An invitation to listen, discern, and renew our commitment to the mission.
From October 2 to 4, representatives from the works and schools of the Pacific Province gathered for the Effetá ODN Leadership Workshop, organized by the Montaigne Institute at the request of the Province and the Team. It was an experience of coming together and reflecting, inviting participants to view leadership through the challenges of our time, listening to God, the signs of the times, and the identity that unites us as the Company of Mary.
Through prayer, presentations, workshops, panel discussions, and conversations in the Spirit, participants shared experiences and embraced new perspectives. They were accompanied by Blanca Cely, odn; Liliana Franco, odn; Gustavo Rodríguez; Fr. Gabriel Ignacio Rodríguez, SJ; Fr. Eduard Posada; Yull Brayan; and Dr. Oscar Velásquez, whose contributions enriched the gathering and invited participants to understand leadership, discernment, and service in light of the mission.
As a sign of this shared journey, each participant received the book If I Had a Thousand Lives, dedicated to Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac. It was an invitation to return to the roots of our charism and draw inspiration from our foundress’s boldness and trust. We also extend our gratitude to the Villa Lestonnac Community and La Enseñanza School in Medellín for their warm welcome and for providing the spaces needed to hold the workshop.
Effetá reminds us that leadership means opening new paths, accompanying others, and placing our gifts at the service of a mission that continues to transform lives.
