Relationships Define Us: Recalling, Recasting, and Radiating Positivity

A beautiful journey of reflection unfolded during our one-day seminar, titled “Relationships Define Us.” Organized by the Pauline Communication Centre, Daughters of St Paul, Bandra, Mumbai and animated by Fr. Benhur from the Archdiocese of Bombay, this enriching session was exclusively curated for junior sisters and young final professed sisters. It was a sacred time of deep small-group sharing, where we opened up our hearts about our family roots and our shared community life. We were around Forty of us from different Congregations.

Finding Our Core: To Love and Be Loved

At the very center of this seminar, a profound realization anchored itself in my heart: the fundamental core of every human being is simply to love and to be loved. We do not exist in isolation. We exist for this very purpose—to experience true love and to pass it on to others.

Hearing this reminded me of my own deepest calling: I am called to be a joyful religious. To live out this calling beautifully, it is essential to build deeply meaningful relationships across all areas of life—with our families, our friends, and within our religious communities.

The Lesson of the V-Formation and Community Life

During the session, the story of the “V-Formation” (how birds fly together in a V-shape to support and lift one another) perfectly reflected the true value of community life. When we fly together in unity, the journey becomes lighter.

If we truly understand the real value of friendship, and if we remain deeply aware of the feeling of sharing, life naturally becomes easier, and the world transforms into a much better place to live in.

Recall, Recast, and Radiate

To live out this relationship-driven life, Father Benhur guided us through three powerful steps:

Recall: Looking back at our journeys and the bonds that shaped us.
Recast: Reshaping our perspectives, letting go of old hurts, and rebuilding connections with grace.
Radiate Positivity: Stepping out into the world as beacons of joy, light, and hope.

We wrapped up our wonderful day on a high note with a lively, joyful action song and a beautiful group photo to capture our smiles.

Ultimately, healing and cherishing bonds makes life meaningful and joyful. Thank you, Fr. Benhur, for guiding us back to this essential truth. Let us move forward, ready to radiate love and positivity wherever our mission takes us!
Sincere thanks to Sr Anna and the animation team.

– Rekha fsp