2018-08-23 GENERAL HOUSE

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 Ben Consigli and Óscar Martín, general councillors, briefly described their impression of their visit to Thailand and East Timor.

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During the recent visit to Thailand and East Timor, we took the opportunity to reflect on one of the well-known Marist symbols, the three violets. Marcellin wanted all Marists to nurture a type of Christian discipleship underpinned by humility, simplicity and modesty. Our brothers in Bangkok and in Baucau, East Timor, witness these attitudes daily, whether at the Teacher Training College and Aspirancy house in Baucau or the District headquarters in Bangkok.

They approach young people and their brothers and sisters in the same way they approach God: with a profound respect that comes from their humility, a straightforwardness that comes from their simplicity, and the wish to allow those they work with and for to shine that comes from their modesty. 

This is our experience: Marist life and mission in Thailand and East Timor embodies the fourth call of the XXII General Chapter “to journey with children and young people living on the margins of life”. By going out to meet young people in their places of need, offering them guidance and love, our brothers participate in the work of spreading the Good News with an open heart.

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Brothers Ben Consigli and Óscar Martín

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