Marist Province of Mediterránea

The 6th Meeting of the older Brothers of the Province of « Mediterránea » was held in the General House in Rome from 3 to 9 May with the participation of 21 Brothers. The Brothers of Lebanon could not come because these dates coincided with the visit of the provincial council to the Brothers of that zone.

The brothers were completely satisfied with this meeting. The warm welcome of the community as well as the comfort of the accomodation contributed towards creating a good atmosphere prevailing in the house.

It is fitting to underline some important aspects of the meeting:

The papal audience. The Pope’s paschal catechesis on prayer, the numerous groups from all over the world present, and the strategic and interesting place close to the dais, all helped towards helping us to interiorise the Pope’s message.

Visit to the archives. Br. Juan Moral allowed us to meet Father Champagnat alive again through the original documents presented, and which he guards preciously and affectionately.

Talk on the art of growing old. Guided by Br. Pietro Stò, we read and commented on a document, presented for this purpose, on the way of looking at old age with new eyes and as a gift.

Exchange on the Marist Institute. Brother Emili Turú, Superior General presented us with the organigramme of the General Administration, and explained the function of the General Councillors and the different Bureaus of the General Council. He gave us very precise information about the different parts of the Marist world. His intervention sparked many questions from the Brothers.

Visit to Orvieto, Bolsena and Viterbo. A full day in all senses. Orvieto, with its original Gothic cathedral, a high peak of art. Bolsena, with its volcanic lake, the location of the  restaurant where we had our lunch. Viterbo, a charming city with its antiquity and papal history; visit to the Marist school dedicated to Cardinal Ragonesi. All this under the care and guidance of Br. Alberto Dalla Costa.

And if all that were not enough, we must add another two dishes.

One, the exchange, after dinner, of the sentiments experienced during the day. The other, the comings and goings of the Brothers in free time to appreciate the art and wonders of Rome. (One could say that the years do not pass for come Brothers).

Chronicle of  Br. Antonio Marín Alba