300 educators, brothers and laypeople, celebrate 90 years of presence
As part of the celebrations of 90 years of Marist presence in Uruguay, Cruz del Sur Province, about 300 educators from the seven Marist works in the country, and representatives of the Province and the Institute, held Marist Pedagogical Days, from May 31 to June 1, to reflect together on the challenges of education today and the processes of educational innovation.
Br. Luis Carlos Gutirérrez, Vicar General, participated in the first conference held at the Universidad Católica of Uruguay. Teresa Puchades, from the Trilema Foundation, pedagogue and specialist in educational issues, was also present and spoke about education. The young people from the educational works also participated and contributed with their reflections and questions.
On the second day, held at Zorrilla College, Brother Luis Carlos spoke on “Prophetic and Servant Leadership”. Later, through experiential workshops, learning experiences and pedagogical documentation on the Marist journey in Uruguay were presented, with the aim of advancing in the challenges-horizons outlined. 20 learning experiences were presented, which are being developed in educational centers to accompany and educate more than 3,000 children and young people.
During the conference, the Management Teams and General Coordinators of the works were present; Br. Rául Schonfeld, Provincial of Cruz del Sur; Br. José Kuhm, Vice-Provincial; Br. Alberto Aparicio, Provincial Councilor; Br. Marcelo De Brito, Coordinator of the Mission Council and Provincial Councilor; Br. Juan Walder, from the Marist community of Uruguay.
The two pedagogical days, with the theme “Educate and love” served to renew the commitment of the Marists of the sector to the mission and vocation of being educators, students and families. And to keep alive the dream of Marcellin Champagnat: education to love and to evangelize.
Marist presence in Uruguay
The educational centers and residences in Uruguay are:
- Colegio Santa MarĂa (Montevideo)
- Colegio Juan Zorrilla de San MartĂn (Montevideo)
- CAIF Pequeña Semilla-Hogar Marista Km.16 – Community Education Center (Montevideo)
- Colegio San Luis (Durazno)
- Children’s Club “Tres violetas” – Community Education Center (Durazno)
- Colegio San Luis (Pando, Canelones)
- Retirement home (La Floresta, Canelones)
Three brothers live in the country and work with lay Marists: Juan Walder, José Kuhm and Alberto Aparicio.