Lavalla200> in New York
All members of the new East Harlem community are now in New York after the last one – Brother Luis Fernando of Paraguay – arrived on Feb. 25.
The community, part of the Lavalla200> International Community for a New Beginning project, is made up of Br Luis, Brother Jim McKnight of the United States and Bruno Socher of Brazil, a lay Marist.
Argelia Hernández and Rodrigo Gris, a Mexican married couple who are members of Lavalla200>, arrived as temporary support to the East Harlem Community early January. They are supposed to transfer to the Mount Druitt Community in Australia when they receive their visa in May.
The East Harlem community is replacing the old Comunidad Juan Diego, which focused on helping mothers and immigrant families, mostly Spanish speaking.
Brother Ángel Medina, one of the brothers in charge of the formation of the members of the Lavalla200> project, affirmed that the East Harlem community will continue working with mothers and immigrant families, but the aim is for its members to work also with others outside of schools and parish groups.
The community is currently continuing this work, but it is also exploring new ways of helping other people in need.
Br Jim, who formed part of the old Comunidad Juan Diego, will attend the second formation programme for participants of Lavalla200> held in San Martino a Monte, Italy, from April 30 – July 3.
Br Jim, who was born in Queens, New York City, has been a Marist Brother for nearly 56 years. He lived in the Philippines for several years, served as a provincial councillor and taught in Marist schools in New York, New Jersey, Florida and Illinois.
Br Luis Fernando, aged 34 of Asuncion, Paraguay, underscored he is “passionate about movies and music, especially those that have a lesson to teach” and that “joy is something that accompanies me all the time, especially when sharing with others.”
Bruno, aged 28 of Curitiba, Brazil, studied history and cinema and is currently studying theology. He has been involved in youth ministry for 15 years.
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