Opening of the III Marist International Mission Assembly

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122 Marists, brothers and laypeople from the 25 administrative units of the Institute, arrived in Escorial, Spain, on Sunday 7 April to attend the III Marist International Mission Assembly. They represent all the various activities of the Institute, from the General Administration to the Marist networks. Some representatives of other congregations of the Marist Family are also participating. The meeting, as indicated in the Constitutions 119, “is an opportunity to share experiences, understand current social realities, discern priorities and propose future directions and strategies for Marist life and mission around the world “.

The first day of the Assembly, April 8, was dedicated to welcome and settling in, with dynamics aimed at familiarizing the group with the spaces of the house and getting to know each other. The participants are divided into 11 table groups, which will be the special space for reflection and sharing throughout the week.

Br. Pepe Sánchez, director of the Secretariat for Education and Evangelization, opened the meeting. Then, Br. Ernesto Sánchez, Superior General, welcomed the participants, gave some indications for the work ahead, and provided motivation for the group: “The Marist charism, transmitted to us through Marcellin and the first Brothers, as well as through all the Brothers and lay people who have lived and transmitted it for more than 200 years, remains a gift for us today.  We are invited to live it in depth, adapting it to today’s context and to continue to share it and pass it on to succeeding generations.” Br. Ernesto also recalled how the first day of the Assembly coincided with the Solemnity of the Annunciation, given that March 25 coincided with Holy Week: “As Marists, Mary inspires us in our life and mission.  At the Annunciation, she was able to hear God’s call and generously said her “yes”, even when not everything was clear” (read the full text, in Spanish).

Br. Abel Muñoz, Provincial of Iberia, host of the MIMA, also took the floor. He invited the participants to keep in mind 3 pedagogical keys for the implementation of the Marist charism: the pedagogy of the smile, the pedagogy of care and the pedagogy of slowness. “I invite you to be bold to look to the future, to anticipate the newness, to accept the hand that the companion offers us, to let the God of Jesus enlighten us and show us the way: ‘I am with you every day,'” concluded Br. Abel (full text in Spanish).

Brother Alex Mena, from the Preparatory Commission, coordinated the next stage.

After some practical indications about the house and day to day matters and some moments of presentations, the participants gathered by regions before lunch. Each region received a piece of the MIMA logo (Hermitage, doors, windows and Gier) and was invited to reflect on what it could mean for the Marist mission. The regions had the task of drafting a short message linked to the logo piece to stimulate the Assembly.

After lunch and a break, the group continued settling in, this time working at tables. The 11 groups were asked two questions: How do you feel about putting the dream of Marist mission into practice?  What opportunities are there in your own local situation that might be an inspiration to the whole Institute? In this regard, each group chose two opportunities and presented them to the plenary session.

Br. Luis Carlos Gutiérrez, Vicar General, was also invited to address the audience. He recalled the apostolic nature of the Institute and stressed that our mission is multifaceted, inviting the participants to describe the different faces of mission in the Institute. He also emphasized the gift of the lay Marist vocation, which is not only a demographic reality, but a reality of the Spirit. “The presence of laypeople is not a simple matter of necessity, but a reality that goes beyond,” said Br. Luis Carlos (full text in Spanish).

The day ended with the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Pedro Garcia, chaplain of the MIMA.

Synthesis drawings – Luciane Lewis Xerxenevsky