Christus Vivit

1. What has called more my attention from these texts and what reflections do they generate?
Multiple words from the Holy Father caught my attention while reading his Apostolic
Exhortation. I was amazed by how he started “Christus Vivit” proclaiming that “Christ is alive!
He is our hope and in a wonderful way brings youth to our world, and that everything he touches
becomes young new and full of life.” But what really catches my attention are the texts in chapter
one, six and nine.
The first chapter is really exciting. I like the way Pope Francis delves into the richness of
the sacred scriptures, recounting passages from both the Old and the New Testaments in which
young people were prominent. Using several passages from the New Testament was also attractive
because it helped me to discover the difference between the young heart and a heart grown old. I
was astounded when he defines “young heart” (CV12) as one that is ready to change, to turn back
and get up from life. Pope Francis clarifies that the youth is not about chronological age but rather
the disposition of the heart. Thus keeping a young heart is very important. For this reason, I asked
myself what keeps a person’s heart young. And as a religious why having a young heart is
important is doing the Piarist charism?
In chapter six, Pope Francis discusses the roots of a tree and how they help the tree stay
grounded. An analogy that is so meaningful for me because here in the Philippines or in general
in Asia we are very close to our roots. We are connected with the older generations. I love Pope
Francis’ statement in CV 193 when he stated that the young and the elderly complement each
other, as the elderly have dreams built up old memories and the young can have visions that
broaden their horizons and show them new paths. Because of these, I asked myself in what ways
I can facilitate a connection between youth and old in my apostolate area.

Finally, chapter nine gave me the impression that discernment is seeking a glimpse of the
unique and mysterious plan that God has for each of us. Thus, it is important to form consciences,
grow in virtue, spending time in prayer and dialogue with people who can listen and accompany
the one who is discerning such as friends, priests and religious. But what really struck me is when
Pope Francis encourages me to spend less asking the question who am I but instead more time in
asking, for who am I? That I am for God and that God has given me gifts to share with others. I
asked myself how can I form the youth in our Piarist schools or parishes and help them discern.
2. What emotions of resistance or rejection, of harmony or pleasure, does this text arouse?
I did not feel any resistance or rejection while reading the texts that caught my attention.
Rather, reading the exhortation gave me the feeling of being encouraged. I was reminded that as a
youth and a young religious I am gifted with time and that God is calling me to be open to Him.
He, the church, and the Order of the Pious Schools is asking me to answer the question for who I
am.
3. What realities of my depth are awakened? Why? How do I experience them?
What was awakened in me is the core definition of my vocation as a religious. Reading the
exhortation reminded me of why I responded to the call of God: to seek Him and become Holy. I
was not only reminded but I was helped to realize that if I accompany others in the path of holiness,
I must be the first to follow it, day in and day out like the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph Calasanz.
4. In what aspects or directions do I feel called and feel the call to the Pious Schools to walk?
As a psychology graduate, it is my duty to describe, understand, predict and interpret
behavior but when I entered the Order of the Pious Schools I was called to widen this horizon.
During my pastoral year, I discovered that our schools, especially here in the Philippines, need
well equipped and experienced Guidance counselors. Since then I decided that for my further
studies I wanted to take counseling psychology. As of now, I am taking Sacred Theology and
Masters in Pastoral Ministry Major in Spiritual Direction and Retreat Giving. The call towards this
Helping Ministry in me was magnified by Pope Francis Apostolic Exhortation, “Christus Vivit.”
I want to welcome the young people and adults, create spaces for them where they can encounter
each other and people of other generations. I realize that I am called to become someone who
actively listens and responds to their needs; deeply loving and self-aware; recognizes limitations
and knows joys and sorrows of the spiritual journey. This I think is the direction I feel called and
my contribution to the kingdom of God as Piarist Religious.
Br. John Michael O. Dion, Sch.P.

November 21, 1988

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1. What has called more my attention from these texts and what reflections do they generate?

one, six and nine.

important is doing the Piarist charism?

I can facilitate a connection between youth and old in my apostolate area.

3. What realities of my depth are awakened? Why? How do I experience them?

As a psychology graduate, it is my duty to describe, understand, predict and interpret

my contribution to the kingdom of God as Piarist Religious.

Br. John Michael O. Dion, Sch.P.

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