Formation courses on community animation

On 12 March, the Marist Brothers attending the ongoing formation courses on community animation at El Escorial, Spain, and Manziana, Italy, visited Geneva. Some 19 came from El Escorial and 12 from Manziana. They represented various nationalities: Angola, Australia, Belgium, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Cuba, Spain, France, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, México, Venezuela, Portugal, Italy, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ruanda and Zimbabwe. The objective of the visit was to gain knowledge of the FMSI office and its work at the United Nations, as well as visit the Marist community living in Meyrin.

Both groups came to Geneva from the Hermitage in France.  They arrived at Meyrin at the beginning of the morning and were welcomed by Robyn Young, a volunteer for FMSI, and Brs Vicente Falqueto and Manel Mendoza. After a cup of coffee, the programme started with a presentation made by Br Manel explaining the origin, history, mission, objectives and structure of FMSI. The Brothers took the opportunity to discuss the topics presented. This took place in the common room of the parish of St Julien, in Meyrin.

Afterwards, the group proceeded to the United Nations, where they had a guided visit in the areas open to the public. For this visit, they divided into two groups, English and Spanish speaking.

The visit over, the Brothers went to the FMSI offices, close to the Palace of the United Nations. This building belongs to the Franciscans and is the official headquarters of their NGO, “Franciscans International”. Together with these two organizations, it also houses the NGO, “Edmund Rice International”. To visit the offices, the group divided into three different language groups: Spanish, English and Portuguese.

Before returning to the Hermitage, the group also toured Geneva, particularly around Lake Leman and the ancient part of the city.