First meeting : Madrid, 28-30 November 2012

With several days of intense work in the house of  Xaudaró, Madrid, the Commission on  Communion between Brothers and Laity has begun its operations : three days of work for two lay people and three brothers representing the 5 Provinces of Europe, with Br Javier Espinosa, of the Secretariat of the Laity, and Br Brendan G., President of the Council of Provincials of Europe. Even if Ana Sarrate was not able to take part in the meeting, she is part of the commission. Br Teodorino Aller and Pep Buetas were elected Commission co-ordinators. Br Paco Castellanos helped with translation and, with his fraternal welcome, facilitated the best conditions for the meeting.

This is how the commission defines its mission : to collaborate with the Provincials’ Conference in the accompaniment of the great challenges raised by the birth of a new epoch for the Marist  charism in the European region, in harmony with the  International Secretariat of the Laity and in communion with the processes being implemented in other regions of the Marist world.

We took note of the challenges to be faced in our region and specified our objectives. Among these, we underline : promote reflection on fundamental aspects of the brothers-laity communion in Europe, by looking together for a greater vitality of the charism. Share experiences, resources and examples of good practice concerning Marist mission and identity. Accept the proposals and questionings of the EMC, the continental commissions and the Secretariat of the Laity, in searching for and offering responses of vitality.

We see our commission not only as a work group, but as a community of life within which we wish to put in first place our witness of communion, all the while allowing the charism to reveal in us new ways of building the Kingdom in the manner of Mary.

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Jorge García Ochoa de Aspuru.