Q: In this opening of the three-year period towards the Jubilee for the 1700th anniversary of the birth of Saint Basil the Great, what does it mean for you to return today to the spiritual legacy of Saint Basil?
A: For me, returning to the legacy of Saint Basil is to rediscover someone who still has much to teach us today. His way of living the faith inspires me in that he did not separate prayer from daily life, but rather sought to love God and serve others in concrete ways. On this journey toward the Jubilee, I feel it is an opportunity to better understand our roots, renew our vocation, and remember why we follow this charism as Basilians.
Q: The homily invites us: “pay attention to yourself.” How does this call resonate in your personal life, community life, and mission?
A: This phrase makes me reflect on the importance of looking inward and examining how I am living my life. Sometimes, amidst so many activities and responsibilities, we forget to nurture our spiritual and emotional well-being. Personally, it encourages me to dedicate more time to prayer and encountering God. In community, it reminds me of the importance of living with greater patience, listening, and availability, ” bearing with one another.” And in my mission, it reminds me that I can only give something genuine to others if I first cultivate my own relationship with God.
Q: How would you like to experience this jubilee preparation journey as a member of the Basilian Family?
A: I would like to experience this time as an opportunity for personal and communal growth. I want to use it to deepen my understanding of the Basilian charism and strengthen my sense of belonging to the Basilian Order.