Meeting of the team for the revision of the Marist Education Document

The team for the revision of the document “In the Footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat; A Vision for Marist Education today” met in L’Hermitage, France from the 3^rd to the 8^th of April 2022 to continue the discussions on the updates of the document which was started sometimes back in June 2021. The choice of l’Hermitage for this meeting was no coincidence as this brought memories of the beginnings of the foundation of the institute and inspiration for the work to be done.

Each working day was an opportunity for the team to explore the document, make suggestions, listen to each another, and finetune different areas that needed attention. The Secretariat for Education and Evangelization facilitated the sessions while by Br Joe Mckee was invited to accompany the group. He shared his thoughts generously and was very instrumental in guiding the deliberations of the group. Indeed, we have every reason to thank God for his presence during our sessions.

On Friday April 8^th, 2022, the team ended the working sessions with an evaluation of the work which had been done so far. Each participant was given the chance to express himself and like the other days, this was also a very rich experience. The session of the day officially closed at the bedroom of Fr. Champagnat where the team had a moment of recollection, prayer, and thanksgiving to God for all that we were able to achieve during these days. The sound of the Gier River from the open window of the room to the founder reminded the team of the freshness of the mission and a call to a renewed commitment to the ministry through the update of the document.

The work is not yet over as much still needs to be done. The sessions will therefore continue via zoom until the group get to a consensus. The team trusts that it is the work of God, and He will see them through till they have the final copy of this very precious document for the Marists of Champagnat.

The members of the team are the following: Adriana Kampff (Brasil Sul-Amazônia), Amaya Espuelas (Ibérica), Br. Ángel Diego García (General Administration), Bartolomé Gil Garre (Mediterránea), Br. Ben Consigli (General Council), Ceciliany Alves Feitosa (Brasil Centro-Sul), Br. Hank Hammer (United States), Joan Palma (East Asia), John Robinson (Australia), Br. Luis Carlos Gutierrez (General Council), Br. Michael De Wass (South Asia), Br. Nchang Cho (West Central Africa), Br. Salvador Hidalgo (Compostela), and Br. Valdícer Fachi (General Administration).