Formation Programme for Marist leaders

The global leadership training programme organised by the General Administration and the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul began its second week of work and activities last Monday. The programme which started online on 13 May is now in its in-person phase due to finish on 14 October.

The course content is closely related to what is contained in the book MARIST VOICES. This book has articles written by 22 brothers reflecting on various aspects of Marist leadership.

In-person phase in Porto Alegre

In the first week the 62 participants had the opportunity to share experiences from their own lives concerning the characteristics of Marist leadership: servant, prophetic and professional. In addition, they were able to learn more about methods for a more professional approach to growing as Marist leaders. They also had the opportunity to be exposed to some innovative and enterprising examples of ministry to learn from.

In the second and final week, the participants, coming from 19 countries of America, Europe and Africa, will meet with ministry leaders from our schools and social centres. It will provide a good opportunity to reflect on how principles can be applied in Marist ministry. There will also be time for dialogue on the influence of our charism on leadership in the Marist Institute. The 12^th October, feast of Our Lady of Aparecida, patroness of Brazil, will be a day to contemplate Mary, her way of being servant, her presence and her inspiration of all Marist leaders.

Besides the components of knowledge and exchange of practices, the course includes a celebratory dimension, times for relaxing together, and moments of spirituality prepared with great care by the University Pastoral group of the PUCRS and Br Teófilo Minga. Each day also has an initial moment for prayer and an introduction with focus questions for the day ahead.

The training programme will conclude on Friday 14 in the afternoon in the presence of Br Ernesto Sanchez, Superior General.

We would like to express our gratitude to many people from the General Administration and the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul for their efforts to ensure the high quality of this training programme. Our thanks as well to the professors for their input and for facilitating conversations among the leaders.

Likewise, we want to acknowledge the constructive and brotherly attitude of the leaders taking part. The chance to be exposed to our cultural diversity and to share experiences has been very enriching for all.

Participants

In the present leadership course, there are 61 participants from 19 countries in Europe (Italy, France, Spain and Portugal), America (Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil) and Africa (Angola and Mozambique). There are 17 Brothers and 44 lay men and women, from thirteen Marist Provinces spread across the world. The participants represent the many areas of Marist ministry and institutional services (universities, schools, social works, youth and/or school ministry, managers, administrators, HR personnel, accountants, auditors, province and sector councillors…).

Three Brothers from the General Administration and many people from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul were involved in organising the course.

See the links below for further information

• Launch of the programme (27 March)
• Start of the online phase (13 May)
• Information pamphlet (PDF) Español | Português
• Publication of “Marist Voices: Essays on Prophetic and Servant Leadership”
• Start of the in presential phase
• Photos on Facebook