Community Leaders Meeting in Sri Lanka

The community leaders in Sri Lanka sector, Province of South Asia, met at the beginning of April, at the Provincial house, to discuss how they can give more vitality and animation to the members in tour respective communities, with Nick leading us in a prayerful session. It was a small group composed by five brothers: Nick, Lal, Chamara, Sales and Noel.

The opinions and discussions of the meetings were based on the analysis of two reflections: “The community is for brothers an experience more than a place.” (Homes of Light – Br. Ernesto, Superior General). And “The tragic betrayal of consecrated life that occurs when we give our heart away generously at the time of first profession and then take it back bit by bit, with each passing year” (Make Jesus Known and Lovzed – Br. Sean Sammon-Former Superior General). Likewise, it was considered some reflections mostly based on the Constitutions articles 37, 97, 143, 144, and 145.

During the meeting the brothers dwelt on some sentences and clauses in the constitutions on community prayers. In addition, they also spent some time to reflect on what they can do to maintain and promote quality Marist Community living in their respective communities and as a whole in the province.

These were their 25 reflections shared:

• Keep the brothers comfortable, give them sufficient food according to each one’s needs.
• Listen to them.
• Organize good housekeeping, neatness and cleanliness in and out of the house in an aesthetic sense, if possible, get the support and help of our friends.
• Spending some quality time with brothers.
• Prayerful atmosphere, which is conducive to reflection in our houses attract our visitors.
• Sharing life with brothers once a week is a good practice.
• Regular community meetings once a month is suggested.
• Share the responsibility of household chores with brothers.
• Remain open to brothers and others visiting our houses.
• Enjoy community activities.
• Grow in community prayer and prayerful reflection.
• Accept each other with respect and dignity. as a valuable human being.
• Sharing with and caring for others
• Travel an extra mile with those in need of our support.
• Not to criticize others behind their back with one another or worse still with outsiders.
• Always safeguard the good name of members even in their weaknesses.
• Invite others for prayers even if they don’t respond positively.
• Appreciate each and everybody on their success, however small they are,
• Talk to people directly about their weaknesses in order to help them out. That way they would not get offended.
• Celebrate brothers’ special occasions and days important for them.
• Pray for brothers in private or in common prayers.
• Welcome brothers’ family members and friends on cordial way.
• Inquire about brothers’ health and well-being, particularly in their distress.
• Show interest in their work and apostolate, share yours with them.
• Show that you have confidence and trust in brothers.