“For the Gospel to draw near to a culture, the one who proclaims the Gospel must know not only the language of the people, but also their values, ways of living, and their particular ways of knowing.”
~ Pope Francis
On March 8 – 11, 2017 eleven MSCs gathered in New York to continue their formation on the topic of Intercultural Competency for effective ministry and service. The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSCs) are an international missionary community demonstrating the love of God in 15 countries. The development of intercultural competency is one way of approaching another culture with deep respect and reverence, recognizing that every culture has unique values, behaviors, and perceptions that shape their identity.
The workshop was facilitated by Arturo Chávez, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Mexican American Catholic College in San Antonio, Texas. The workshop focused on the following areas: differences in cultural values and orientations; stereotypes and prejudices; perceptions of power; and the dynamics of intercultural communication. The workshop further addressed interculturality in the social context of racism and the Church’s call for systematic justice and transformation.
Through the presentations, guided reflections and group dialogue our goal was to improve our skills for pastoral ministry, service and leadership as Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.