In January, the CANA fraternity leaders’ weekend in Latvia brought together fraternity leaders from different cities in Latvia. This meeting was a special opportunity to grow spiritually and as a community, giving participants the chance to deepen their relationship with God and with each other.
Jean and Raphaëlle from France also took part in this special event. They helped to organize the weekend and gave valuable teachings. Their presence and experience were a great support to all participants, strengthening the bond with CANA international.
Overall, the weekend proved to be very uplifting, both spiritually and morally. Couples came away strengthened and encouraged. It’s important to note that there are a total of 8 fraternities in Latvia, with 6 couples leading them for the first year as leaders. This meeting was an important moment for the continuation of CANA Latvia, and strengthened the leaders’ trust in God.
This weekend meeting took place in a Catholic retirement home, in a quiet location surrounded by nature. It took place at the end of the Week for Christian Unity, bringing together 10 couples and 4 servants who looked after the children so that the fraternity leaders could experience a time of formation. One of the CANA couples helped translate and lead the Lutheran service. This time, the meeting was not held in the usual community house, as most of the participants would have had to travel some 200 kilometers to get there. We decided to choose a venue closer to most of the participants.
Some reflections from the fraternity leaders after the weekend
“(I was encouraged) not to carry the burden of responsibility alone, but to give some of it to my husband, to encourage some women to find a nanny, and it was an immeasurable joy that the couple succeeded and that they could finally focus on each other and not on the child. The greatest joy was that we could see him”.
“As young fraternity leaders, it was important for us to hear and understand that we are called and therefore have the authority to act. We don’t need to copy anyone, but we can be ourselves. We have gained the security and confidence that by listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit, we cannot go wrong.
“A better understanding of the terms ‘power’ and ‘authority’ emerged. We realized that each of us is special and that each of us has been given our own way to approach and know the loving Father.”
Key findings and benefits for our managers
A sense of community and understanding
For Fraternity leaders, it was a privileged moment to meet other Fraternity leaders who play the same role, and to share their difficulties together, feeling understood. The experience helped to build mutual understanding, support and trust.
Easing the burden of responsibility
When leading fraternities, leaders are often faced with the tension of responsibility. This weekend was an opportunity to release this tension and enjoy a good time of sharing in a free, responsibility-free atmosphere.
International support and learning
It was very important to receive support and learning from a couple sent by CANA International, which helped participants feel part of a larger movement.
A new perspective on leadership
The training theme of authority encouraged fraternities to organize themselves more freely, while promoting a creative approach to fraternity leadership.During the sharing time at the end of the weekend, many participants said they were able to view the concept of “authority” in a more positive light, as many associate the term with the authoritarian political regime of the Soviet Union, where they grew up as children.