From 26 to 28 March 2025, the annual meeting of the episcopal vicars for consecrated life, diocesan delegates, and other diocesan representatives for consecrated life took place at the Bonifatiuskloster in Hünfeld (www.bonifatiuskloster.de). Among the 30 participants were also Fr Aitor Jiménez Echave, C.M.F., and Fr Martin Wolf, OMI, respectively Undersecretary and Official of our Dicastery.
During a study day, in addition to dialogue and exchange regarding the current situation and challenges of consecrated life, a reflection was carried out on the theme of interculturality—an important dimension that must be cultivated within the ecclesial community. The demographic situation in Germany not only entails a sharp decline in the number of vocations to consecrated life, but also a growing presence of consecrated persons and institutes coming mainly from Africa and Asia, who need to be received and integrated into the local Church.
The participation of the Dicastery’s representatives proved to be of great value, as they offered a detailed overview of the Dicastery’s competencies, recent developments, and future perspectives on consecrated life. It became clearly evident how the Dicastery is increasingly striving to listen to the diverse expressions of consecrated life, in order to respond to current needs and to continue offering support and guidance in the future. In the synodal spirit desired by the Holy Father Pope Francis, the Dicastery wishes to remain close and to attentively listen to local realities.
Mutual esteem and a cordial atmosphere facilitated a better exchange of experiences and deeper mutual understanding. At the end of the gathering, Fr Jiménez, expressing joy and satisfaction, commented: “The meeting was characterised by a positive atmosphere of understanding, which builds bridges and unites us in a synodal way to work together for consecrated life.”
