Marist vocation ministry gathers brothers and laity in Amazonia

Motivated by the Year of Marist Vocations, which aims to work on the culture of vocations in an expanded way, the brothers and laity of the Province of Brasil Sul-Amazônia promoted, last month, pastoral visits and promotion of Marist vocations in the Amazon region, in the cities of Guajará (state of Amazonas), Porto Walter, Rio Gregório and Cruzeiro do Sul (state of Acre).

One of the activities carried out was the pastoral visit to the families of the candidates to Marist religious life. The young people who are preparing to follow the religious life participate in a formative itinerary that includes different stages. Currently, the candidates from the Amazon region live in Porto Alegre for vocational accompaniment. During academic vacations, between the first and second semester, the candidates return to their cities of origin to visit their families.

The group of brothers and lay people of the Marist Vocation Mission team also worked with the communities living on the banks of the rivers. During the moments of approach to the inhabitants of the region, the team was integrated into the activities of the local community, participating in liturgical activities and promoting the formation of thirty young people.

For Brother João Paulo Vargas, from the Marist community of Cruz del Sur, it was a very rich experience: “We can meet the people where they are, in their essence. Bringing Marist values to children and young people and promoting reflection on life projects, dreams and the future is very gratifying”.

The Marist Vocation Mission work team was made up of Brothers André Nosini, Edson Rissi, João Paulo Vargas and Carlos Scottá. Postulants Mardson Souza, Magno Souza and collaborators Gustavo Balbinot and Derlane Dourado completed the team.