Day 6 – International Forum: Discernment on possible structures of bonding
Wednesday, November 9, the sixth day of the 3rd stage of the International Forum on the Lay Marist Vocation, began with a prayer through a contemplative circle dance with the aim of building communion through the harmonious movement of individuals and the group, followed by a moment of silence.
The participants continued to reflect on possible juridical structures, both civil and canonical, for the Marist laity. In addition to the responses of the Administrative Units, Brothers Luis Carlos Gutiérrez and José María Soteras presented some important information about various structures and the differences of each. Afterwards the participants had an opportunity to talk among their tables, to share with one another their reactions while keeping in mind the following questions: In what way could these structures contribute? What could they look like? And what would be the challenges?
Jesús Elizari, Provincial of the Piarists of the Province of Emmaus (Spain) shared his experience about the same question in terms of “Participation” of the laity. He spoke about the laity in the Piarist charismatic family and about the model of participation in the “pious schools”. They recognize themselves as religious, lay men and women, who work together in the service of the mission, mindful that the charism is not the property of the religious order but of the Church.
After the presentation and reflecting on the 3 questions of the morning, the participants were led through a contemplative exercise to look at the responses, place around the floor, from the group and begin to identity common themes and ideas.
During the afternoon, Brothers Oscar Martin (General Councilor), Juan Carlos Bolaños, Province of Central America), John Bwanali, (Province of Southern Africa,) and Bao Nguyen (Marist District of Asia), shared their reactions and thoughts of this time of being together, in this, the third stage of the International Forum.
Br. Oscar began with a moment of silence “let us listen to our heart, what is it that concerns us?”: “How gratifying it is to see the participants seduced by the experience of God. He invited all the participants to have a more inclusive heart.
Br. John, expressed that in his heart he feels generosity and gratitude for being a participant of this meeting. The expereince of community and fraternity has given him a new perspective. He commented, “I have let the spirit speak to me”.
For Br. Bao, his experience has been full of surprises and he feels grateful to belong to such a great family.
Br. Juan Carlos Bolaños expressed his gratitude for turning this forum into a space of fraternity where we learn from the diversity that enriches us. “We are called to take a more prophetic step that impels us to return with a renewed spirit”.
The day concluded with a prayer of thanksgiving.