Celebrations in the General House

On 24 January, fifty five years ago, Brother Emili Turú was born. This date provided the opportunity for the members of the General Administration Community to share the joy of a family feast.

At the end of the morning, all the brothers gathered in the chapel on the first floor which contains the precious relics of Champagnat, the same relics which Brother Emili carried in procession from the chapter hall to the main chapel after being elected Superior General. The Brothers of the General Council, scattered in different parts of the world, were present in mind and heart. The Eucharist was celebrated around the same altar at which Champagnat so often said Mass.

A few words of appreciation and gratitude on the part of Brother Víctor Preciado echoed the sentiments of the whole Institute towards the Superior General. Brother Pietro Bettin, in the name of the General Administration community, also expressed the best ?auguri? for this day and for the rest of his life.

At the end of the Eucharist, at the thanksgiving after communion, Brother Emili gave thanks to God for having been ?privileged? with a family which educated him in the faith and with the gift of ?marvellous companions? in the Marist life.

In the council meeting room, a power-point presentation showed some significant moments in the life of Brother Emili. In earlier days he sported a fine head of hair where today shines a splendid dome. Nature has gradually displaced the hair towards a flourishing beard. They were times to remember that time in our lives does not pass for nothing. In the refectory, voices were raised in song to wish Brother Emili congratulations and many more happy years in the company of the Brothers and serving the Institute.