On the first day of the COMSAM 6th Annual General Meeting, which is currently underway at St. John Vianney Seminary, Sr. Simona Brambilla, MC, who currently serves as the Vatican’s Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, addressed religious leaders from different parts of Africa who are congregated at the seminary about what it means to be a pilgrim of hope. She also reflected on the “theology of the” tree”—the palaver tree.
To the religious leaders she said, A tree grows upwards, as if to the heavens – to God. She said the leaders, in their different religious orders and institutes and in their different charisms, should have the desire to grow closer to God. She continued to say that the tree has roots that firmly ground it – the religious leaders should ground themselves and their congregations in God.
Sr. Simona also highlighted that some trees are medicinal, others provide food, and at times others, such as the red maple tree, have bark that can provide drinking water. Religious leaders should heal the people around them, feed the hungry, and quench the thirst of those who are thirsty, especially in a spiritual way.
Sister also mentioned that we sit under the palaver tree to be in communion with each other, discuss matters, and find solutions – she encouraged the leaders to be in communion with each other, as the Synod on Synodality directs, and sit with God and find solutions in Him. Trees also provide shade where we can rest after a long day in the sun; we can also find refuge under trees on rainy days. Sr. Simona again encouraged the religious leaders to rest in God and take refuge in Him.
Sr. Simona then gave an image example of a palaver heart. Ecologically, some trees have hearts, which are known as heartwood. The main function of heartwood is to give a tree structural support and provide the tree with stability and strength. As pilgrims of hope, religious leaders should support one another and strengthen each other on the pilgrimage that the Church is on.
After reflecting on the palaver tree, Sr. Simona reflected on the image example of a dish. All dishes are made from clay. Clay can be molded and decorated in various ways, creating artistic and unique pieces. Sister said this molding represents the molding of humanity. In a world where morals are degenerating, religious leaders should take it upon themselves as messengers of God to mold humanity. This ties in with Cardinal Brislin’s reflection, which he gave in the morning. His Eminence highlighted that society is suffering from many ills, such as broken marriages, broken families, inequality, poverty, and cultural barriers. He said the Church and religious leaders have a task to heal these ills.
Sr. Simona also touched on the fact that clay dishes are often associated with culture and traditional cooking practices. She said, because the leaders are from different parts of Africa, each with their own unique traditions and customs, the leaders should make efforts to promote the spirit of inculturation in order to avoid divisions that could hinder the work of God.
The Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life shifted the focus of the dish from molding to its gastronomical context. She said that on one table you can find different dishes (food) that you can put together to create one meal; you can also find one single dish that is made up of different ingredients, and at times, some dishes are one-pot meals. Sr. Simona said that as much as religious congregations are different in their charisms, they should all come together, walk in the spirit, and work towards one goal, that of building the Church of God and His people.
Sr. Simona Brambilla concluded her reflection by asking the leaders to reflect on the following: What are you cooking in your heart and what kind of dishes are you serving to others? As much as Sr. Simona’s reflection was directed at religious leaders, the message is also very relevant for the laity and their calling.
We entrust everything to the help and guidance of Mary, Mother of God.