Chapter of the Marist District of Asia
On August 16-19, 2022, the Marist District of Asia had its 4th chapter in the Pastoral Center, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The motto of the chapter was “Marist Faces of Hope”. 45 Brothers and Lay People participated on the meeting. Brothers Ernesto Sánchez, Superior General, Josep Maria Soteras and Sylvain, General Councillors, were also present. During the Chapter, Br.Canisio Willrich begun his second mandate as leader of the District.
Br. Sylvain noticed that “The participant of this chapter is almost the double of those in the last one. Half of them are young Brothers. This is a sign of hope”.
The main topics reflected were about Community life, Vocations, Formation, Young Brothers, Laity, Mission, Spirituality and Sustainability.
The facilitators of the chapter, Brothers Josep Maria and Sylvain, followed a dynamic method that help the participants to reflect and discuss the life and mission of the District. It was a smooth flow of the chapter, reaching to significant decisions and/or recommendations. Brother Josep Maria explained it: “it seemed appropriate to use the dynamics of synodality that Pope Francis is promoting in the Church. This orientation links perfectly with the fraternal dialogue that has been developing in the Institute in this second decade of the 21st century, especially in chapters and provincial assemblies. On the other hand, it connects us with the greater community of the Church and the path it is called to take in order to respond to the challenges it faces.”
During the Chapter, Agnes Reyes, Assistant Director of the Secretariat of Laity, shared about the vocation of Lay Marist and met the group of lay people and those coordinating the laity in MDA.
A new council, that will help Br. Canisio, was elected. It is formed by Brothers Jiji Dhasan, Paco GarcĂa, Juan Castro, Cong Nguyen, George Valle.
“With the collaboration of everyone, and coordination of the new council we hope to move forward with renewed enthusiasm and vitality, being attentive to the realities of each country and community”, said Brother Canisio. “We are grateful to God, our Good Mother and St.Marcellin for the blessings received in the past 3 years and look forward in being Marist Faces of Hope!”
Meeting with young Brothers and retreat
Before the chapter, August 10, there was a gathering of the young Brothers and a retreat facilitated by Brothers Josep Maria and Sylvain.
“Three years ago, at the last District Chapter, Brother Luis Carlos, Vicar General, and the Councilors met in a small room with the first local young Brothers,” recalls Brother Josep Maria. He continues: “This year, we had to meet in the big room: 19 young Brothers shared the experiences of their first years of Marist life. They represent almost half of the Brothers of the District. With commitment, dedication and generosity, Marist life is beginning to take root in this part of Asia”.
After the meeting with the young Brothers, from 11 to 13 August, the Marists from the District met for the Retreat. The participants reflected and prayed some points of the Rule of Life and the Bible text about the Bethany community. They had also the opportunity to share the life and mission of each community, as well the reports of the commissions. It helped the participants to pray with the reality and life of the District.