Francophone Session of the Permanent Formation Program for Elderly Brothers
Ephemeris of the first week
From September 3, eight of the eleven participants from France, Spain, Belgium, Greece, and Canada meet at the Hermitage, place of Marist spirituality, with brothers FĂ©lix RĂłldan and Jean Ronzon, responsible for the francophone session of the Permanent Formation Program for elderly Brothers.
Coming from different spheres of Marist life, the Brothers have responded to an invitation that had been made to them, more than two years ago – before the covid-19 confinements -, to live a time of renewal and interiority of the sources of Marist life.
Although there are 11 participants, they have started with only eight: five brothers from the Province of L’Hermitage, one brother from the Province of West Central Europe and two brothers from the District of Canada. They await the arrival of three brothers from the PACE Province, who have just received their visas to join the group, after the administrative procedures. Their arrival will lower the average age of those who arrived first.
The first few days were very quiet. After the “official” inauguration, on Sunday, September 4, they made some visits. And they had the opportunity to make a first contact in an informal context, before meeting each other in formal introductions, which allowed them to discover the itineraries of Marist life that echo Marcellin’s words: “All the dioceses – types of apostolate – enter into our plans”.
The first week ended with a first part of reflection on the theme Anthropological Perspective of the Elderly, by Sr. Thérèse Lamontagne, a reflection that will continue next week.
We want to take this opportunity to thank the Brothers of the Hermitage host community: we really feel “at home” in Marcellin’s house!