From 4 to 6 February, the General Curia of the Jesuits in Rome hosted the Third Plenary Assembly of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. The event brought together members and consultants from across the world to reflect on the theme: “Until Christ is formed in you” (Gal 4:19). Among the participants was Moysés Azevedo, founder of the Shalom Catholic Community and a member of the Dicastery.
The assembly concluded with a private audience with Pope Leo XIV, who offered key guidance on how the Church should accompany and form the laity in the contemporary world. In addition to Azevedo, Father Franco Galdino was also present in his role as Head of the Dicastery’s Youth Sector.
“The high point of our reflections was our encounter with the Holy Father, Pope Leo,” Azevedo said. “He reminded us that the Church is like a family that does not form its children merely through ideas or knowledge, but by transmitting a life, the new life of Christ. This requires ongoing and participatory processes and, on the part of those called to be instruments of formation, a path marked by patience and accompaniment. The fruits are harvested over time.”
Beyond knowledge: a ‘generation’ of faith
In his address, Pope Leo XIV stressed that Christian formation cannot be reduced to a course or the transmission of technical skills. Drawing on Saint Paul, he described formation as an act of “generating Christ” in souls.
“Our mission is not simply to pass on doctrine, observance or ethics, but to share what we live, with genuine love for souls,” the Pope said.
He emphasized that formators are called to exercise spiritual fatherhood, accompanying the faithful with patience, attentive listening and a willingness to suffer alongside others, so that faith becomes a lived experience rather than a purely intellectual one.
The role of the laity and the protection of human dignity
The Pope also highlighted that integral formation must include the safeguarding of human dignity and the prevention of abuse, with particular care for the most vulnerable.
“The art of formation is neither easy nor improvised: it requires patience, listening, accompaniment and discernment, both on a personal and community level. It also demands learning from the experience and example of those who have lived this path before us,” he said.
In closing, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the members of the Dicastery not to lose heart in the face of the challenges posed by a secularized world. He referred to the “logic of the mustard seed”: beginning with small things in trust, allowing the action of the Holy Spirit to bear fruit.
The assembly concluded under the intercession of Mary, a model of one who generates faith through love, inspiring participants to return to their communities with renewed missionary zeal.
Renewing the Community’s “Yes” to the Pope
Azevedo also shared that he took the opportunity to reaffirm the Shalom Community’s “Yes” to the Church.
“I was also able to greet Pope Leo personally and once again renew our love, our prayers and our service to him and to the Church. As the Shalom Community, we rejoice deeply and are united in gratitude for this moment of grace,” he said.
