2020-06-18 THAILAND

Building bridges in time of pandemic in the Marist District of Asia

Marist District of Asia (MDA) is a young district which started as the Marist Ad Gentes Program in Asia, 14 years ago. Over the time many young people joined our congregation.

  • We are 46 brothers: 19 MDA professed brothers (temporary vows) and 27 brothers from other Administrative Unites.
  • 10 Marist communities in 7 countries.
  • Formation houses in China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Philippines. There are some candidates: 3 aspirants, 11 postulants and 7 novices.
  • 19 Student brothers: 11 in the scholasticate in MAPAC, 8 in apostolic communities
  • One school in Bangladesh; hostels in Giasnogor, Talit and Pailin.
  • Projects in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh and India.
  • We also have an ongoing local laity program (MCFM), some people sharing common activities in the community, others living outside.

As you can see, our District is young and more and more becoming with an Asian face. It is very important for us to accompany our young people; therefore, we appointed a mentor brother and a coordinator of the young professed brothers of the District.

We organized young brothers’ gatherings within the countries or cluster countries, and once a year a general gathering. Beside that the mentor and the district leader have regular contact with them through visits or social media.

A meeting with the Brothers

On June 10, 2020 we had the opportunity to have a video chat with all the professed brothers in MDA with Br. Ernesto Sánchez, Superior General, and Brothers Josep Maria Soteras and Sylvain (link councilors for Region), Br. Ismael (mentor brother), and Br. Canísio, District Leader, who remains in the General House due restrictions of the pandemic.

It was a time to strengthen brotherhood, sharing life experiences in this time of pandemic, listening to our leaders, ask questions and pray together. It was a joyful moment of connecting hearts in new ways, brothers gathered in groups and all connected around a virtual table.

The young brothers appreciate the care of the Institute for them and are enthusiastic in being brother and serve those little ones in need.

Some of the young brothers are following university studies in order to get a degree; a qualification that will help them in their ministries.

With your support to our young people in MDA, and with Our Good Mother and Champagnat´s blessings we will continue building bridges in the Institute.

_____________________
Br. Canísio Willrich – Leader of MDA
General House, 11 June 2020

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