Fraternity of the Holy Name
A space for prayer, learning and fraternal encounter centered on the Jesus Prayer, a way of recollection and inner silence for living in the continual presence of God.
“Love is the fulfilling of the law”
Romans 13:8-10
The ordering of spaces is one of the manifestations of divine love
Our planet, for example, is an environment fitted for the development of life in general and of human life in particular. Air, water, earth and fire; the cycles of light and darkness, the rhythm of the seasons, the vast diversity of species: these are elements that allow and foster the growth of all who are included in that environment.
Human organizations contribute to the order of creation when they adapt their forms to the original way in which all things are made. The beauty we discover in nature bears witness to the love that animates creation and to the imprint that set it in motion.
Organizing our small fraternity with care to attune ourselves to the way God does all things can help us create a space favorable to the cultivation of the spirit. Being consistent in the way we organize ourselves is a humble but necessary contribution to the turbulent times in which we live, an age that cries out for an attitude without borders.
The natural laws we discover as we interact with the world are ways in which the Creator’s pedagogy expresses itself.
Horizontality: as a form of organization, it implies equality among all participants, with no one taking precedence over others. Since we are all children of God and no voice carries more authority than the others, our attention turns to listening to the Spirit, who may breathe upon different people at different times.
Consensus: as a requirement for making decisions, it is offered as a better alternative to voting, in which one position is always defeated. Seeking agreement, that is, what unites hearts, is the sound choice that allows every party to see itself reflected in the final decision.
Gratuitousness: the content and activities are offered free of charge. Voluntary, optional donation leaves all parties free. What we share was received as a free gift, and so it is shared. In turn, whoever receives it donates something of their own, if they can and wish to, as a way of offering support. Both sides remain free: a voluntary and optional exchange neither conditions nor determines the relationship.
Fraternity: as a spontaneous gathering of people around a common interest, it differs from the institutional, which tends to fix and establish, to the detriment of dynamic forms in constant process. The spiritual is by its very nature free, and it tends to grow dim when it is enclosed within a legal or state framework, which has other roots and motives. Without the institutional, initiatives live on for as long as the spirit that gave rise to them keeps them alive.
Useful criteria for consistency
To take part in a team is to make oneself available for service. It means each person bringing their particular talents to a common work.
Participation should be willing, without forcing, and based on the time one actually has available.
On the basis of this definition of the Fraternity, “A space for prayer, learning and fraternal encounter centered on the Jesus Prayer…”, we would like to set up the following teams in order to organize ourselves better. Participation is voluntary and meant for those who enjoy organizational work.
Prayer · Learning · Encounter · Welcome · Projects
Each team facilitates the work in the areas it serves
Prayer: communal prayers, Lectio groups, in-person prayer groups.
Learning: courses (Philokalia, Christian mysticism, phenomenology and others), workshops and seminars, occasional events that serve formation.
Encounter: monthly sharing gatherings, interviews (within and beyond the Fraternity), retreats, exercises and suggested practices.
Welcome: receiving new participants, sharing our content.
Projects: a creative space where new proposals arise (for example, works of solidarity, an apostolate of listening, lay monastic life, etc.).
There is a liaison role between the teams, which sees to it that initiatives are consistent with one another and organizes a calendar that suits all activities. It is one person (with a substitute) who serves as a link between the groups.
The vocation and talents God has given us find their fullness when we take our place in the setting suited to their expression.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10
If you would like to take an active part in a team, write to elsantonombreblog@gmail.com or call +34 669 15 91 63
