Marist Asia Strategic Plan

During the first quarter of 2018, the leaders of each Administrative Unit in Asian Region shared to the Brothers and Lay Marists the result of the Marist Asia Strategic Plan (2018-2027) which is in line with the new models of government and the membership of the different commissions, committee, and teams. One of the teams is the Community Living Animation Team (CLAT) with the task of animating and promoting vital Marist communities.

Last February 25–28, 2019, the Community Living Animation Team of the Asian region have met in Negombo, Sri Lanka.  Those present were Br. Mervyn Perera (Chairman), Br. Anselmo Kim, Br. Arnel Alfanta, Br. Devasiri Fernando, Br. Ernie Sentina, and Br. Jacobo Song. Br. Tony Leon (Secretariat of Brothers Today) and Br. Graham Neist (Australian) did an excellent job in helping and facilitating the meeting.

At the very first day, the group had reflected the Scripture passage about the Loaves and the fishes from the gospel of Mark during morning prayer, which set the mood of the day. Then, the sharing of the current realities of the region took place to give a clearer and broader sense of what is happening across the region. Since this was the first gathering, the team also discussed and clarified its role within the Asian Strategic Plan, its mandate and other implications as to how the team should proceed in fulfilling its task.

In this three-day gathering, significant experiences and valuable insights were shared by each one:

• The lesson of the ‘Loaves and Fishes' that all the resources we need to take up the Holy Spirit's gift of the community are within us, the brothers and lay Marists of the region.
• The Contemplative practice of taking a ‘Second Loving Look’ in the context of reviewing our community living.
• The experience of living a Fraternal Communion of brothers from across the various cultures in Asia.
• The concept of Person, Context and System – It is critical that our personal and systemic perspectives always stay connected to the reality of our context where the Holy Spirit is active in the now.
• ‘Light and Shadow’ – ‘Blessing and Pain’: The role of community animation focus on the whole rather than the parts. i.e. The nourishment of the wholeness of the community rather than the management of the individuals.

At the end of the meeting, everyone committed himself, as a team, in advancing the task of animating Marist community living in the Asian region.