Charismatic Families in dialogue

Within the year of Consecrated Life, the Association of Members of General Curias (AMCG) convoked an Encounter, in Rome for the 7 and 8 of November, of the charismatic families which have developed from the foundational charisma of Religious Congregations.  The invitation awakened great interest in many of these families.  The encounter brought together 155 participants (one third laity, men and women) of 70 Religious Congregations, representing 52 charismatic families, among these ours, Marists of Champagnat.  Gianluca Mauriello and Rosa Ciccarelli (mixed community of Giugliano), Pep Buetas (Secretariat of the Laity of the Institute) and Br. Pau Fornells (Secretary of the Superior General) represented our family.  

This has been the first time that a meeting of these characteristics is promoted by the General Curias, thus responding to the call of Pope Francis to religious congregations to contemplate the present moment of consecrated life also in relation to the laity, as a broad expression of the charisma that the Spirit has aroused in the Church.   

The encounter has allowed to satisfy the expectations of mutual knowledge, of a collective becoming aware before one of the signs of the strongest ecclesial moments, and to establish contacts and share experiences. 

For us, Marist Family of Champagnat the challenges are important, from our own identification of the concept and the significance of the expression charismatic family up to the implications of the new relationship between brothers and laity based on communion.  

To participate in these encounters helps us to continue on our own journey and to appreciate it with greater hope if possible.  We are on the road of the future without return, with the dream to continue offering to the world the gift that the Spirit aroused in Marcelin Champagnat. 

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Pep Buetas, Secretariat of the Laity