_{3rd Marist International Mission Assembly}

Dear Marists of Champagnat: 

Receive my greetings from Rome, wishing you well, living with courage and energy the Marist Mission in the Institute. 

Next April 2024, we wish to hold the Third International Marist Mission Assembly.  It is an important Assembly, with the presence of brothers and lay people from all the Administrative Units of the Institute, to share and reflect on the Marist Mission in our days and with the desire to have a vision for the future.

In the past years, we have held two International Mission Assemblies, prior to the 21^st and 22^nd General Chapters, whose reflection and input helped the Capitulants. The first was in 2007, in Mendes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the theme: “One heart, one mission”. The second was held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2014, with the theme: “New Marists in Mission”.  We hope that this Third Assembly, which will be held in El Escorial, Spain, with the theme “We are a Global Family”, will also offer reflections and suggestions for the next General Chapter.

I am grateful for the work that the Preparatory Commission for this Third Assembly has been doing, coordinated by the Secretariat for Education and Evangelization and with the support of the Secretariat for Solidarity.  Practical indications will be sent to you in relation to the Assembly and also suggestions for processes of reflection at the local and Provincial or District levels. Thanks to all the Provinces and Districts for their participation and for the processes that will be carried out, in order to continue walking together, as a global Marist family, in the life and mission of the Marist charism. Mary, our Good Mother and Marcellin, our Founder, continue to inspire and encourage us on our journey.

Fraternally, 
Br. Ernesto Sánchez Barba, Superior General