Lavalla200> 2018
The formation course for candidates for the Lavalla200> programme began at the general house on May 6 with the formation offered by Brothers Angel Medina and Jeff Crowe, responsible for leading the group, regarding the programme’s proposal.
This module urged participants to reflect on the call to participate in international communities. Some questions guided the moment: am I the right person for the experience? What are my strengths and weaknesses? Am I prepared? It can be said that this was the awakening for discernment.
Next, general councillor Brother Óscar Martín presented the programme’s vision:
be a significant and evangelising presence among children; have global availability; value interculturality; lead a life of evangelical witness; emphasize Marist spirituality, taking into account the mystical and apostolic dimensions.
“The dream of the (programme) Lavalla200 is formed by joining the dreams that each participant brings with him,” affirmed Br Óscar.
In another module, Brother Chris Wills, director of the “Collaboration for Mission, International” (Cmi) secretariat, presented the characteristics of the existing international communities: Romania, Italy (Siracusa), Brazil (Tabatinga), Australia (Mount Druitt), United States (East Harlem, New York), South Africa (Cape Town) and the District of Asia.
From that moment, the participants were able to be captivated by these places, placing them in prayer for their future discernment.
During the week, participants were invited to present aspects of their personal life, the culture of their country of origin and their relationship with the Marist Institute.
Afterwards, they had the opportunity to be in front of the statue of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, in the Vatican. It was sculpted by the artist Jorge Jiménez Deredia, as a gift from the Costa Rican people to the Holy See and was blessed by Pope John Paul II on Sept. 20, 2000.
The sculpture reflects the strength and determination of St Marcellin, who carries on his shoulders the weight of childhood with tenderness and delicacy.
Finally, the members of the Lavalla200> were organised in fraternities. They will spend the next weeks living together as a global charismatic family and giving continuity to the formation with the support of specialists. This stage will take place in San Martín a Monte, located in the region of Tuscany (Italy).