Leaders of the New Models of Animation, Government and Management project gather
The organisers of the New Models of Animation, Government and Management, a project aimed at designing the Institute’s future operating model, met at the general house in Rome from Oct. 19 – 21 to continue implementing its roadmap and review the progress made so far within the Institute’s regions.
“The aim of our meeting is to finalise our operational work plan for the incoming future, until the Chapter, and to structure a co-design of new structures and processes together with each region,” said Brother João Carlos do Prado Director of the Institute’s Mission Secretariat, who is heading the project alongside Brother Miguel Angel Espinosa Barrera.
“The key purposes of the project is to help the Institute work as a global body and to strengthen the vitality of the Marist mission,” he told the general house press office on Oct. 20.
“The idea is to help all of us realise that we (Marists) form part of a wider body and that where and when needed, we can support one another,” said Luca Olivari, who was appointed as advisor to the Institute’s general government in July.
The New Models project team analysed the progress each region, who have benefited of both remote and local support of project team member, has made until now. The Institute’s regions are Asia, Oceania, Africa, Europa, Arco Norte and Brasil-Cono Sur.
Early results of this project include a greater coordination within the different bodies of the general government, the joining of the regions of Brasil and Cono Sur, the strengthening of Africa’s regional structures and the creation of a network of Marist schools in both Europe and in Oceania.
The team is hoping for Asia’s contribution when the region holds its Mission Assembly in Sri Lanka this December.
“In general, we are already experiencing a change in moving towards a global mind-set, increasing interculturality and further involving the laity at all levels,” affirmed Luca.
The project’s last major encounter was from July 10 – 15 in the general house in Rome, with 85 participants including the general council, provincials, district superiors, laity and other Marist representatives from around the world.
In his opening speech, Superior General Brother Emili Turú appealed to them for a “change of heart and mentality.”
He echoed the words of Pope Francis noting that “things cannot continue as they are” and that the Church needs “a pastoral and missionary conversion.”