Marists in Asia: Our progress in brothers-laity communion is our gift to the Church
The Asia Laity Commission affirmed that their advancements in communion between brothers and laity is its contribution to the Church after a three-day meeting with its members in Sri Lanka.
“Our progress in this brothers-laity communion is our gift to the Church,” said the commission in a statement to the general house communications department on July 2.
The Commission made its comments after a meeting in Negombo held from June 26-28.
The meeting aimed at reflecting, sharing experiences and planning for the animation of the Marist laity throughout Asia.
During their encounter, members proposed to establish an ‘Asia Marist Laity Formation Program’ in order to address the form lay Marists within diverse religious and cultural realities.
The Commission spoke about developing a global framework of the lay Marist “vocational journey” and “specific ways of working on the contextualization of its content and process to ensure relevance in Asia.”
The encounter also covered the dialogue with the Oceania Laity Commission for a “more enriching regional collaboration and networking.”
It stressed the importance of expanding leadership of lay Marists within the region and requested to have lay leaders within each administrative unit as well as to finalize a list of contacts to facilitate “effective regional coordination.”
Members also reflected on children and youth in Sri-Lanka that leave school and need caring for.
The Commission, which met with other lay Sri Lankans and brothers on June 28, noted that participants “expressed dreams of a future where there will be a deepened communion among brothers and laity.”
They also addressed “growth in understanding the Asian elements of our Marist life and a commitment to actualize our mission that is responsive to the concerns predominant in the region such as ecology and social justice.”
Brother Ismael Valls affirmed the Commission’s commitment “to advocate the on-going and joint formation of our brothers and lay.”
“This is our way to enrich each other towards real communion,” added the Marist, who belongs to the district of Asia. “It is in journeying together that we become mystics and prophets, builders of communion, for a common mission in the grounds of Asia.”