2023-03-02 GUATEMALA

Meeting of third age Brothers of Central America

With the theme “Called to BE”, about 30 third age Brothers of the Province of Central America met in Guatemala from February 21 to 23, to reflect on the stage of life they are living and to become aware that they can continue to contribute to their communities in a fruitful way, through their experiences and ability to adapt. The meeting was led by Vicky Irigaray, a Spanish laywoman with extensive experience in accompanying consecrated life.

The proposed objectives were to reflect on what we understand by healthy aging; to become aware of the attitudes that facilitate adaptation to changes with enthusiasm, not resignation; and to take up again the call received that has given meaning to their lives.

During the three days of reflection, the Brothers meditated on the opportunity to look at one’s own life from another perspective. “What is important should not change, it should be resituated, recontextualized in its expression,” mentioned Vicky Irigaray. And she highlighted three important ideas:

  • To grow old is to change, to prepare oneself to adapt to change.
  • The body and the mind do not age at the same time.
  • Losing interest in our surroundings accelerates the aging process.

The Brothers participants concluded that they need to feel valued and recognized: “We are called to be fruitful and to continue generating life.  We commit ourselves to be specialists in listening to one another; to develop positivity, caressing… To do this, we all must continue to reconcile ourselves with our own life, closing wounds, healing… Loving our fragility and seeing it as an ally and not as an enemy”.

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