Institute changes expected within 5 years

During an encounter with Marists gathered in Rome from around the world, the provincial superior of Brasil Centro Sur said the Institute could see changes within just a few years.

“It’s possible that within five or 10 years, there will already be concrete changes in some of the regions,” said Brother Joaquim Sperandio. 

“But not in other regions that will need to first find solutions to other basic things,” he told the general house press office on July 13.

Br Joaquim noted “perhpas the formation of the brothers will change since we’re going to do things more internationally.”

According to the brother, who labelled the encounter at the general house as “highly positive,” this could mean that novices are moved to different countries during their period of formation.

His comments came on the third day of discussions of the ‘New Models of Animation, Governance and Management’ project, which includes 85 participants.

The July 10 – 14 encounter is a set of discussions on the project, which aims at reflecting on ways of involving the laity and of globalizing the Institute.

“This is a very difficult topic,” said José María Sanz, one of the organizers of the event. “We’re starting to understand that it’s better to walk together than to walk separately, to network in schools, in communities and socially.” 

“I’m very happy with how (the encounter) is going,” he added. “Everyone has to walk according to one’s own resources but we are on our way towards a future that we need to create.” 

The provincial of West Central Europe, Brother Brendan Geary, was also pleased and underscored “it’s better than what I expected.”

“There is clearly a good will to find solutions at local and institute level,” he affirmed. “The programme is more human, not overcharged with sessions and people are more present.”

After morning Mass today, participants gathered in different working groups to discuss the theme ‘co-creators of the future.’

Divided according to region, questions were raised on what regional structures they believe are possible to establish to better involve the laity.