Province of México Occidental
Seventy brothers and forty-four laypeople gathered for the Provincial Assembly of México Occidental from July 23 – 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico, where they discussed the Marist mission in Mexico and Haiti.
This year, the assembly was attended by superior general Brother Ernesto Sánchez, general councilor Brother João Carlos do Prado and 44 lay people.
According to the provincial superior, Br Miguel Ángel Santos Villarreal, “the Chapter and the Assembly are specific moments that can reveal us a secret or change an attitude, being present and being a part of the provincial community.”
On the second day, the dialogue tables facilitated face-to-face discussions during which participants were able to share their thoughts and ideas with an open heart.
On July 25, the participants agreed that the following issues need to be improved: vocation ministry for religious life, formation and shared life among lay people and brothers, initial and ongoing formation of brothers, renewal of the evangelisation and Marist education, the mission in social works and mission communities, systematization in the educational mission, management and government, and provincial animation.
The day culminated with a Mass during which eight young brothers renewed their temporary vows.
Br Miguel Ángelinvited the assistants of the Mass to consecrate themselves in favor of a renewal of mind to distinguish the will of the Father.
On July 26, Brothers João Carlos and Ernesto Sánchez, superior general, presented the calls and the principles of the XXII General Chapter celebrated in September and October 2017 in Rionegro, Colombia, emphasising the exercise of making something new emerge, based on the practice of letting the future emerge. Brother Ernesto emphasised the vocation of brothers, affirming that the calls invite to a greater prophecy that contagious the other areas of vitality of the institute.
In his concluding message, Brother Miguel Ángel made a call to co-responsibility to crystallize the fruits received and he assumed the commitment that the Chapter acquires when receiving the calls of the Provincial Assembly.
The XIX Provincial Chapter then took place on July 27 and 28, during which the work of the Assembly was presented and the new Provincial Council was established, which will accompany the provincial superior for the next three years.