MARIST VITALITY IN LATIN AMERICA – CULTIVATING LIFE

On Thursday, 19th August 2004, the 10th meeting of the Latin-American Conference of Provincials began at the Marist house in Los Teques, Venezuela. This meeting will continue until Saturday, 8th August. The Conference brings together the leaders of the provinces and sectors of Latin America, along with their vice-provincials. The participants invited to this conference include Brother Superior General, his Vicar, two General Councillors, the Provincial of Canada (with a brother to do translation work), a Provincial Councillor form the United States of America and six lay people (three women and three men).
The thirty-five participants were welcomed during the opening address of Brother Laurentino Albalá, the Provincial of Normandina and co-ordinator of this conference. Brother Seán Sammon, Superior General, also welcomed these participants during the inauguration of the meeting. Each province and sector participating in this conference presented a symbol that represents the journey that they have travelled throughout the course of these years since the first meeting.
Throughout these ten days, the participants will consider together the challenges and the signs of vitality presented by Marist life and Marist mission on this sub-continent. This will be done through an evaluation of the lines of action decided by the 9th meeting of this Conference in Cochabamba.
In the conference room, Spanish and Portuguese is understood without the need for any translation. Thus, you can see how the Spirit works in those who are prepared to listen to others in a brotherly way, as at Pentecost.