Personal Reflections from the International Meeting of Pallottine Formators
Participating in the International Meeting of Pallottine Formators in Kigali, Rwanda, from 16 to 23 May 2026 was a profound experience of grace, fraternity, and renewal. Gathering with fellow Pallottine formators priests, sisters, and lay members of the Union of Catholic Apostolate from different parts of the world, we felt deeply the universality of our Pallottine family and the richness of our shared charism.
From the very beginning, the atmosphere was marked by prayer, openness, and a sincere desire to learn from one another. Set within the vibrant faith life of Rwanda, the meeting provided an opportunity not only for intellectual reflection but also for spiritual growth and genuine fraternal encounter. It became clear to us that formation is not merely a task entrusted to a few; it is a mission shared by the entire Pallottine Family.
The theme of our gathering, “Our Pallottine Identity in the Synodal Approach of the Church: Living our Baptismal Consecration through our Religious Consecration, Apostolic Commitment, and Common Pallottine Formation,” invited us to reflect deeply on who we are and how we are called to serve the Church today. Throughout the presentations and workshops, we were challenged to rediscover the beauty and relevance of the vision of Saint Vincent Pallotti.
As we reflected on the synodal journey of the Church, we became increasingly aware that our Pallottine identity is rooted in communion, participation, and mission. The discussions encouraged me to examine how formation can remain faithful to our charism while responding creatively to the challenges of contemporary society. Topics such as vocational discernment, community life, missionary commitment, and accompaniment of young people were particularly enriching and relevant to our own ministry.
One of the most significant insights we gained during the meeting was the spirituality of collaboration. Through various presentations and group discussions, we reflected on the central place of collaboration within the Union of Catholic Apostolate. Saint Vincent Pallotti understood collaboration not as an optional strategy but as the very heart of the apostolate. We were reminded that no individual possesses all the gifts necessary for the mission of the Church. Each vocation contributes something unique and indispensable. Collaboration becomes possible when we recognize one another as members of the same body in Christ and willingly place our gifts at the service of the common mission. These reflections helped us appreciate more deeply that authentic apostolic work is born from prayer, dialogue, mutual trust, and shared responsibility.
As participants from diverse cultures and backgrounds shared their experiences, we witnessed how the Pallottine charism flourishes wherever communion overcomes individualism and where the spirit of service prevails over personal interests. This conviction became one of the strongest messages we carried home from Kigali.
The meeting also addressed the many challenges facing consecrated life and formation today. We spoke openly about the difficulties of making consecrated life attractive and credible to younger generations, balancing mission with economic realities, exercising leadership in multicultural communities, and responding to the wounds caused by scandals within the Church. These discussions were honest and sometimes demanding, yet they were filled with hope. We were particularly struck by the reminder that the greatest challenge for consecrated persons today is to remain deeply in love with God. Without this living relationship with Christ, all our structures, programs, and activities risk losing their evangelical vitality.
The role of the formator today requires much more than organizational ability or academic competence. It demands spiritual maturity, pastoral sensitivity, and the capacity to accompany others with patience and wisdom. Throughout the week, we found renewed inspiration in the words of Saint Vincent Pallotti: “Of myself I can do nothing; with God I can do everything; for the love of God I want to do everything.” Likewise, the words often attributed to Henry Ford resonated deeply throughout the gathering: “Coming together is a beginning; staying together is progress; working together is success.” These expressions beautifully capture the spirit of synodality and the Pallottine vision of apostolic collaboration.
Beyond the conferences and workshops, some of the most memorable moments were the experiences of pilgrimage and fraternity. Visiting the Shrine of Our Lady of Kibeho was especially moving. In that holy place of prayer, reconciliation, and Marian devotion, we experienced a deep sense of peace and entrusted to Our Lady the mission of formation throughout the Pallottine Family.
Our visit to the Divine Mercy Shrine of Ruhango was another moment of grace. Together we prayed for the fruits of our meeting and entrusted the future of our apostolic mission to the infinite mercy of God. Equally enriching were the visits to Pallottine communities, formation houses, and apostolic centers in Rwanda. Witnessing firsthand the vitality of the Pallottine mission in the local Church broadened my understanding of how our charism is lived in different cultural contexts. The hospitality, joy, and commitment of the communities we visited left a lasting impression on us.
Perhaps the strongest conviction that emerged from the entire gathering was the realization that priests, sisters, brothers, and lay members are not simply collaborators working side by side. We are truly one apostolic family. No single vocation can fully express the richness of the mission entrusted to the Church. We need one another. This truth was beautifully captured by an African proverb shared during the meeting: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” These words resonated deeply in our experience throughout the week. Our diversity was not an obstacle but a gift. Through prayer, dialogue, and shared mission, we discovered anew that unity does not eliminate differences but transforms them into a source of strength and enrichment.
As the meeting came to an end, we returned home with a renewed sense of hope and commitment. Kigali was much more than a conference; it was a spiritual journey of renewal, discernment, and encounter. The friendships formed, the insights gained, and the moments of prayer shared together strengthened our conviction that the future of formation within the Union of Catholic Apostolate depends on our willingness to walk together in communion.
In a world increasingly marked by fragmentation and uncertainty, this experience reaffirmed us a fundamental truth: the Church becomes more missionary when all vocations journey together, united in Christ and animated by apostolic charity. We left Rwanda with grateful hearts for the gift of this international gathering and inspired once again by the vision of Saint Vincent Pallotti. May his spirit continue to guide us as we seek to rekindle faith, revive charity, and renew the apostolate wherever God calls us to serve.
Text: Sr. M. Pérpetue Nyiramahoro, SAC and Sr. M. Odile Mukandayisenga, SAC
Photos: Fr. Marek Chmielniak, SAC