First week of the Program Spirituality of the Heart in Nairobi
The first week of the Spirituality of the Heart program for English-speaking participants ended last weekend in Nairobi, Kenya. The course began on June 26 and will end on July 20. This is the second edition organized by the ongoing formation team of the Institute, formed by Brothers Ataíde José de Lima, Michael Sexton and Xavier Barceló. The first edition took place in Brazil from January 31 to February 22. The 28 participants (24 from the five African provinces and 4 from the Asian Units) have started with energy and enthusiasm. The spirituality center of the Passionist Fathers in Nairobi offers the right conditions for all the activities, classes, meetings, workshops, Eucharist, nature experiences, prayers, meditation…
After the trips and welcomes, the first day was animated by Br. Michael Sexton and the coordinating team, and was a good opportunity for personal introductions, organizational aspects, group building, and getting to know the objectives of the program and its contents.
The following three days were animated by Br. Óscar Martín Vicario, General Councilor, with presentations, reflections, and practical activities on the “Spirituality of the Heart”. In addition to the contents, the afternoons of this week allowed some workshops and practices of interiority, which were very much appreciated. In this way, the frame of reference was set for what will continue to be the course in the coming weeks (until July 20), and to fit all the planned contents, very rich and suggestive.
Saturday afternoon and Sunday gave space for rest, conviviality, a time of shared and very lively celebration, as well as some visits to MIC, the formation house for the young brothers of Africa.
And the second week, already underway, is animated by Br. Michael Green, centered on the “Foundations of Marist Spirituality”.