Back to News
Leading with Grace, Walking in Hope
Capturing the gentle strength of leadership rooted in faith and compassion
(31 August – 1 September 2025)
From 31 August to 1 September 2025, Superiors and Formators came together for a two-day gathering dedicated to spiritual renewal, reflection, and fraternal communion. This time of grace was an opportunity to pause, to listen, and to be refreshed in their shared vocation of leadership and formation.
The first day was animated by Rev. Fr Johnson SDB, psychologist and economer of the Salesian community in Aluva. Warmly welcomed by the Provincial Superior, Rev. Sr Shiny Muttathottil, Fr Johnson led the participants through a rich and dynamic programme on the theme: “The Rhythm of Grace: A Journey of Rejuvenation and Resilience.”
With a rare blend of psychological depth, scriptural reflection, and creative expression — including action songs and interactive moments — he invited participants to rediscover the sustaining power of grace in daily life. His sessions emphasised the need for inner silence, personal solitude, and what he called “me time,” as essential to spiritual and emotional well-being. He spoke of stress not simply as a burden, but as a call to deeper listening — both to the self and to God. Drawing on the wisdom of Martha and Mary, and the renewal of the prophet Elijah, he encouraged a leadership that is both grounded and resilient, rooted in love and sustained by prayer.
The day concluded with a sincere and grateful vote of thanks expressed by Rev. Sr. Silvy Kalladanthiyil.
The following day was led by Rev. Sr Shiny Muttathottil, who invited the group to reflect on the Gospel passage from St Mk 10:42–45, a profound meditation on the nature of evangelical leadership. In contrast to models based on control or authority, she emphasised a leadership shaped by compassion, humility, and service — a leadership that builds communion and tends gently to the wounds of others.
Her reflections were deepened by references to the Directory, offering concrete reminders of the role of the Superior: as animator of apostolic life, witness of the Gospel, and builder of fraternal unity. She reminded the group of the importance of discretion, availability, and attentiveness — even in the smallest acts, like a phone call answered or a quiet presence offered in a moment of need.
Throughout both days, the atmosphere was one of openness, reverence, and shared desire to grow in grace. Moments of prayer, reflection, and heartfelt sharing gave the participants space to renew their commitment to serving with joy and love.
As the gathering came to a close, there was a shared sense of gratitude — to God, who sustains every mission; to the resource persons, who offered so much; and to the Major Superiors, whose guidance and vision continue to build communities where leadership is not about position, but about presence.
