“A living charism, open and called to give life and hope”, is the theme of the training meetings held in different places of the Institute from July 2025 to March 2026. Within the framework of the 150th anniversary of our foundation, these meetings have sought to connect our historical roots with the challenges of the present. We have reflected on three fundamental axes in relation to our CHARISMA: REVIVE, EXPAND AND ENLIGHTEN.
Fan the fire of charisma
The first major block of this formation has focused on the need to enliven the gift received. Inspired by the words of the Founding Father, José Gras, who urged the sisters to “make their name more true every day,” the meetings have invited us to trace the vitality of the charism in daily life. Faced with risks such as routine or apostolic fatigue, the Institute reaffirms itself not as “guardian of ashes, but as custodian of a living fire.” This stage has highlighted key attitudes of the Founder such as magnanimity, humility and a passionate zeal to make Christ reign in all hearts.
Expand: An open family
The second key, broadening, refers to the nature of an “open charisma” that is not limited to the Daughters of Christ the King, but extends to the entire charismatic family. In this block it has been highlighted that charisma “does not exist in nothing, it exists in the people who make it life.” The formation has highlighted the importance of relationships and sharing not only tasks, but life itself with lay people. This “widening” implies creating a larger “we,” where fraternity is horizontal and free, allowing the charisma to infect others like a “gentle rain.”
Illuminate life and hope
Finally, the concept of enlightenment evokes the mission of the Institute towards the outside world. Under the premise that “you do not receive a charisma to keep it,” the Daughters of Christ the King recognize ourselves as called to be “midwives of hope” in a society that often feels “deadly wounded.” Enlightening means producing light in the darkness and generating new life. Our mission is to be a presence that humanizes, offering gestures of tenderness and active hope, especially in the peripheries where the “balm of life” is most needed.
We offer the testimony of a sister:
This year being marked by the 150th anniversary of our Institute, we began by viewing a video retracing the history of our Institute, from its beginnings to today. This moment was very moving. We were able to contemplate the journey, the courage and dedication of the sisters who, despite their limitations and imperfections, gave their lives for the mission. Through this story, we felt how the Spirit of God continues to act and guide our Institute. From the main theme, we delved into several sub-themes:
- An open charisma
- A living charisma
- A charism called to give life and hope
These moments of reflection and exchange allowed us to better understand and deepen our charism, in order to continue to live it faithfully in our mission and in our daily life, in the light of the Gospel. This meeting was also a time of sharing, joy and fraternity for the sisters, a precious moment to meet, exchange, support each other and grow together in our vocation. The meeting ended with a very beautiful celebration, in a spirit of joy and thanksgiving.
We left filled with joy and hope, with this great desire to continue writing and bringing to life the history of our Institute, faithful to our charism and the Gospel.
