Conclusion of the Formative Program of Marist Leadership
The Formation Program for the Global Leadership of the Marist Institute ended on October 14 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and was attended by Br Ernesto Sánchez, Superior General, who spoke about the importance of presence in the exercise of the Servant and Prophetic Leadership. Also present was the Vicar General, Br Luis Carlos Gutiérrez. During the day, Br. Afonso Murad, from the Brasil Centro-Norte Province, and Gustavo Balbinot, adviser of the area of spirituality of the Rede Marista (Brazil Sul-Amazônia), addressed the theme of spirituality in the exercise of Marist leadership.
Also present at the solemn closing act were Brothers Deivis Fischer, Provincial of Brasil Sul-Amazônia, Evilázio Teixeira and Manuir Mentges, who are respectively Rector and Vice-Rector of PUCRS. Also present were the teachers who participated in the training program and, virtually, several provincial brothers and some members of the International Marist Mission Commission.
The formative program was recognized with a continuous formation diploma for each of the participants. In addition, a copy of the La Valla table was delivered, as a symbol and reminder of Marist origins, and the fraternity as a sign of identity.
After the closing ceremony, everyone participated in the sending Eucharist and a fellowship dinner.
Formation Programme for Marist leaders
The program had two stages. The first was carried out online: eleven theoretical modules were developed over four months, which tried to systematize the topics covered in the book MARIST VOICES and other contents of interest. The second stage was face-to-face and tried to resume the content of the eleven modules from a more experiential perspective.
Participated in this course: 61 people from 19 countries in Europe (4), Africa (2) and America (13), belonging to thirteen Marist provinces. Of this group, 18 were brothers and 43 were lay people. It was developed in Spanish and Portuguese.
This formative program of MARIST LEADERSHIP was organized by the General Administration and the PontifĂcia Universidade CatĂłlica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS).
The General Council will continue to promote reflection and experiences that allow progress in the promotion of the Servant and Prophetic Leadership, according to the recommendation of the last General Chapter.
We deeply thank the Province of Brasil Sul-AmazĂ´nia, the PUCRS authorities, all the people and teams of the University and the General Administration, for their efforts and support in organizing this training program.