Experience of internationality
The Brothers Provincial of Arco Norte wanted to bring into greater focus the horizons emerging from the spirit of the 21st General Chapter, before the boldness of an unusual experience. In fact, from June 24 to July 4, the Province of Canada was suddenly rejuvenated with the presence of some twenty young Brothers arriving from five Provinces south of the 45th parallel: 9 Brothers from Norandina, 2 from Central America, 7 from Mexico and one from the United States. Representing the Province of Canada was a young man from the Marist Laity.
And so, Carlos, Robinson, Andrés, José, Héctor, Sixto, Jorge Rodrigo, Miguel, Hugo, Frantzley, César, Brian, Antonio, Luis Fernando, Jaime, Bernardino, Omar, Luis Manuel, were able to have an exceptional experience of brotherhood, despite most of them having never met before. How old was the youngest? 26! A good number of them are preparing for Perpetual Profession; others took final vows one or two years ago.
Their initial Project was Haiti. They lived this experience at “Camp Mariste” in Rawdon and “Operation New Life” in Desbiens, with the family spirit and love of work that Marcellin Champagnat longed for in the initial formation of his Brothers taking center stage. Their companions, Hugo, Félix, Charles, Marius, Bernard and all the young Brothers who participated, all praise the exceptional quality of welcoming and hospitality they received in these places, as well as in the Communities of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Château Richer and Valcartier.
It should be noted that this experience, throughout its ten days, was supported by sharing the lived experience, as well as spontaneous prayer; Eucharist celebrated in each of the four important places of pilgrimage in the Province of Quebec: St. Joseph Oratory, the Basilica of Our Lady of Cap, the Hermitage of San Antonio and the Basilica of St. Anne de Beaupré.
We conclude with some comments from the participants:
“I want to thank all the Brothers of the Province of Canada who made this magnificent visit possible; it is appreciated by all of us.”
“I learned much from each of you, Brothers and Lay Marists from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Rawdon, Desbiens, Chateau Richer and Valcartier.”
“If the scenery is marvelous in your beautiful Province, even more so were your style of living, your message and your example. It is an invitation to life, no matter our ages or circumstances. It is a message of life that you transmitted to us.”
“Praising God and admiring you for such a fraternal welcome!”
Warm thanks to the Brothers Provincial of Arco Norte for having “lent” us their young Brothers for ten days! This unprecedented opening is a prophetic sign and an unequivocal response to the fundamental call of the last General Chapter and a putting into audacious practice that heart without borders of our Founder and of the historic intuition on part of the Chapter of the international nature of our Institute.
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Bernard Beaudin, fms – Provincial
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