Marists in Brazil attend a national assembly of religious brothers
From 22nd to 25th of September, 26 brothers from the three Provinces of Brazil attended the VI Assembly of Religious Brothers organised by the Conference of Religious of Brazil, held in Belem in the north of the country.
The event took place in the Marist College of Our Lady of Nazareth, with the theme “In the river of life, Brothers embody a life-giving mission for the sake of the Kingdom”. 102 brothers from 22 congregations took part.
The overall aim of the Assembly was to reflect on the vocation of Brothers and the diversity of their mission across the whole of life. The specific objectives were: to identify the mission of Religious Brothers today, in church and society; to explore approaches to professionalisation and consecrated life; to dialogue on the challenges of aging and fraternal life in community.
The logo for the gathering was designed by Br. Luiz Carlos Lima from the Province of Brazil Centro-Norte. This contains elements from the Amazon of a variety of rivers, with one branching off, a sign of hope, life and brotherhood. It shows, as well, three people in conversation around a table; also seeds and a heart, the red colour of which symbolises those who defend life and universal brotherhood among us and with all of creation.
The topic of care for our Common Home was also taken up by Br. João Gutemberg, executive secretary of REPAM, the Pan-Amazon Church Network. Br. João, from the Province of Brazil Sul-Amazonia, stated that “Brothers ae called to universal brotherhood, including our connection with all of God’s creatures”.
For Br. Valdir Gugiel, from the Province of Brazil Centro-Sul, taking part in this assembly “was an inspiring journey undertaken together to experience a joyful sense of fellowship in our Mission, to be brothers”.
For the final message of the Assembly, click here
For the complete report on the Vatican website, see