2020-04-22 GENERAL HOUSE

COVID-19: We have to take care of each other

We invited the superior of the Marist Administrative Units to share with us what they are learning with such a situation.

Read here more about the COVID-19.

What are we learning from the COVID-19 crisis? (3)

MĂ©xico Occidental – Br. Miguel Ángel Santos

In the Provincial Council we have reflected on this point.

  • We reinforced the idea that we live in an interconnected world. We are part of a whole. We have to take care of each other.
  • We will not be able to live in the same way when this pandemic ends. In the world of work, economy, ecology and society we will have to seek the best for each other and for each institution.
  • This is a great opportunity to strengthen our social fabric and social solidarity.
  • To assume our personal and social responsibilities.
  • To feel like a family and a global society.
  • To strengthen community life
  • To promote interiority and self-training.

Compostela – Br. TomĂĄs Briongos, Provincial

We are living in a situation where there is little physical mobility, but a lot of emotional intensity and spiritual depth. If at times we have organized our lives very individually, looking out for our own interests, what we are living now brings us together with all the brothers of our local community, and with all the people in our immediate surrounds. Every day we grow in our understanding of how we depend on others, particularly in relation to health and in food, and that we belong to a supportive network. We learn that alone, we cannot save ourselves, and maybe that is why every evening we go out onto the balcony to applaud those who do so much for us. An epidemic that hits close to home can give rise to fear, worry and mistrust. In the face of these feelings, how do we react, how do we cope? We can shut ourselves in so that no one can touch or infect us, or do we open our eyes and pay attention to other brothers, to others who may need us? Do we offer a word of encouragement, a joke that makes them laugh, a deeper thought about what is happening to us, and that we want this to not paralyse us but strengthen our Marist commitment. This experience is like a loudspeaker amplifying all that we are. Learning from this experience requires attention and awareness so as to take note of how we are acting and thus to know ourselves a little better. May such learning help to stimulate a small transformation in us.


Norandina – Br. JuliĂĄn Olmo, provincial delegate Ecuador

There are many lessons to be learned from the current situation, including

  • An opportunity to develop our Marist spirit of solidarity.
  • The importance and necessity of digital platforms for education and communication.
  • The need to take more care of and value our health and to take care of each other.
  • To be more audacious and creative in the use of personal time and in community

Brazil Centro-Norte – Br. Ataide JosĂ© de Lima, Provincial

I believe that this moment shows how fragile humanity is in the face of a challenge for which we are not prepared. Never have we felt such a need to be as close to others as we do now, to our friends, even as we respect the norms of social-distancing. This is why I believe that we have the opportunity now to review values and attitudes, to recognize that solidarity, the presence of others, and working for the common good are of great importance and necessity for the happiness and life of everyone and the whole planet. Isolation is distressing and depressing for most of us and, however much technology brings us closer together, it is not the same as being able to be with the other and the reassurance and affection this brings.

If it is true that we are going to learn how to handle new technologies to have faster and more efficient communication, the greater truth is that we can learn how important others are in my life, how much co-existence, even if forced inside the house during this period of quarantine, brings us closer and makes us concerned for the well-being of one another.

This time of crisis also teaches us how much co-existence has to teach us whether it be in society, in school, in church communities and or in families; it is important in the raising of our children, adolescents and young people. The experience can teach us how important we are for each other and how much we become more human when we are together. All of this has a strong connection with our Marist values that are based on the Gospel.


Santa MarĂ­a de los Andes – Br. Saturnino Alonso, Provincial

Saint Marcellin is a model for us, and for our Church, of following Jesus in the style of Mary in all the moments of his life, especially in the many difficult and painful situations in which he lived. His example of life motivates us to live this time in depth by being beacons of hope. We will achieve this if we keep our lives in the essential, being creative in seeking God and building brotherhood.


Marists and COVID-19

COVID-19 is a global challenge which mainly affects the most vulnerable. The Marist Institute, a global charismatic family that works to accompany thousands of children and young people in their educational journey, is actively involved with educators and students at this very special time.

On this page you will find information about the situation in some Marist Administrative Units and also resources to face the crisis caused by the virus.

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