Provincial Assembly of the Province of Brasil Centro-Sul

The Marist Brothers of Brazil Centro-Sul held the Provincial Assembly in the city of Aparecida do Norte, headquarters of the of the National Shrine, from December 8 to 12. The Assembly was attended by the Superior General of the Marist Institute, Brother Ernesto Sánchez, the Provincial, Br. Benê Oliveira and several brothers.

Brother Benê welcomed those present, and highlighted the privilege of being as pilgrims, as a provincial community, in the sanctuary loved by Brazilians, in the House of Mother Aparecida, to give thanks for the gifts of consecration, fraternity, spirituality, mission, fidelity and perseverance in the Marist vocation. Next, Br. Ernesto addressed the topic of synodality, and highlighted his experience in the synodal assembly in the Vatican. The Superior General also spoke about the reconfiguration of the Institute, considering the vitality, viability and sustainability of Marist life and mission. He also highlighted elements of spirituality, the Marist vocation in the face of emerging needs, and the need to grow as a global Marist family.

The first day was also marked by a celebration that inspired the participants, led by Br. Miguel Fernandes and José Leão da Cunha Filho, executive director of the province, with the guiding question: “Where to go brothers?”

On the second day, the program continued with reflections on “announcements that generate life.” The program began with a moment of reflection led by Br. Anacleto Peruzzo, director of Consecrated Life, and João Luis Fedel Gonçalves, specialist in Identity, Mission, and Vocation. Br. Anacleto invited reflection with the inspiring questions: “What do I desire for my Province, Region, and Institute? How can I help my Province to welcome God’s announcements?

That day, brothers Bruno Marcondes, Carlos Henrique Oliveira, José Augusto Wendler and Rafael Fernandes renewed their temporary vows. Then, there was time for individual pilgrimage at the sanctuary and, to conclude the day, a Marian prayer was performed in front of the sanctuary.

The third day was coordinated by Br. Rogério Mateucci, provincial councilor and rector of the PUC in Paraná, and José André de Oliveira, Lay Marist and head of the PUCPR Cabinet. The program began with a mass at the central altar of the National Shrine of Aparecida. That same day, Br. Alan Patrick Zuccherato, Redemptorist and director of “TV Aparecida” programming, met with the brothers to share his vision of the experience lived in the Sanctuary of Aparecida, where it is manifested “the grace of fraternity and the memory that Our Lady is our sister on this synodal path.”

 Monday morning began with a prayer led by Brother Miguel Fernandes and José Leão entitled “Echoes of the path walked.” And there was the participation of Dr. Bruno Orloski, from the Legal Office of the Marist Group, who informed the brothers about the administration of the province in relation to the Patrimony. The day’s program concluded with a speech by the Provincial, Br. Benê Oliveira, and the Superior General, Br. Ernesto Sánchez, to conclude the activities in Aparecida. In the afternoon, the brothers went to Boraceia, in Vila Marista, the brothers’ summer home, to have more moments of prayer and reflection on the experience.

On the last day of the Assembly, in Boraceia, the brothers began the program with a moment of prayer dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, led by Brother Anacleto Peruzzo. And it was Brother Ernesto Sánchez who gave the motivation speech.

Then, João Luis Fedel summarized the moments, and asked those present: “What perception of the future do we imagine for the Province?” Later, the brothers had a personal moment to internalize everything they experienced during the days of the Assembly and how they would like to continue in the Marist mission.

After the reflection, the brothers met in groups of 4 to 5 people to write down at least two perceptions. Then, they shared their ideas with the large group. The evaluation of the Assembly was carried out by Brother Anacleto. The opinions were very positive. The Provincial Assembly concluded with the production of a summary poem titled “Announcements that generate life.” The Brothers returned with a feeling of gratitude for the experience.