INTERPROVINCIAL MEETING ON VOCATION MINISTRY

A workshop on Vocation Ministry for the Asian region took place in Sri Lanka during the month of August 2004. The brothers responsible for Vocation Ministry in the Province of Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the Province of China, the Province of the Philippines, the District of Korea and the Sector of India took part in this workshop. The workshop was facilitated by Brothers Théoneste Kalisa and Ernesto Sánchez from the Vocation Ministry Commission of the General Council. The group of thirteen brothers worked intensely for a week, enjoying times for sharing, prayer and relaxation. The first days looked at Vocation Ministry in the present day context of young people, of society and of Marist life in Asia. In the majority of countries in Asia, the presence of Catholicism is a minority presence, with the exception of the Philippines. This in itself presents a challenge to the Christian way of life as well as to Marist life.

The reflection continued throughout the week, searching for possible lines of action suggested by the studied reality and the calls of the 20th General Chapter. The brothers tried to come up with concrete ideas that were in accord with the plans of each Administrative Unit. Ideas and plans for the Marist Vocation Year were also shared and time was given to two important themes: the accompaniment and the discernment of vocations. A special occasion was the celebration of the Eucharist and the sharing of a festive meal with the brothers of Sri Lanka who proved to be great hosts. Their family spirit was readily evident and keenly shared.