Launching of the International Network of Marist Youth Ministry
On July 31, during the Marist Festival, on the eve of World Youth Day, the International Network of Marist Youth Ministry was launched in Lisbon. “With the International Network of MYM, we want to foster synergy and promote the interaction of all those involved, providing a broad vision of Marist life and mission through a common project. This is being part of a Global Charismatic Family“, said Brother Ernesto Sánchez, Superior General.
The network is the fruit of a process of several decades. Recently a commission, led by the Secretariat of Education and Evangelization, worked for this launch, the first stage of a process that will continue towards the implementation of guidelines and lines of action. The team that worked on the construction of this network was formed by representatives of various Administrative Units. The final team was formed by: Brother JosĂ© Sánchez Bravo (Brother Pepe, Director of the Secretariat or Education and Evangelization), Br. Daniel MartĂn (America Central), Diogo Luiz Santana (Brazil Centro-Sul), Br. Euclides Nangolo (Southern Africa), Fernando Ocana Rus (Mediterránea), Laura Alejandra Miño Perez Santa MarĂa de los Andes), Miguel Fernandes Ribeiro (Brazil Centro-Sul), Omar Iván ChacĂłn Meza (Mexico Central), Wilter C. Friales (East Asia).
The event held in Lisbon, broadcast live to the whole Institute, was held in the context of the International Gathering of Marist Youth, Into the Deep. The moments of animation and speeches were moderated by young people from the European MYM team and Brother Pepe opened the event: “that our Marist youth can continue to be connected, no matter where they are. This is our dream”. Representing the General Government of the Institute were Brothers Ernesto Sánchez, Superior General, Luis Carlos GutiĂ©rrez, Vicar General, and the General Councilors, Ben Consigli, Josep Maria Soteras and Ă“scar MartĂn.
Brother Ernesto began by introducing the Superiors General of the Marist Family who were present at the meeting. He then recalled his youth, when he participated in Guadalajara, Mexico, in the MYM, which helped him to connect better with God, with others, with himself and with solidarity. He concluded by hoping that this network will help everyone to connect with so many young people throughout the world in the inspiration that St. Marcellin Champagnat had from Mary. Brother Luis Carlos, for his part, recalled that the Network was born from the request of the General Chapter to build a Marist world in a global way. Finally, Brother Ben motivated the young people by saying “You are the future”. And he added: ‘We were told to look beyond, and you will help us to get there”.
Also present were Brothers Carlos Alberto Rojas and Mark Omede, who until the end of last year were the directors of the Secretariat of Education and Evangelization, and who were the protagonists in initiating the process. They recalled the objectives of the Network: to form leaders who transform the world, to build bridges and to innovate in pastoral care.
Miguel Fernandes Riberio and Diogo Luiz Santana Galline, from the Province of Brasil Centro-Sul, represented the commission and explained the process that took place to arrive at the international event to launch the Network.
This is the fifth pastoral network that the Institute has created in recent years. There were already the Network of Universities, Publishers, Solidarity and Schools.