Navigating vocational pathways for Marists of Champagnat

A New presence community of the district of Asia faces the daunting challenge of raising awareness of vocations for both brothers and laity in a country where Catholics comprise a mere 6% of the population. Taking the responsibility of actualizing the calls of the recent General Chapter for greater communion and co-responsibility between brothers and lay, the local community from that country invited the Secretariat of Laity to visit different realities, share resources, and explore pathways of “seed-sowing” and nurturing Marist life in the area.

The New presence community invited the co-director of the Secretariat of the Laity, Agnes S. Reyes, for a visit from March 4 – 6. The visit was focused on several fundamental areas of concern along with the intent of navigating pathways of developing Champagnat Marists:

• An update for the local Marists on the decisions and implementation plans of the Secretariat of Laity, following the calls of the General Chapter.
• A discussion on an alternative approach to build the lay vocation due to the little Marist historical presence in that country.
• An audio-conference with the Marist laity around the country for their suggestions.
• The New Presence Community is developing a discernment program for young people which assists them in discovering their vocation. Two young men are currently part of this pilot programme.
• A discussion on the significance of current programmes, such as the CMMF and the Marist Youth Movement, and their place in the developing model of partnership.

 “This provided a different perspective, especially in the area of shared formation opportunities for those following their vocation as a brother or those who believe they are called to be lay Marists,” Agnes said. “Brief though it was, the visit proved to be a catalyst in charting a future of possibilities.”