East Asia Province launched its Process of mid-term review and strategic planning
The Marist East Asia Province launched Mid-Term Review and Strategic Planning Processes from January 19-20, 2021 through video conference. The event was participated by around 270 people from Korea-Japan Sector, Philippine Sector and China Sector.
The virtual gathering had online sessions on the latest trends, contexts, and thrusts of the Church and the Marist Congregation. The first session had discussions and sharing on Church abuses and their manifestations. In the second session, Br. Ernesto SĂĄnchez, Superior General, was present and affirmed that a better world is still possible in spite of the reality of the COVID-19 that has wreaked havoc on the world and turned all his plans upside down. He challenged the participants to build homes of light that care for life and generate life. In the same session, Br. Jeff Crowe, in charge of the Program LaValla200>, described and shared the experiences of mixed communities where Brothers and Lay live in communion.
For the third session, Br. Alberto Parise, MCCJ, Br. Ăngel Diego Garcia Otaolo (director of the Secretariat of Solidaridity) and Ms. Cheryl Dugan emphasized how to care for our common home as we commemorate the 5th Anniversary of Laudato Si. They also presented the 7 Goals expected to move to concrete actions and spearhead the ecological conversion.
The virtual gathering culminated with the fourth session on Fratelli Tutti , the latest encyclical of Pope Francis, where Fr. Albert Alejo, SJ exhorted the participants to provide moral and political education to students.
At the end, Br. Dominador Santiago, Provincial of East Asia, shared his reflection on âto love and to serveâ. He spoke with an invitation for all to do oneâs part in order to have a fair share in the building of the Kingdom of God. He further encouraged active participation in the preparation of the Provincialâs Strategic Plan and stressed the thought that as we do our part, we do it all in the name of service and love.
Christopher James Ferrer