Province of Brasil Centro-Sul goes through pre-chapter process
The first preparatory stage for the 23rd General Chapter, which will be held in the Philippines from September 8, took place in the religious communities, with moments of prayer, discernment and sharing. The second stage, known as the Local Phase, aimed to encourage reflection on the current reality and dreams for the future of the mission, trusting in divine providence and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In the Province of Brasil Centro-Sul, this stage involved various mission fronts, groups of lay people and religious communities, with various meetings. At the administrative headquarters of the Province, for example, the local stage took place on March 24, with the presence of collaborators, brothers and communicators who were taking part in the Communication and Marketing Synergy Forum.
Valdeci Vieira Borges, from Colégio Marista Goiânia, commented on his participation in the local phase: “This opportunity was extremely important for me because it gave me the opportunity to participate actively and meaningfully. I take with me the certainty that we could be protagonists and participants in institutional decisions”
During the meetings, the participants reflected on essential questions, such as God’s call for the life of the Marist Brothers, for the Lay Marists and for the Marist mission.
Provincial Stage
On April 1st, the Province held its Provincial Stage in preparation for the Chapter. The event brought together 84 representatives of the groups who had experienced the local stage in their realities. The initiative reaffirmed its commitment to active listening and discernment of the future direction of the Institute.
The Provincial Stage was an opportunity for participants to give voice to their dreams and contribute to defining the Institute’s priorities for the coming years. During the activities, it was possible to reflect on the relevant aspects of the previous dialogues, promoting a collective process of listening and reflection on God’s calls for the Marist mission. In addition, there was a collective discernment about the future of the Institute, generating inputs for a future synthesis letter that the delegates of the Province will take to the Chapter in September.
The meeting was attended by several Champagnat Marists from different realities. Also present were Brother Vanderlei Siqueira dos Santos, Provincial, Brother Provincial Councillors, including Brother RogĂ©rio Mateucci – Rector of PUCPR and member of the Preparatory Commission for the General Chapter. Brother Vanderlei led the blessing and sending off of all the Marists of the Province who will be in the Philippines between September and October.
Third phase of the Pre-Chapter Process ends in April
By the end of April, each Administrative Unit will record its experiences and prospects in a letter, sent to the Preparatory Commission, which will then be passed on to the Chapter delegates, thus consolidating the reflections and aspirations of the entire Marist community for the coming years.
Each Administrative Unit can share the activities that are being carried out for this fundamental process of Marist life on the Institute’s communication channels, through the Communications Department.