Meeting of Laypeople
Around 45 members of the Champagnat Movement of the Marist Family (CMMF) coming from different cities in the Philippine Sector (Marbel, Kidapawan, Cotabato, and Dadiangas) gathered for prayer, reflection, and celebration last February 28 to March 1, 2015, in General Santos.
The objectives of the gathering were as follows:
1. To reflect on the challenges of 2015 as the Year of Montagne of the Marist Institute and the Year of the Poor called for by the Philippine Church.
2. To provide opportunity to pray and deepen reflections on the Season of Lent
3. To share updates on the life plan of the CMMF and propose plans for
the 3-year preparation for the Marist Bicentenary.
4. To share one’s personal faith-nourishing experiences and bond together as a family, celebrating the gift of our being Marist.
During the gathering, two street children, Noel and Michael, shared their moving experience of struggles for survival, of dependence on God's Providence, and hopes for a better life. They were the “face” of Montage of our time. Grateful for their presence and touched by their stories, the CMMF committed to support their education needs.
Some members visited St. Gemma’s Orphanage where they interacted with the neglected and abandoned children of young age. Gifts were shared with them and Marist presence as well.
The CMMF week-end gathering was significant for all. It was enriched by the support of our Brothers present for the occasion.