Last week, we had our New Leader Workshop. Some of the leaders were major superiors and some were councilors. They were from jurisdictions large and small, from monastic communities to societies of apostolic life. Those gathered were a microcosm of CMSM. The concerns and issues, though, were similar, which is true for our overall membership of CMSM. They shared moments of the Cross and moments of hope in their leadership and communal life.
As we move deeper into the Lenten season and head toward the Sacred Paschal Triduum, we are called to recognize and accept more deeply in our community life and leadership both Cross and hope. The Cross moments are challenging, but we are not alone. Christ is united with us. As we well know as men religious, the Cross is not the end, but the way toward Resurrection hope. It is an enduring hope that is not mired in wishful thinking but is rooted in persevering faith in Christ. It is this hope that we are invited to witness to in our communal life and to all the People of God in the ministries in which we serve. May we be good witnesses!
Let us also pray for one another as we continue through the Lenten season and celebrate the Resurrection at Easter.
In prayerful solidarity,
Frank Donio, SAC
Executive Director
This is an excerpt from the March 2026 Items of Note. Items of Note is a monthly email for CMSM members and partners. If you are not receiving Items of Note once a month via email, please email contact@cmsm.org.