European Commission of Communion between Brothers and Laity
The European Commission of Communion between Brothers and Laity held its annual meeting in Roxos, Santiago de Compostela, from 1 to 3 October. It is presently composed of Joseba Louzao (Ibérica), Br Albert André (West Central Europe), Br Teo Aller (Compostela), Marta Portas (L’Hermitage) and Br Ventura Pérez (Mediterránea), together with Pep Buetas and Br Javier Espinosa of the Secretariat of the Laity.
The meeting was concerned with taking the pulse of each of the provinces with regard to lay processes and experiences of communion.
We perceive a greater clarity and understanding of the importance on the part of the different provinces, while recognizing that their rhythms are very distinct. An insistent call to allow life to be born and to grow together with the need to go on finding forms to give consistency to the lay vocation processes. A greater involvement of the brothers in experiences of communion (retreats, joint formation, life groups…), which reveal a treasure and new vitality for the charism. A necessary reflection on the implications of the new paradigm which the same life is helping to emerge: a new way of being lay, a new way of being brother, shared processes, etc. The need is evident for more communication and interaction between the various commissions or teams of the European Marist Commission (CEM).
The experience is that the commission is passing from being a place in which to share the achievements of each province to being a place of reflection where the processes of one or the other challenge us more deeply and where we can be enriched, feeling closer to the life which we experience in each place. One of the proposals of the updated action plan of the commission which demonstrate this involvement is to invite ourselves to take part in the proposals animated by the different provinces.
The connection and accompaniment with the Secretariat of the Laity helps us stay in harmony with the projects and processes animated at the level of the Institute, keeping us in an attitude of active listening to what the Spirit is promoting among us, Marists, lay people and brothers.
Finally, I underline that the European Commission itself is a space where we can live on the basis of communion, having an experience of what we wish to animate and promote. The incorporation of Joseba and Marta in the team is an excellent gift, equal to that of Jorge García (Ibérica), whom we thank for his dedication and contribution during his time on the commission.
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Pep Buetas – Co-director of the Secretariat of the Laity