Gier Program concludes first part
The Gier Program, an ongoing formation program promoted by the Secretariat of Brothers Today, finished its first part on the 15th of June at the General House. On the 16th, the group traveled by bus to the Hermitage where the brothers will get to know and experience the birthplace of St. Marcellin and of the Institute.
In total, 22 brothers who made final vows in the last five years are participating in the program. They come from 15 countries and 13 administrative units. Br. Tony Leon, Br. Jose Miguel Caballero, Br. Angel Medina and Br. Lindley Sionosa comprise the team.
The 15 days spent in Rome gave the brothers an opportunity to meet with and listen to the members of the General Council and get to know the functioning and service of the general administration in the animation of the life and mission of the Institute. They also visited certain tourist sites and pilgrimage places in the Eternal City, including Assisi. They were able to participate in the Pope’s Audience on June 8 and visit the statue of St. Marcellin in the Vatican. That same day they also visited the Catacombs of Domitilla that allowed direct contact with the origins of the Church and the first Christians.
Above all, they built community in sharing life, praying together, and accompanying one another as brothers.
The group acknowledges the services of Br. Jose Grande from the District of Asia, who served as translator for the first half of the program. Gratitude also goes to the General Council led by Br. Ernesto, the brothers of General House Community, as well as the different secretariats and departments.
The Gier Program will run up to the 30th of June.