II Marist International Mission Assembly

The six provinces of Arco Norte are presently immersed in the local phase of “New Marists in Mission” in anticipation of the II MIMA to take place in Nairobi this September.  From Canada to the two provinces of Mexico, throughout Norandina and Central America, not to mention the United States, literally tens of thousands of youths and adults, lay Marists and Marist Brothers, have been engaged in reflection, discussion, and celebration of the three themes of Marist spirituality, new vocations with lay and brothers, and evangelization.  All of these local conversations have had the support of the dedicated coordinators in each of the provinces.  Each had something unique to share:

Br.  Jose Sanchez Bravo in Mexico Central decided to have each group meet four times for four hours each, focusing on Themes 1, 5, 6, and 10.  They’ve found the topics of Spirituality and Evangelization to be most important.

Br. Felix Roldan in Canada said that because of the declining number of active brothers, Canada created a six person committee of two brothers and four lay Marists, three of whom are between the ages of 20 and 30 to facilitate groups throughout the Province.  Marists, Brothers and lay together!

Br. Raul Fernando Lara Castro in Mexico Occidental has 40 groups serving well over 1,200 persons.  They’ve made plans to bring the program to parents and families as well!

Br. Alberto Rojas in Norandina:  Comprised of three separate countries:  Columbia, Venezuela, and Ecuador, creating over 40 groups in total! They are thrilled with the development of joint processes where Brothers and lay people have come together to share, reflect and pray.

Br.  Daniel Martin DePay reports that Central America has involved over 775 people in five groups, each with a secretary. They’ve used the posters of the Assembly Logo and the Assembly Prayer Cards to engage the participants.

Ms. Alice Miesnik in the United States, Member of the Preparatory Commission, reports that the eight United States schools will have a “Liftoff” as their culminating ceremony on May 1, sending off Flying Sky Lanterns with their hopes and dreams for Nairobi.

All six provinces have scheduled a summative province wide meeting in May at which they will reflect on these local experiences and articulate the message they would like to send with their two delegates to Nairobi in September!

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Alice Miesnik