Formation of brothers and laity

The Province of Brasil Centro-Norte held a Marist Spirituality workshop from 28 April to 5 May 2012, in Ribeirão das Neves, Estado de Minas Gerais. The workshop brought together 27 lay persons and brothers who work in the Marist mission in colleges, social units, youth centres, central offices and the Champagnat Movement of the Marist Family. It continues the formation process initiated in 2011, with regional meetings of the lay men and women.

During the session, the participants were able to give further study to the central elements of Marist apostolic Spirituality: the real situation as the place for living and cultivating spirituality; the centrality of Jesus in our life; Mary as a model for following; the beginnings of the Marist mission in La Valla; the face of the Marist mission in the contemporary world; and the table as a symbol of communion, co-responsibility and sharing life. Balance was sought in working on all the themes: theoretic formation, living experience and relationship with the life and mission of those taking part, in a movement which helps to detach, encourages sharing and provokes new personal and group synthesis.

In the evaluation of the participants, the Marist Spirituality workshop achieved its objective of deepening the elements which constitute our Marist identity. It also contributed to strengthening the sense of mission and co-responsibility for pushing ahead, in the situation we find ourselves, the Charism received from Saint Marcellin Champagnat.

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Eder D’Artagnan