Having worked in parish ministry, I conclude that the deficiency in human formation, especially regarding relationship building, contributes significantly to the anaemic growth and development of parish life, as well as the virus of unresolved conflicts. In tandem with this deficit is the disproportionate investment in spiritual formation as against human formation. This lopsided investmentContinue reading “Synodality – Spirituality and Conversion”
Author Archives: donalddeanchambers
Different, yet Interconnected
As egg and sperm kiss and unite, DNA of difference, yet interconnectivity is born. Giving instructions and shaping, Difference and interconnectivity to life. Millions of different tiny cells Evolving and growing, Shaping distinct organs, personalities, and physicality. Yet, naturally interconnected to each. Helplessly taking shape Within protective womb walls, Different from the mother protector YetContinue reading “Different, yet Interconnected”
Synodal Flight
On October 10, 2021, the air traffic controller of the voice of God gave instructions to pilot Pope Francis for the synodal flight of the Church to take off on the mission. In turn, Pope Francis directed the flight crew of the synodal secretariat to prepare the passengers – the People of God. After givingContinue reading “Synodal Flight”
Synodality – Call for Caution
As I measure the pulse of the synodal journey throughout the Antilles Episcopal Conference’s geographic region, I sense grave anxiety and urgency to shift into implementation gear. Based on the parish and diocesan syntheses, pastoral leaders have listed common themes, and have invited parishioners and parishes to identify two or three priority areas for implementation.Continue reading “Synodality – Call for Caution”
Table – A Metaphor for Life
As the nation-states of the Caribbean wrestle with serious socio-economic challenges such as corruption, waste, nepotism, and violent crimes, I offer an insight for contemplation. Imagine an individual, a human family, a society, and a nation as a four-legged table. Each leg symbolizes one aspect of who they are – a physical, spiritual, social, andContinue reading “Table – A Metaphor for Life”
Personal, Communal and Human Growth
Day after day, I raptly gaze at my growing Noni tree. Starting from a tiny shoot, and now a full-blown tree, gifting, not just to itself, but to the garden community, and the environment. As roots traverse deeper and deeper into the soil, absorbing rich nutrients, invisibly transporting them up the trunks, quietly producing branches,Continue reading “Personal, Communal and Human Growth”
Synodality – Listening to Voice of Creation
The theme of the 5th Annual St. Francis Canticle Award Ceremony for children and schools, organized by the Franciscan Institute, was “Listen to the Voice of Creation.” What is meant by “Listen to the Voice of Creation?” Listening is used as a metaphor for awareness. The voice is a metaphor for communicating messages about situationsContinue reading “Synodality – Listening to Voice of Creation”
Synodal Preparation
Life is like a marathon race or a mountainous hike. It tests our spiritual, physical, emotional, and social competencies. There are overflowing and overwhelming surprises, creating disruption, dislocation, and disequilibrium, leaving us with bruises and scars – some visible, others invisible – and sometimes exiling us. We see and encounter the wounded soldiers of lifeContinue reading “Synodal Preparation”
Step to Humility
Mango, Mango, Mango all over the place. Summer is mango season in the Caribbean. Mango trees decorated with yellow mangoes, Mangoes splattered on the ground like carpet. Mangoes on roadside stalls, Mangoes on market stalls, Mangoes on country road, Mango smell perfuming the air, Rotten mangoes attracting flies. MANGO TREE Step One: Emmanuel – GodContinue reading “Step to Humility”
Building an authentic legacy
THE EDITOR: Sir, Recently, Ambassador Aloun Ndombet-Assamba had a Facebook post entitled “Some of PNP’s Legacy Projects and Achievements”. Honestly, it was an impressive and informative list of pre and post Independence achievements. More recently, Prime Minister Andrew Holness remarked about his own legacy. He is quoted as saying, “I have to start to think aboutContinue reading “Building an authentic legacy”
Beloved Reflections 