On April 1st and 2nd, collaborators of CARDI (Center for Accompaniment and Recovery for Integral Development) gathered at the Recollection House in Ahuatepec, Morelos (MEXICO) to strengthen their ties and renew the warmth and quality of the attention they daily offer the beneficiaries of the socio-sanitary institution directed by the Augustinian Recollects located in Mexico City.
The Augustinian Recollects Fr. Refugio Gonzalez, executive director of CARDI, and Fr. Sergio Sanchez, who is in charge of the ongoing formation of the Augustinian Recollect Province of San Nicholas of Tolentino, were the organizers of this two-day event which had the objective of strengthening ties amongst CARDI collaborators.
The day began very early in the morning with an exercise to get to know each other even better through exercising better communication tactics. Participants were able to discover the areas of opportunity and thus improve relationships as a family and a team that needs each other to help each other and, as a team, offer a better service to all coming to CARDI for help.
Late in the afternoon, everyone saw “An Extraordinary Friend” movie to compare it to the service offered by CARDI. Sergio Sanchez led the reflection on the film and encouraged each participant to see themselves in the situation of the film’s protagonist. Sergio commented that each personal experience influences the mood and quality of the service we offer individually and as a team. Time was given for everyone to reflect on questions such as: What do we need from other team members? He reminded them they are also a family where each member can find rest, support, listen to, and love. “We should not lose the sense and the need for mutual and empathetic accompaniment. The first service must be provided within the collaborators’ community, ” said Sanchez.
During evening prayer, work continued to strengthen family ties among the participants from an evangelical vision: Be light of the world. Fr. Sergio asked: How do we illuminate how other companions can fulfill CARDI’s mission? While everyone listened to the song “Turn on a Light,” everyone was encouraged to acknowledge and thank the others for contributing to the team.
The following day’s activities were directed by the Augustinian Recollect, Fr. Refugio Gonzalez. He continued with the theme of being attentive and understanding with colleagues. He invited all to be a family with increasingly close ties between everyone, starting by recognizing that we are members of the CARDI family, which has a rich history. “We have many things to be grateful for, especially those who have helped us be who we are today. We are part of an organization made up of human beings to serve other human beings. Each of us has our history, expertise, achievements, and knowledge. Sharing who we are, adds richness to what we offer in CARDI. Each one is building CARDI with their dedication”.
To close this encounter, everyone participated in the Palm Sunday procession. Fr. Refugio presided the Eucharist, and in his homily, he encouraged everyone to be a part of the mystical body of Christ to be what others need.
We must not avoid being Cyrenians or humbly be willing to ask other Cyrenians for help. Jesus also needed the help of Cyrene to carry the cross. “When we discover ourselves companions and accompanied,” said Refugio, “we will be able to provide better accompaniment to the beneficiaries of CARDI.
