On the way with Mary in search of a new land!
In a spirit of harmony with the XXI General Chapter, the Marist Province of Mexico Central lived these past days its XIV Provincial Chapter. From 19 to 21 December, more than 40 Marists of Champagnat (22 Brother capitulants, 11 lay delegates to the Chapter and various observers) gathered in la Quinta Soledad of Mexico City, to reflect on and share the riches, the challenges and the hopes of the whole Province. Many were the voices taking part in the Chapter, inasmuch as various topics require the collaboration of the different communities of the Province, as soon as a previous enlightenment will permit them to come with hearts disposed and minds prepared.
The consensus method was adopted for the Chapter sessions and the chapter hall arranged accordingly. The work took place unhurriedly, in a positive and fraternal atmosphere. Everyone taking part worked with the awareness that each voice, each opinion, was important and needed to be heard.
The assembly divided into four groups for reflection. The first three groups analysed the actual situation of the Province in the light of the three calls proposed by the XXI General Chapter: a renewed consecrated life, a new relationship between Brothers and laity, a decisive response to the situation of poor children and young people. These three groups looked for the problem at the heart of each call, in order to define the lines of action for working on during the next three years. The fourth group dedicated itself to retouching and refining the drafting and coherence of the Chapter regulations.
The presence and participation of the 11 lay people elected to represent the groups of the Province was very positive for the Chapter. Their interest and reflection offered the experience of journeying together and sharing the concern and love that we have as Marists for Champagnat?s dream to become real and concrete in Mexico.
It was decided by consensus that a second session of the Chapter be held in March. There remains a previous work and the need to continue reflecting on what we have heard, shared, or written. We have a new land in front of us? and we are endeavouring to set out in haste, with Mary, in search of it!
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Br. Rodrigo Espinosa