Ongoing Formation Program for Brothers in 3rd Age
The Ongoing Formation Program for Brothers in 3rd Age will begin on September 3. On the occasion of the Year of Marist Vocations and to celebrate the fidelity offered to us by our older brothers, the program will be conducted in three groups simultaneously, although in different venues: Spanish/Portuguese in the General House, English in Manziana and French in the Hermitage.
The French-speaking group will be directed by Br. Félix Roldán (Canada) with Br. Jean Ronzon (Hermitage) as his assistant. On the other hand, the Spanish-Portuguese speaking group will be accompanied by Br. Antonio Giménez (Mediterranea) along with Br. Joares Pinheiro (Brasil Centro Norte). Meanwhile, the English-speaking group will be under the charge of Br. Michael Green (Australia) with the help of Br. Michael de Waas (South Asia).
Expected to participate in the program are 11 Marist Brothers in the French group, 16 Marist Brothers and 2 Marianist Brothers in the Spanish-Portuguese group, and 8 Marist Brothers, 2 Marianist Brothers and 1 Marianist Priest in the English group.
Two-month sabbatical experience
The 3rd Age Program is a two-month sabbatical experience for religious brothers who are in or approaching the phase of life after middle age when a person is in active retirement. An important dimension of the program is the sabbath experience. The first opportunity it offers, therefore, is for each brother to rest. The second dimension of the program is to offer an experience of genuine renewal for each brother, especially focusing on what lies ahead. Third, as brothers we seek to be a community together for these two months.
A very significant aspect of the 3rd Age Program this year is that the brothers of all three groups will have a chance to be together twice. First, from 26 September to 08 October, they will have joint activities in the General House in Rome. Then, from 11 to 23 October, in the Hermitage.
The program will run until 31st October.