought fulfilment in our ministry, as well as the struggles, feelings of loneliness, hurts, and disappointments. The heartfelt sharing on living out our vows inspired mutual learning, healing, and fraternity. His final synthesis of the program was a call to recommit ourselves joyfully to the Eucharistic mission.

Exploring the Charism: Fr. Hans Van Schijndel SSS

Former Vicar General, Fr. Hans Van Schijndel SSS, walked us through the historical evolution of our SSS Charism, its development, discussions, and debates within the Congregation. His session based on his article “Our SSS Charism: A Passion for the Eucharist” was deeply enriching. He reminded us not to remain stuck in “active neurosis” but to evolve into contemplative and active missionaries of the Eucharist, with a burning desire and an igniting power. He called us to become nothing less than “artists of the Eucharist.”

Rooted and Creative: Fr. Anthony McSweeney SSS

Fr. Tony McSweeney SSS, former Superior General, focused on the creativity rooted in our origins. He inspired us with anecdotes from the life of Fr. Eymard, particularly highlighting how a perfectionist filled with anger was transformed into a compassionate, creative Apostle of the Eucharist. His insights reminded us of the potential for personal transformation when we allow the Eucharist to truly shape our being.

Our Mission and Stewardship

Fr. Peter Fernandez SSS, Provincial Consulter in charge of the Mission, invited us to reflect on the future of Lay Aggregates and our broader SSS mission. His session helped us see how we are called to walk with and for the laity in our Eucharistic spirituality.

Fr. Jesu Augustine SSS, Provincial Treasurer and a fellow participant, offered a practical and much-needed session on being a priest-treasurer. He outlined key virtues, financial competence, pastoral sensitivity, transparency, and accountability, which are essential for managing our resources while staying true to our mission.

Integrated Experience and Renewed Commitment

The entire program was a beautiful integration of learning, reflection, sharing, and prayer, with each day anchored in the Eucharist and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. These sacred moments deepened our understanding of our founder’s charism and reminded us of the transforming power of the Eucharist, a power we are called to transmit in our lives and ministries.

Being in the company of our fellow SSS physically and virtually, rekindled memories of our years of formation, strengthened our sense of fraternity, and reawakened our desire to grow joyfully, faithfully, and fruitfully in the Eymardian Charismatic family.

Conclusion: A Joyful and Fruitful Experience

This ongoing formation was not merely a program; it was a spiritual pilgrimage, leading us back to the heart of our vocation. We return to our communities renewed, inspired, and more anchored in our SSS identity. We are grateful to our Provincial Superior, the Provincial Treasurer, the Formation Commission, and all the resource persons for their wisdom, accompaniment, and commitment

Fr. Dhanam SSS
On behalf of all participants