Formation meeting in the Province of Brasil Centro-Sul launches book on Marist spirituality
On the occasion of the second edition of this year’s Marist Historical and Spiritual Patrimony Workshop (PHEM), held on 8 and 9 November, the book “Experiência de travessia: marcos da espiritualidade de Marcelino Champagnat e dos primeiros Irmãos Maristas”, by Br. Michael Green (Australia), was launched in Portuguese. The original work is in English: Historical sources of Marist spirituality. The Portuguese edition was prepared by the Marist Memorial in collaboration with the PUCPress of the Province of Brasil Centro-Sul.
In the work, the author re-reads Champagnat’s life as a journey of spiritual maturation. Br Michael takes up the six characteristics of Marist spirituality described in the document Water from the Rock. The content was previously published in a collection of articles in the Australian newsletter Christ Life and the Champagnat Education Review.
“My hope and prayer is that reading it may help people to draw from the depths of the wells of our history, and to explore, what it means for them to be members of the Marist spiritual family now. Being Mary Now”, said Br Michael Green in his address at the book launch. (See his presentation: https://youtu.be/uwQptASE-Qg)
The two versions of the book are available for download here:
Português: PDF | Ebook Kindle
English: Historical sources of Marist spirituality
Workshop on Marist Historical and Spiritual Patrimony (PHEM)
The PHEM is an area of formation that deals with topics related to Marist Historical and Spiritual Patrimony, which has been running for more than 15 years. It is an initiative that is part of the programme of short courses offered by the Marist Memorial and Farol 1817, of the Province of Brasil Centro-Sul. The workshops – with innovative approaches or thematic breaks – were created with the aim of broadening the understanding of the development of the Marist charism, mission and culture in history, in order to inspire current practices. The meetings are led by expert panellists, readings and group reflections.
In 2020, the theme of the PHEM Workshop was the history of the Superiors General. In 2021, the first meeting, held in May, addressed the theme of Champagnat’s succession and launched the Marist Studies collection. This year’s second edition, mentioned above, addressed the possible paths towards the spirituality of the heart. While the second day of the meeting was marked by the launch of Br Michael Green’s book, the first day featured a presentation by the General Councillor, Br Oscar Martin.
The opening and welcome was given by the Provincial, Br Benê Oliveira. Br. Óscar spoke about the recovery of the dimension of interiority as a new way of living, starting from an experience centred on the person of Jesus Christ, who makes us inclusive and merciful. Br. Óscar presented an itinerary based on five references to cultivate the spirituality of the heart:
- Experience precedes theory and the encounter with God is experiential;
- It is necessary to rescue the dimension of interiority and of silence as tools in the process of self-knowledge and relationship with God;
- It is lived in a personal encounter with God;
- The experience with God produces unification: life and prayer are the same thing.
- It is compassionate and merciful.
All the videos of the PHEM Workshop can be viewed on the Marist Memorial YouTube channel