Spirituality · Formation · Encounter

Eudist Study Days

Two editions, a shared journey of reflection.

Explore the 2023 and 2024 Eudist Study Days, led by the Eudist Spirituality Unit: talks, gatherings, and documents.

March to November 2024

2024 · Mercy, encounter, and holiness

Three series of two videos deepen our understanding of Saint John Eudes’ spirituality and its relevance to Eudist life today.

Let the words of Saint John Eudes, taken up by the 2022 General Assembly, resonate within us: “We are missionaries of mercy”. This is a theme and a reality we wish to explore more deeply by listening to two witnesses:

- SisterNidia Stella Quimbayo Garrido, Provincial Leader for Colombia–Venezuela of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, offers us: The challenges of the mission of living mercy in contemporary society.

- Father Diego Jaramillo, a Eudist of the Minuto de Dios Province and President of Minuto de Dios: Father Rafael García-Herreros’ response of mercy to the challenges of his time.

The General Assembly invited us to reflect on a timely theme:interculturality, to develop a culture of encounter, among ourselves and with everyone we meet. A working group was established, led by Father Edem Afoutou, a Eudist of the Province of Africa, General Councillor, and Vicar of the Philippines. The team offers two reflective workshops.

2025 will be a jubilee year for the whole Church, “Pilgrims of Hope,” and for the Eudist family, with the centenary of the canonization of Saint John Eudes. Two talks will help us prepare:

- Father Daniel Doré, a Eudist of the Province of France and the Congregation’s archivist, will speak about the history of Saint John Eudes’ canonization.

As the opening of the Eudist jubilee year approaches (December 8, 2024–January 9, 2026), marking the centenary of the canonization of our founder John Eudes, Father Daniel Doré, c.j.m., offers a detailed and vivid historical presentation of Father Eudes’ cause for canonization. As General Archivist of the Congregation, Father Doré shares excerpts from letters and documents unfamiliar to most of us. It is a fascinating and inspiring immersion in our Congregation’s history! — Jean-Michel Amouriaux

Canonization

The history of Saint John Eudes’ canonization

Father Daniel Doré

Eudist, Province of France, archivist of the Congregation

Watch the talk ▶

Mercy

The challenges of the mission of living mercy in contemporary society

Sister Nidia Stella Quimbayo Garrido

Provincial Leader for Colombia–Venezuela of the Congregation of
Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd

Watch the talk ▶

Mercy

Father Rafael García-Herreros’ response of mercy to the challenges of his time

Father Diego Jaramillo

Eudist, Minuto de Dios Province, President of Minuto de Dios

Watch the talk ▶

Encounter

Zoom gathering with Father Diego Jaramillo

Father Diego Jaramillo

Eudist, Minuto de Dios Province, President of Minuto de Dios

Watch the talk ▶

Interculturality

Zoom gathering with Father Edem Afoutou

Father Edem Afoutou

Eudist, Province of Africa, General Councillor, Vicar of the Philippines

Watch the talk ▶

Introduction to intercultural communication

Intercultural communication is essential in our increasingly globalized world. It helps us understand and appreciate cultural differences, making our interactions more effective and enriching.

As an international congregation whose many cultures interact through interprovincial life, the CJM must meet the challenge of intercultural communication so that God’s life and light may continue to flow within the Congregation. (See the prologue to Saint John’s Gospel.)

Read Edem Afoutou’s article ↗

May 29–31, 2023

2023 · Baptismal dignity and synodality

Imbuing the Congregation of Jesus and Mary with the spirit of synodality.

Saint John Eudes’ contribution to present-day reflection on synodality

The Congregation offers a new way to deepen our understanding of Saint John Eudes’ thought, a task that is never finished! Different members of the Eudist family reflect on his contribution. Although he did not directly address synodality as understood in the Catholic Church today, some of his teachings and approaches enrich current reflection on this subject.

Decentralization and shared responsibility : Saint John Eudes encouraged the formation of small groups of priests and religious to live an intense community and apostolic life founded on charity and solidarity. He encouraged decentralization and shared responsibility, enabling community members to participate actively in decision-making and governance. This approach may be seen as anticipating the principle of synodality, which emphasizes collegiality and the participation of all members of the People of God in the Church’s decision-making and governance.

Listening and discernment : Saint John Eudes also emphasized listening to the Word of God and discernment in the spiritual life. He encouraged his disciples to let the Holy Spirit guide their decisions and to attend to the signs of the times and the needs of God’s people. In a synodal approach, attentive listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit and pastoral discernment are essential to responding to the Church’s present pastoral challenges and discerning together paths of renewal and reform.

Collaboration among the members of the Church : Saint John Eudes emphasized collaboration among the members of the Church, recognizing that every baptized person has a unique mission and must contribute to the Church’s growth and building up. He valued the complementary charisms and talents of each person and encouraged collaboration among lay people, religious women and men, priests, and bishops. From a synodal perspective, the collaboration and commitment of all Church members, especially the lay faithful, are essential to genuine participation in the Church’s mission and to seeking solutions together to pastoral challenges.

May 29 · A