First of a kind encounter for leaders comes to an end

Marist Leaders of Europe are meeting at the general house in Rome from April 4 – 8 for the last of five gatherings in different locations, organised by the mission team of the European Marist Conference.

The provinces of Europe chose 20 lay Marists and brothers to take part in a series of gatherings that lasted for five weeks throughout the previous months to help them improve their leadership within the Institute.

“This is the first time a gathering of this kind takes place,” Brother Gabriel Villa-Real, one of the coordinators, told the general house press office on April 4. “After each week, we received very positive evaluations.”

Guest speakers included superior general Brother Emili Turú and the director of the secretariat of the laity, Brother Javier Espinosa, who spoke about the international reality of the Marist institute today as well as ecclesial and institutional relations.

On April 5, Brother Tony León spoke about Marist leadership, followed by the directors of ‘Marist International Solidarity Foundation’ and ‘Collaboration for Mission, International,’ Brothers Mario Meuti and Chris Wills, who spoke about the visions of the two secretariats.

The following day, Brothers Ernesto Sánchez and Antonio Ramalho discussed teamwork, delegation and decision-making. In the evening participants visited a congregation with Brother Miguel Ángel Espinosa Barrera of the secretariat of mission.

Participants will then hear talks on change management, entrepreneurship by Brothers João Carlos do Prado, Josep Maria Soteras and Libardo, as well as a talk on communications by the general house press office on April 7.

On the final day, Patrizia Coppola of the secretariat of mission, will speak about strategic planning and the participants evaluated the end of the encounter.

Participants include brothers Gabriel Villa-Real, Lisardo García Miranda, Máximo Blanco, Iñaki Ruiz del Portal, Mateos Levantinos, Pau Tristany, Samuel Gomez Ñíguez and Josep Roura Bahí.

And the fellowing lay people: Belén Salas García, Roberto González, Alfredo Veiga Fernández, Eurico Santos, María Gismero, Alberto Burguete, Jorge Isidro, Llorenç Claramnunt, Christophe Schietse, Bartolomé Gil Garre, Gianluca Mauriello, Edouard Jabre.