Marist Communicators Emphasise Communication as a Vocation in Final Conference Address
The inaugural International Marist Meeting for Communication and Marketing concluded today, 1st November, with Marist communicators demonstrating a profound sense of global solidarity and commitment to the Marist charism.
The day, which also marked the Solemnity of All Saints Day, began with a heartfelt Mass led by Father Gabriel. He encouraged participants to draw strength from Mary, Our Good Mother, and called upon blessings of courage, commitment, and resilience for all Marist communicators engaged in our vital mission. Father Gabriel’s prayers served as a reminder to the Marist community of our important responsibility to convey the Good News with honesty and authenticity.
Announcing Voices of Tomorrow for World Children’s Day 2024
During the final session, representatives from the Marist Foundation for International Solidarity (FMSI) highlighted an upcoming event, Voices of Tomorrow, which will take place on November 20, 2024, in honour of World Children’s Day. Celebrating 35 years since the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, the initiative, going forward, will focus on promoting children’s rights, safety, and well-being. Â
Strengthening Marist Communications for a Sustainable Future
A highlight of the conference was a presentation by Group One, which shared a comprehensive framework for Structures at the Service of Marist Communication and Marketing. This team developed a foundational communications strategy aimed at enhancing the global visibility of Marist projects and initiatives while enabling the organisation to function as a unified entity, all while respecting its local roots.
The proposed plan includes a invitation to establishing a cohesive communication structure, with roles such as a Director of Strategic Communications, Project Manager, Social Media Specialist, Content Producer, Graphic Designer, and Multimedia Animator, among others. These roles will collectively support internal and external communications, foster collaboration between the Brothers and other Marists, and elevate the Marist mission’s visibility globally.
This aspirational model of communication is built upon collaboration and a shared vision, positioning Marists as a global family while respecting the diversity of its members and their unique regional contexts. Subsequent discussions acknowledged the varying availability of resources in each province, allowing for further refinement of the framework.
The group developed a comprehensive 40-page handbook designed to guide Marist communications on a global scale. Representatives will get the opportunity to review this document, which will be refined based on additional feedback before being presented to the General Council in February 2025. The handbook outlines essential communication practices, from strategic messaging to leveraging media channels, and includes comprehensive guidelines for Marist communicators around the world
Family, Mission, and Support
In a special address, Br JoĂŁo Carlos Do Prado emphasised three pillars: journeying together as a family, serving young people as Marists of Champagnat, and supporting one another as communicators.
He noted that this meeting enabled us, as Marists, to continue collaborating across regions, fostering inter-provincial communication, addressing regional challenges, and creating a unified Marist message. Quoting Pope Francis, Br JoĂŁo reminded attendees that communication is a vocation, and we are meant to build bridges and not walls.
He further commented that while a new logo will embody the spirit of the global Marist family and the shared mission it represents, the primary focus remains on the life-giving mission and values that the Marists strive to share with the world. “This event is neither the beginning nor the end; it is just a part of a multi-phase journey toward global collaboration in communication,” said Br João.
This communication vision will continue to develop in upcoming virtual meetings, with a face-to-face assembly planned for 2027.
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Gayatri Nair, Communications Officer, Star of the Sea Province
