2020 Lavalla200>

Eight generous Marists have just completed 10 weeks of online preparation and discernment to join the Lavalla200> program: María Liezel N. Igoy (East Asia), Rubén Galego Montero and Silvia Martínez García (Compostela), Mayra Ileana Gutiérrez Márquez, Mariana Elisa Morones Muñoz, Esmeralda Caudel Medrano and Denise Hernández Sánchez (México Occidental), and Br. Luis Sanz de Diego (Santa María de los Andes).   

Just the one Brother and one English-speaker this time.  Each day we had two translators from our competent Marists in Spain.

The training involved three 3-hour sessions each week plus multiple sessions on the Enneagram, weekly personal accompaniment and time together in virtual fraternities. We were very fortunate that our usual workshop presenters mastered the art of presenting online.  The overall experience was rated very positively by the candidates, some of whom had to balance their participation with work commitments. Nothing replaces rubbing shoulders on a daily basis when it comes to preparing for intercultural community life and mission, but a real sense of connection, trust and belonging developed even across the oceans that separated us. Maybe one day they can meet face to face … At the end of their time, they prepared a Pact that captures their experience and commitment (English | Español) .

Brothers Luis Carlos Gutiérrez, Vicar General, and Óscar Martín, General Councillior, interviewed the candidates and will now work with Br. Ernesto Sánchez, Superior General, to determine placements. Then we will have an online commissioning ceremony and party! Of course, travel and visas will be more of a challenge this year than normal.  The new ‘graduates’ will not be leaving their current employments for the time being.

Br. Ernesto also recently thanked those who are concluding their presence and service in these communities around this time, July-August (another group will end in December):

• In Moinesti, Romania: Francisco Decesaro and Nancy Alexandra Prochnow (Brazil Centro-Sul) and Br. Barsén García Alonso have completed three years. 
• In Atlantis (South Africa): María Bobillo (Compostela) and Br. Pietro Bettin (Mediterránea) have completed three years.
• In Holguín, Cuba, Br. Jong Acosta (East Asia), completed one and a half years.
• In Syracuse, Rosa Schiaffino (Mediterránea) has completed two years and is ready to continue in another community of Lavalla200>.
• In Mount Druitt, Australia, Argelia Hernández Mendoza and Rodrigo Gris Castro (México Occidental) have completed three and a half years.