More than 450 women religious leaders and general council members from across the globe participated in an online formation program titled “Being the Best of Yourself” from June 11 to 13.
The three-day journey, facilitated by Sr. Lynn Levo offered a profound exploration of compassionate leadership, emotional awareness, and living with purpose in today’s complex world.
Lynn, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, invited participants to reflect on what it means to lead from one’s “best self,” emphasizing that effective leadership begins with personal well-being—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
She encouraged leaders to cultivate self-care and emotional intelligence as essential elements of building compassionate and healthy communities.
“Religious life,” reminded Lynn, a licensed psychologist, lecturer, and consultant, “is a means to become more human. Our first human vocation is to love and be loved.”
Throughout the sessions, participants were guided to understand emotions not as distractions but as vital signals that deepen self-awareness and strengthen relationships—with oneself, with others, and with God.
Tools were offered to help recognize emotional triggers, process anger constructively, and foster healing through spiritual integration. “Our body, memory, emotions, and relationships are part of our spiritual path,” Sr. Lynn noted.
A central theme of the formation was the rediscovery of purpose—individual and congregational.
Leaders were invited to revisit the founding charism of their congregations, not as a fixed legacy, but as a dynamic and evolving inspiration. Exercises encouraged sisters to articulate their purpose within the broader mission, especially in the context of aging and changing ministry roles.
The sessions also emphasized inclusive leadership, grounded in empathy, humility, and listening. In line with the Church’s synodal journey, participants were urged to foster radical hospitality and unity. Listening without judgment and welcoming diverse experiences were highlighted as key to creating space for mutual growth. Even challenges and tensions were reframed as opportunities for deeper understanding and dialogue.
Beyond input and reflection, the gathering became a space of spiritual renewal. Participants, connected across cultures and languages through live translation, shared stories, questions, and moments of grace. One sister described the experience as “not just formation—but a healing moment.”
In her closing message, Sr. Lynn affirmed that hope is not naïve optimism but a courageous response rooted in love and truth. In uncertain times, it is sustained by connection, resilience, and a deep trust in God’s providence.
The formation journey concluded with a reflection on the Gospel’s invitation to wholeness: “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48)—a call not to perfectionism, but to compassionate maturity.
Echoing Luke 6:36–38, participants were reminded that true leadership flows not from flawless performance, but from a heart shaped by mercy, presence, and authentic love.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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