New Models of Animation, Governance and Management

What will Marist life and mission look like in the future, and how will we get there? This was the focus of the recent meeting of Marists in Oceania, who gathered to reflect, pray, discuss and propose new ways of ensuring the vitality of St. Marcellin’s dream into the future. 

 The invitation to imagine possibilities for supporting and growing Marist life and mission in a rapidly changing world was issued by the last General Chapter and is being implemented through the Commission for New Models of Animation, Management and Governance with the assistance of an appointed Project Team. Throughout the year, Marists worldwide have been gathering to reflect on this question and propose new ways of responding to tomorrow’s challenges.

In August, over thirty Marists, brothers and lay, gathered in Sydney to consider the particular context of Melanesia, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific and the challenges ahead.  

The local context was complimented by a presentation by General Councilor Brother Michael de Waas on the realities of the Institute, the Church, the impact of globalization and new challenges for the Marist mission internationally. 

Brother Joao Carlos do Prado, Director of the secretariat for Mission, stressed the importance of this project for the future growth of Marist life. 

Following a period of discussion, prayer and reflection, the group began to propose a new paradigm for how Marist life and mission might be governed, managed and enlivened in Oceania and throughout the world.

As part of the evaluation of this gathering, the Marists of Oceania wished to thank the General Council for supporting this important initiative, and for creating the necessary space and time for this imaginative thinking to be shared.     

There was an eagerness to hear the reflections from all parts of the Marist world.