Marist Education in the 21st Century – XXI Message of the Marist International Mission Commission
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Message XXI of the Marist International Mission Commission is the last in a cycle that began during the pandemic, in December 2020. The messages will soon be collected in a book that will be available to the entire Institute.
The message presented here, prepared by Br. Luis Carlos GutiĂ©rrez Blanco, Vicar General, written in collaboration with Brother Ben Consigli (General Councillor), on behalf of the Marist International Mission Commission, is entitled “Embracing the Marist Way: Global Statements about Marist Education in the 21st Century”. The text highlights the identity of Marists as educators and evangelizers of this era, defenders of the values of compassion and faith in a world in constant change. The message says: “We don’t simply teach; we evangelize through education and educate through evangelization. It’s a beautiful cycle where each act of learning becomes an opportunity for spiritual growth. We believe that education is the key to powering meaningful and purposeful lives.”
Referring to the need to prepare children and young people “for the challenges of the modern world”, Br. Luiz Carlos speaks about education that goes beyond the classroom, where the Marists encourage “a culture of non-violence and communication which is mutually respectful”. Similarly, the text highlights the role of Marists as educators deeply committed to ecological awareness and the sustainability of the planet, respecting the rights and diversity of all, “understanding that our children, adolescents, and young people are at the center and are the protagonists of our mission to make Jesus Christ known and loved”. El mensaje igualmente subraya el rolo de la solidaridad como parte del ADN marista: “We don’t just teach it; we live it. We deepen the service-learning approach, ensuring our students understand the power of giving back.” Asimismo, el mensaje hace hincapiĂ© en una “Interconnected and networked education”, y enfatiza que “education is a driving force behind change”.
Al final de su mensaje, el H. Luis Carlos hace una llamada a la acción e invita a todos los educadores maristas a comprometerse inquebrantable con la educación: “We are Marists, and our love for being Marists, drives us to inspire, educate, and transform lives every day”.
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The Marist International Mission Commission was created to facilitate a framework to interconnect the Secretariats, Networks and Regions in an integrated and sequential mode. Made up of Brothers and Laity, the Commission took on the task of reflecting on the centrality of Marist mission in today’s world.
If you wish to share your ideas, reflections or experiences with the Commission as a result of these messages, you can write to the email [email protected]
In this link you can find all the messages that the Commission has published.