Bonding of laypeople to the Marist charism in Brasil Sul-Amazônia Province

Fourteen Fraternities of the Champagnat Movement of the Marist Family (CMMF) of the province of Brasil Sul-Amazônia made their commitment to bond to the Marist charism in 2023. The fraternities that expressed their link to the charism, were Irmão Rovílio Moro, Santa Maria, Família de Maria, Santa Cruz, São Marcelino da Amazônia, Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Semeando Esperança, Mãe Peregrina, Irmão Firmino Biazus, Irmão Taciano, Assunção, Jovem Montagne and São Jacó.

For Edson Schirmer, coordinator of CMMF in the Province, the bonding represents the sense of charismatic family: “the bonding with the Marist charism that the Fraternities are making strengthens the sense of community, making us closer and more committed to the Marist mission in the Church. Like the first communities that were inspired and animated by the Holy Spirit, Marist lay life is strengthened as synodality and openness to protagonism and leadership formation in society,” he expressed.

In the province, lay Marists are invited to join when they identify with the CMMF formative itinerary. This act does not symbolize legal belonging, but rather a commitment to walk together, join forces, be a reference for a common project and feel part of a global charismatic family.

Choosing to be linked to the Marist charism is one of the ways of saying yes to my personal convictions regarding the religious principles in which I believe. Evangelizing, “making Jesus Christ known and loved” is a constant in my life, based on daily testimonies. I consider that the CMMF is a fertile space for evangelization,” stated Silvana Nazario, member of the Irmão Firmino Biazus Fraternity.