Concrete Paths of Action
On October 7 we had our first meeting, at the novitiate in Sevilla. Present were one delegate from each Province, Br. César Rojas from Brothers Today, and the Master of Novices, Ernesto Tendero.
We began by sharing our reflections on Pope Francis' talk to the seminarians and novices of the world, that he gave on July 6, 2013. Once again he stressed themes such as: the importance of fidelity in a world that lives for the moment; joy, as a sign of a healthy and centered heart; seeing meaning in life; a fruitful ministry, that breaks with the image of old bachelors; doing away with a fear of praying and going out to evangelize; the importance of community life and friendship; avoiding criticism that is so damaging to ourselves; and finally, the four pillars in the formation of candidates: spiritual life, intellectual formation, apostolate, and community.
An entire program for us!
We also commented on our participation and involvement in different meetings/groups with a vocational character, at the ecclesial and Institute levels: CHANGE, JMJ, the gathering of young European Brothers at the Hermitage, supporting a congregation in its PV plan…
Later we discussed some actions for this year:
Advancing the proposal of a Marist "Erasmus" for youths who have to move because of studies and would wish to share community life in different locations that we would propose.
A follow-up of the Marist exposition that was held in 2011 because of the JMJ. This course would be in Ibérica.
Our participation in the vocational web site buscoalgomas.com ("I'm looking for something more.").
Plans for the next Vocational Easter in Alcalá de Henares.
Participation in the formation course of PV de La Salle in Rome and in the National Days of Youth Vocation Ministry of CONFER, in Madrid.
Advancing of a vocational encounter of Marist youth of Europe, promoted by us, in Taizé, August 10-18, 2014.
Elaboration of level three of accompaniment on "vocational discernment", with an interprovincial character, related to the courses promoted since CME: the first at the provincial level, the second interprovincial and the third, our responsibility, in depth, also at the interprovincial level.
In the afternoon we shared various vocational initiatives promoted for this year in the different Provinces. They are available for viewing on the Provincial web sites and the available materials can be downloaded.
Finally we discussed the fact that different Provinces are accompanying a number of young people who have expressed interest in Marist life. Some are already involved in a community experience or have taken steps toward making their postulancy. There are a total of nine young men in Europe who are being personally accompanied, and one who will soon enter the Novitiate.
These meetings are providing occasions for reflecting together, organizing ourselves, sharing ideas and materials, and making concrete proposals in an atmosphere of accompaniment and of Marist vocation ministry. Happy with who we are, we endorse them enthusiastically.
Br. Ernesto Tendero, coordinator of EVE