Laity and the charism of Betharram

“Deepen the knowledge of the charism … support the ministry of the Betharramites … encourage vocations to the betharramite consecrated life”. These three main goals of the Paraguayan lay movement, FVD, say clearly how much these lay associates are rooted in the past, with their heart open to the present situation and the eyes turned towards the future of the Congregation. By listening to the experience of some of these lay people we reach the heart of the Betharramite spirituality which, once again, proves to be extremely alive and relevant for the church and the society today.

The spirituality of the laity according to Betharram to which as members of the Association FVD we try to be faithful can be expressed by the availability of “Me Voici” of the Word Incarnate, who did his Father’s Will even to death on the cross. To deepen our charism we try each year to practise a virtue of the Sacred Heart, a devotion which has its origin in our charism

The young Betharramite is someone free, open and joyful; he is aware of the social reality of Paraguay, leads a humble and simple life, and has devotion to Mary, Our Lady of Betharram whom Saint Michael calls “The House Mistress”. Not only does he try to seek God’s Will, but he studies it and puts it into practise. Both spiritually and intellectually he deepens his faith so as to be in line with the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. The Lord surprises us when he shows us that the charism, far from being reserved for the religious, is there also for the laity who are not necessarily engaged in the colleges and good works of the Betharramite religious. It is there for people of all ages, all situations and professions to whom the FVD Group turns so as to offer them a choice of Christian life as they wish. This is proof also that the Betharramite charism is not just for those who have attended the colleges of the Congregation but it is there for everyone as a gift from countless young people far from Betharram.

The life stories of the FVD Group are many; faith is not kept hidden under a bushel but is there for all to see, it enters families, renews and transforms them. It is worth noting that God’s Will penetrates the family , thanks to the children and, like the mustard seed multiplies its fruits even among friends and acquaintances. Personally, the FVD Group has been a great help for me and has supported me in my spiritual growth. It is something in which God has greatly surprised me and transformed my life. The Group has been with me during my school life, at University and now in my professional life, helping me to put the Gospel as the foundation of my life. Living the Christian life to the utmost, seeing the signs of extraordinary conversions convinces me that this is really God’s work. We have only to empty ourselves to become his instruments so that the story of faith in the FVD Group will continue to grow and produce conversions and transformations in our families, in our life style and in the whole of society in Paraguay.

André Balansa

The FVD Group

The FVD Group (Fiat Voluntas Dei) is an Association of lay people who have felt the call of “Me Voici” in their hearts won over by the Betharramite charism and who are part of the same family; they are driven by the desire to increase and are inspired by our Founder, St Michael Garicoits. The group was founded in 2003 by 12 former pupils of the San Jose College in Asuncion in the desire to add to the religious education received in the College. On the strength of such a fine decision they decided to form the first community on the spiritual foundations given by St Michael and to call it FVD. Taking their inspiration from St Michael the group, from the beginning tried to deepen the meaning of God’s Will in the life of the individual. Today there are 180 active members in the Association in 12 ecclesial communities. After meeting the Lord in prayer they decided to adopt a life style in keeping with the Betharramite charism and to progress with the community. They meet once a week. The FVD Group has three main objectives:

1. Deepen their knowledge of the charism and make it known.
2. Support Betharramite pastoral and the situations needing our help.
3. Foster religious and priestly vocations especially for Betharram.

From the beginning the FVD Group lent support for youth pastoral by organising spiritual retreats for the students at the San Jose and Santa Clara Colleges. From 2013 the FVD Group has begun offering retreats for University students. As part of the Church we are working in the San Jose parish. Under the guidance of the missionary spirit and faithful to its vocation the group is leaving for a mission in the town of La Colmena; it started action in 2013 with a close link with the local Church. Right now the group comes to the aid of the school financially each month, has an apostolate with some of its members who, now and again go to La Colmena to live with the people, give simple medical care, catechise the children, the teen agers and the adults.

The FVD Group is fully aware that there are new challenges facing its members both in family pastoral and social projects.

