A utopian community for the third age

The veteran Spanish group of 25 who carried out the so-called ?third age course, in Manziana, have happily brought their activities to an end. They were all awarded a diploma in recognition of their participation. Besides the Spanish-speakers, 6 Brazilian Brothers and a Marianist, father who offered his services as chaplain, took part. In the letter sent by Brother Inocencio Martínez, Director of the course, to the Brother Provincials, Marist and Marianist, he points out that the Brothers are returning to their provinces and communities in party mood, with the joy of returning to home after a long absence and with a bouquet of Marist flowers to share. He also assesses the experience, saying that it has been very positive, unique, very much our own, unforgettable and having an average age of 71.5 years, which has made it possible to focus with a certain maturity and very special wisdom throughout the whole encounter.

The Brothers were able to visit the Marist places at a time of the year when the temperature was still pleasant. That is why Brother Inocencio highlights as the most significant times of their days lived together the view of the Hermitage, the precious pearl uncovered and affectionately cleaned, kept and looked after. We saw Champagnat?s reliquary, his oratory, the house, the rock, the Gier and the cemetery.

In this atmosphere of pilgrimage they were accompanied by the Good Mother, the presence of God, Brother Francis, La Valla, Rosey, the Memorare? These places have created a regenerative submersion in the faith, strength and passion of Marcellin. A committed and defiant blow for the Today you will be Champagnat. ?On approaching these places, some for the first time, they have discovered the sources of the Water from the Rock in which they will quench their thirst for God and their promise of fidelity in the future.

Brother Inocencio concludes his letter by thanking the superiors for this opportunity for ongoing formation to discover the utopian community proposed by the project of the 3rd Age.