Pastoral agents of the Brasil Sul-Amazônia Province, protagonists of a synodal church

The Identity, Mission, and Vocations Area of the Brasil Sul-Amazônia Province (Rede Marista) brought together from March 6 to 8 pastoral agents from the Marist Social Centers, the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), the São Lucas Hospital of the PUCRS and the Amazon Region for a training and integration meeting. The event took place in Porto Alegre and more than 30 people attended.

The experiences, reflections and studies revolved around the theme of Synodality, to strengthen Marist action in the commitment to build a synodal Church. Understanding the importance of the pastoral care, comprehending and identifying the different services and their objectives, knowing the network and its operating arms were topics of interest in these days of fraternal rapprochement,” said William Rios Bramchartt, of the Marist Social Center Aparecida das Águas.

For Paula Di Domenico, from the Center for Pastoral and Solidarity of the PUCRS, the Meeting of pastoral agents promoted the experience of the Marist charism, from the origins of the Institute to the present. “It was a meeting to know and revitalize our essence,” she said.

During the days of the event, the organizers and participants assumed the dynamics of the renewing Spirit, always active in the construction of new meanings, following the example of Champagnat’s audacity.   “I was surprised! The depth of the moments and the training were extraordinary and necessary for our work. I felt great maturity in the Pastoral Meeting. I came out even more connected with the mission and the charisma,” reflected Matheus Goulart Jardim, from the São Lucas Hospital of PUCRS.

“As a social educator and recently invited to assume the position of pastoral agent in my unit, the meeting showed me challenges and points to promote in the foundation of Christian life and in my commitment to the Marist mission,” said William.