Brazil Centro-Norte will hold its Chapter and Provincial Assembly in December
The Marist Province of Brazil Centro-Norte (PMBCN) has defined the theme and motto for the Assembly and VIII Provincial Chapter, which will take place from 14 to 20 December 2024 in Brasilia. The events, which will be held consecutively, will have as their theme: “Hearts on fire, feet on the move” and as their motto: “Stay with us, Lord” (Lk 24:29). During the Chapter, Brother José de Assis Elias de Brito will begin his second term as provincial.
The chosen theme, “Hearts on fire, feet on the move”, reflects the province’s desire to intensify its commitment to the Marist mission, inspiring all members to follow firmly the example of St. Marcellin Champagnat. The motto, “Stay with us, Lord” (Lk 24:29), is taken from the episode of the encounter of the disciples of Emmaus with the risen Jesus: like the disciples of Emmaus, the Marists are called to walk with faith and ardour, recognising the presence of Christ in their lives and actions.
On the other hand, the illustrations for the Assembly and the Provincial Chapter, created by Brothers Danilo Ferreira and Luiz Carlos Lima, present a heart that beats in unison in Jesus, Mary and Champagnat. In the image, Jesus points out and leads the way, while following in step, and holding the hand of Mary and Champagnat. The three characters complement each other, underlining the communion and unity that exist in the essence of Marist spirituality.
The child represented is a reminder of all the people who are part of the journey, who build Marist history day after day: children, adolescents, young people, collaborators, lay people and brothers who, like clay in the hands of the Great Potter, allow themselves to be moulded, to take shape, features and colour through the Marist charism. The child represented in white also evokes the purity of children and young people, and the responsibility, as Marists and Christians, to care for them and form them through education and evangelisation.
Assembly and Chapter
The Assembly aims to bring together representatives of the PMBCN to debate and deliberate on strategic issues, with a view to renewing the path in communion and strengthening the mission. The Chapter will then swear in the Provincial Superior, Brother José de Assis Elias de Brito, elect the Brothers as councillors and define the calls and priorities for the next three years.