Marist Schools Asia Leaders’ Conference
“In the 22nd General Chapter, the New La Valla, the New Beginning, we were called to be beacons of hope, to be light in the middle of darkness, to be hands of mercy, to be bridge-builders and peacemakers, and to journey together as a global family”, Br. Carlos Alberto Rojas, Director of Secretariat of Education and Evangelization, shared the inspiration for establishing the Global Network of Marist Schools. “Building the Marist mission network is a good way to realize the Marist life and mission,” he emphasized.
Responding to the call to become a global family, thirty-five Marist school leaders, directors and principals, a mix of Marist Brothers and laity, convened in a virtual Marist Schools Asia Leaders’ Conference last August 18. They were from Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, and Cambodia.
With the theme, “Gathered Around the Same Table: Moving Towards Global Network of Schools,” the Marist school leaders were enriched by the talk about Marist Leadership by Br. Max Meier, FMS, and an orientation on Marist Global Network of Schools by Br. Carlos Alberto.
“Champagnat always responded, not reacted, to problems and upcoming problems” underscored by Br. Max. He was challenging Marist school leaders to stay relevant by responding to the mission as a network. “The Marist tradition about good leadership is anchored in community-building. It is about service, leadership without ego,” he added.
The Marist leaders were invited to seize the opportunity to work together for the Marist mission by connecting people and educational institutions. “As a global family, we need to create new models on how to move the Marist mission and the Marist life. The way to do it is through the network. The concept of networking is not only about connecting the Marists of Champagnat around the world but how to live together with one single purpose of creating evangelical communities in our schools,” said Br. Carlos Alberto.
Initiated by the Br. Dominador Santiago, the Provincial of East Asia Province, the Marist Schools Asia Leaders’ Conference was a preparatory activity to launch the Marist Global Network of Schools in October 2021.
The conference culminated with a simple yet meaningful invitation to all Marist school leaders. “Let us walk as one global family,” said Br. Allan de Castro.
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Ms. Leann Jester Daus Rosali