“The first characteristic of the FVD Group, which is only eleven years old, is the joy with which everyone works. The Group has been and remains for me a school of life. I have learned to be a more tolerant person; and what constantly prevails in all circumstances, is faith and hope. One of the things I appreciate most in the movement is the fact that charism is reflected in many people who, in turn, trying to live it in their daily lives. I can say my spiritual life has matured, in the movement. It has nourished the prayer life of my family with whom I try to pray every day. This lifestyle also helps me to live Christian values, not only with my brothers in the community, but also with other friends who are evangelized by what I am trying to convey. “(Mariana Torres)

“With my brothers in community we have created a strong bond of friendship founded on Christ; every Saturday we meet and we devote a little time to reflect on the Gospel of the day and sharing of what each receives from the reading; we let the Word of God resonate within us and we finish by deepening our faith through the catechism for young people. The FVD helped me change some aspects of my life and gave me the gift of many brothers who help me every day to grow in faith. I remember that by becoming a part of the movement I’ve been through some very significant experiences and the movement helped me.
The blessings I have received when I started to be part of the community are so many that I can attest that this is a work of God. Through the movement I got to bring my family to the church. My younger sister also became an active member of the Group. Young Catholics need other young people to be encouraged to live a certain lifestyle, to move from theory to practice. Honestly, if I had not had the chance to be part of a community, I would not have got to stay true to this lifestyle for the world assails you and does everything to entice you away from Christ. With the movement, thanks be to God, I am now a confirmation catechist and I had the opportunity to tell other young people that Christ came into my life through the FVD. (Gross Brown Alejandro Bobadilla)

“This great love affair began after a retreat during which I experienced my first big encounter with Christ. This moment marked a before and after in my life and, over time, we have formed a community of brothers who really want to follow Christ; this community gradually became my second family. This way was not easy in the beginning: we do not know much, and it was difficult to integrate; but over time, with the help of Our Lady of Betharram with the teachings of St. Michael Garicoits and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst, this community took shape in love and joy.
The community is our support at all times and we are always united in prayer according to the needs of each and for the FVD movement. Without the community it would have been more difficult.
Between us and with Christ we accept to carry our daily crosses. Of course, there have been ups and downs, the problems of everyday life, but all this does not stop us from strengthening our community, and falling in love with the charism of Betharram. I conclude with a quote from our holy founder: “What a wonderful disposition to be always available to God, always ready to say Here I am like Mary as (God willing) simple and happy to be shepherds of flock of the Lord. “(Gonzalo Campos Cervera)

“The spirituality of Betharram was present at the first steps we took; over 4 years we were taught obedience, availability and God’s love, values that have allowed us to live a commitment over 11 years during which we discovered that love is summed up in service and the gift self to others. We are part of a community within the FVD movement which allows us to continue to grow in faith, to strengthen our families by this fundamental value: that life with Christ and in Christ drives us to share with others the joy of living our charism. We are called to make a commitment to do the will of God in our life, in our family and with our partners, welcoming with love all that comes as a gift from heaven. “(Lilian Carolina Codas Santacruz)

How is the FVD Group structured?

The FVD Group has a top-down structure which emphasizes and fosters obedience, the backbone of the Betharramite charism. The first level is formed by the COUNCIL, that is the SUPERIOR and two other members as COUNCILLORS; these three people are elected by an elective assembly every two years. The superior and his two councillors appoint THE PERSONS IN CHARGE OF the COMMITTEES which are responsable for the implementation of the decisions and the pastoral orientations.
At present the working committees are: formation Committee, Retreats Committee, Groups Committee, Liturgy Committee, Finance committee, Choir committee, Apostolate committee, Events committee and Missions committee. Every committee and the members of the Council present the work to be carried out during the academic year. Then there are the community facilitators who are elected in each community and provide the link between the Council and the Committees.
The help and the spiritual guidance of the scj priests is essential. They give us their unconditional support: especially Fr Tobia Sosio and Fr Raul Villalba and other scj religious who, besides their specific missions in the works of the Congregation, are ready to meet our needs: their help is crucial for our pastoral work to be effective.