El Salvador, September 2010

Inter-community meetings have taken place over many years in our Province of « América Central »: in Guatemala, Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and, for two years now, in Cuba. Twice a year, the brothers from each country have the possibility of meeting and sharing on a Saturday morning some topical subject.Attendance has been almost total. Six communities are present and fraternal communication the order of the day. Normally, Brother Hipólito Pérez, our Provincial, presides over and animates the meeting. The agenda usually includes the same points: welcome and greetings, prayer, explanation of the topic of the day, time for personal reflection, group discussion, echos, Province news, the Eucharist and a meal.During this second inter-community meeting in Salvador, we worked on the topic « The new land of an authentic renewal of the heart ». Lay people were also present.The fruit of the reflection could be summarised in four calls: rediscover the marvel of being brother, give further impetus to vocations ministry, deepen the spirituality of Marist religious and laity, maintain and strengthen our presence among marginalised children and youth. As for the laity, they underlined the importance of the « witness of the brothers for evangelising », attention to the most needy and the human and academic aspects.This second meeting had the same objectives, the same theme and the same details in the five countries composing the Province of « América Central ». The reason is obvious: in less than a month, at the end of October, we hold the Provincial Assembly anticipating the Provincial Chapter, which will reflect on the message of the XXI General Chapter and will present proposals for setting to work without delay.WITH MARY, GO IN HASTE TO A NEW LAND! That is the great challenge presented to us as the only alternative. May we have the courage to carry it to its logical conclusion, without euphemisms. May our Good Mother keep us in her hands._____________Br. Agustín Güezmes