From the peripheries to the centre

During the first weeks of August, the General Council made a contact visit to the communities of the District of Asia and East Timor. It was a symbolic gesture: during the first joint visit as leaders of the Institute, the Superior General and his Council wanted to stress the vision that will mark the coming years of animation, “from the peripheries to the centre.”

Brothers Ernesto Sánchez y Sylvain Ramandimbiarisoa, superior general and general councillor, briefly describe the impression of their visit to Vietnam.

We, Brothers Sylvain Ramandimbiarisoa and Ernesto Sánchez, have visited the communities of Vietnam. Currently there are three communities. One, near the capital, Hanoi, in the north of the country. Another in Tan Chau, in the south of the country, near the border with Cambodia, formed by brothers and lay volunteers. And the formation community in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), also in the south, which looks after candidates and aspirants. In addition to the seven brothers from different countries (from the Ad Gentes project and, more recently, from Lavalla200), we currently have seven Vietnamese brothers with temporary vows. During our visit we experienced a great welcome and we found a very good family spirit.

We have been impressed by the process of searching and of self-giving for the mission, which has very particular features in this country. The sustained effort of the brothers to inspire and accompany Marist vocations is remarkable.
Regarding the population, we were impressed by the town’s simplicity, its welcome and respect, as well as the way it organises itself.

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Brothers Ernesto Sánchez y Sylvain Ramandimbiarisoa