2025-01-21 THAILAND

Meeting of the Marist Conference of Asia in Bangkok

Photos

From 13 to 17 January 2025 took place in Thailand, the Meeting of the Councils of the Administrative Units of Asia. Were present the councils of the Province of South Asia and East Asia and of Marist District of Asia. Two lay people from East Asia and South Asia also took part in the meeting. Brother Josep Maria Soteras, General Councilor link with the Region, represented the General Administration. Brother Ben Consigli was invited to moderate the meeting, that took place in the Salesian Retreat House in Hua Hin. The main objective of the meeting was to reimagine Marist Asia, responding to God’s call for Unity and Abundant life. Br. Ben help the participants to reflect on reconfiguration highlighting the theme of synodality and remembering the especial moment the Church lives during this jubilee time: pilgrims of hope.

At the end of the meeting the participants send a letter that we reproduce bellow

___________________

Reimagining Marist Asia: responding to God’s call for unity and abundant life

Dear Brothers, Marist Lay Collaborators, and Members of Our Marist Family,

Greetings of peace and joy in the name of Jesus, Mary, and Marcellin!

We write to you with hearts full of hope and determination as we reflect on the fruitful gathering of representatives of the three Administrative Units (AUs) of Asia held recently at the Salesian Retreat House in Hua Hin, Thailand. This historic meeting marked a significant milestone in our shared journey as we discern the future and reimagining of Marist life and mission in our region. We are grateful for the presence and contributions of all who participated, and we wish to share with you the outcomes and the vision that emerged from our time together.

Rationale for Reconfiguration

The call to reconfigure our Administrative Units in the near future arises from both internal reflection and external realities. We face rapidly changing global and regional contexts, including shifting demographics, human and financial resource limitations, and evolving pastoral needs. At the same time, we are inspired by the rich Marist charism and our shared mission to make Jesus Christ known and loved, especially among young people.

Reconfiguration is not merely a response to challenges; it is a proactive and faith-filled choice to ensure the vitality, viability, and sustainability of Marist life and mission. Our shared history as three Administrative Units has already highlighted areas for reconfiguration, particularly in formation and volunteer initiatives. It is crucial that leadership remains proactive in identifying opportunities for growth and development while accompanying these processes with wisdom and support. By doing so, we ensure that the journey of reconfiguration remains a collective and faith- filled effort, fostering unity and aligning with the evolving needs of our Marist mission.

By pooling our resources, talents, and experiences, we aim to build stronger networks of collaboration and foster innovative ways of serving the Church and society. It is a commitment to deepen our communion as one Marist family and to align our structures more effectively with the needs of our time.

The Theme of Reconfiguration in the Broader Marist Context

The theme of reconfiguration was notably present at the General Conference of 2022, where the leadership of all the Administrative Units of the Marist Brothers Institute gathered. Rooted in the theme “Looking Beyond,” the conference challenged us to read the signs of the times with faith and courage. It invited us to envision how we, as Marists, can respond prophetically to the needs of today’s world while remaining faithful to our charism.

Our discussions in Hua Hin echoed these priorities. We recognized that reconfiguration is not simply an administrative adjustment but a spiritual journey of renewal. It calls us to embrace change with openness, trust in God’s providence, and a spirit of solidarity. By reconfiguring, we live out our commitment to be pilgrims of hope, building a communion that reflects the unity and mission of the early Church.

Reading the Signs of the Times

Our meeting challenged us to discern the signs of the times through the lens of our Marist identity. We observed:

  • Shifting Demographics: Many of our regions experience a decline in religious vocations, coupled with an increase in lay collaboration. This invites us to deepen our partnerships with laypeople who share in the Marist charism.
  • Emerging Needs: The world’s young people face unprecedented challenges, including learning poverty, mental health crises, environmental degradation, and social inequalities. These realities call us to adapt our ministries and educational approaches.
  • Opportunities for Collaboration: By working together across AUs, we can share resources, amplify our impact, and embody a more global and interconnected Marist mission.
Ensuring Vitality, Viability, and Sustainability

To ensure the vitality of Marist life, we must nurture communities of faith, hope, and love. Formation, accompaniment, and support for both Brothers and lay collaborators will remain central to our efforts.

To guarantee viability, we must responsibly steward our human, financial, and material resources. This includes embracing innovative approaches to mission and governance that reflect our shared commitment to serve those most in need.

PREV

The Marist University of Congo celebrates the...

NEXT

Resources for the celebration of the 200th An...