Province of Mexico Occidental
On 7 November, we met at the Marist University of Guadalajara in order to travel together to La Chona where our meeting was to be held. On arrival, we found waiting for us those in charge of the provincial animation of vocations ministry.
We were informed of the objective of the meeting, then, with games and songs, we introduced ourselves, sharing who we were, where we came from and what was our present work. Before starting the first work session, we were invited to take time for prayer and reflection on what marked the life of Jesus, Mary and Marcellin.
We were presented with the project of vocational pedagogy and invited to reflect on our activity in the works and identify what we were doing in this sense, and then share in groups. We finished our day with time for contemplation in order to interiorise what we are through what we have seen and felt.
The next day was intense. We reflected on the momentum given at provincial level with regard to the cultivating of vocations with the help of four specific aspects based on the word AMOR : Accompany – Manifest – O(rar)(pray)– Reflect on vocation. We attempted to work towards making our projects concrete in each of the school spheres in which we work ; there was great richness in sharing our ideas and hearing about the good things being done in this sense.
In the evening, we presented part of the projects we have just implemented to create an ambiance of culture of vocations : vocations groups (for the secondary) and PROgramme YOUth Vocations (for the young Marists in the baccalauréat course). In what specifically regards Marist vocations ministry, we had the opportunity to hear about the accompaniment experience of three youth in formation in our Province ; they enlightened us about what should be done and how to accompany the young people we mix with.
It is important to mention that throughout the day, there were times for reflection and work with the help of images, drawings and dance ; we experienced personally the educational project to be proposed to the Province as a gift for promoting the cultivation of vocations. We also had time for a eucharistic celebration, focussed on the goodness of creation, and we were made aware of our pastoral mission in the face of our responsibility to be co-creators. We finished our activities with a festive meal ; we gave free course to our artistic talents, sharing the gift of fraternity.
The days passed like a « gust of wind » up to Saturday, our last day of activities. We presented the educational project to be interiorised before applying it in practice. We were invited to present, with the aid of a drawing, our commitments in relation to the vocations journey and to ourselves, to our mission in the Marist works and everywhere we can implement it in our life situations.
At last came the time to pack our bags and begin the journey home with our commitments and hearts reinvigorated and full of gratitude.
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Br Melisio Tiscareño