New Marists on mission
This year, the feast of the Annunciation was celebrated on 8 April. In the General House, it was also the day for the launching of the II International Marist Mission Assembly (II IMMA). The title and the theme of the Assembly, which will be held from 17 to 27 September 2014 in Nairobi, Kenya, are : « New Marists on mission ».
The time for preparation has arrived on the local and provincial levels. The regional phase will take place after the Nairobi event.
A beautiful ceremony prepared by a committee of brothers and laity marked the launching at the General House. A fire lit at the entrance to the house was a significant symbol, for fire will be present in a special way in the « soul » of the Assembly.
BrEmili lit this fire from a special candle – symbol of Christ, light of the world. This is what should happen throughout the preparatory phase : each activity starting from Christ in order that it be encouraged and implemented.
Then those present went inprocession to the Champagnat Room. During the procession, the theme of the Assembly was placed in relief : NEW MARISTS ON MISSION. Br Emili emphasized that there was an echo of the last General Chapter, now oriented towards mission. We recalled the motto that guided us during the Chapter of 2009 : « NEW HEARTS FOR A NEW WORLD ».
From a practical point of view, on display were the materials created by the PreparatoryCommission to assist the communities and Provinces along the road to be followed up to September 2014. They are productions of quality : two guides entitled : 1) « Guidelines for the II International Marist Mission Assembly » ; 2) Local and Provincial or District phases – Guidelines and aids ».
For those in the General House, suggestions as to how to program and bring alive the preparation for the Assembly will surely not be lacking : from the Community Project to the plenary sessions of the General Council ; from the little groups animating the study sessions to the creation of a committee to draw up a preparatory calendar ; from the customary meetings held from Easter to Christmas to others for the study of one or another of the topics proposed, for it will be difficult to deal with them all.
The ceremony ended with the song« Light of the world and salt of the earth ». Each of the participants was given a candle with the symbol of the Assembly as souvenir and personal commitment : so that the light does not go out and nothing is forgotten.
May you have a good road andexcellent preparation, from here to Nairobi.
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Rome, 8 April 2013 – Br Teófilo Minga
II Marist International Mission Assembly – Informations and resources