Rodrigo Gris Castro: gathering stories of Lavalla200>
Rodrigo Gris Castro, from the Province of México Occidental, participated in the Project LaValla200> for three years. He was in the Mount Druitt Community, Sydney, Australia, from April 2017 to May 2020, with his wife, Argelia Hernandez Mendoza. In this interview, Rodrigo shares some things that had the greatest impact on him from this experience.
What motivated you to leave everything to participate in an international and intercultural community?
Some elements: leaving our comfort zone, a way of celebrating the lead-up to the Marist bicentennial. A new beginning, 200 years. The invitation to create new mixed communities in the Institute. A great motivation was the letter from Brother Emili Turu, “The Dance of Mission, and in particular, to respond to the question: ‘What would you do if you were not afraid?’
what community life meant for you?
Sharing our vocation, living with joy, together as a family, lay people and religious brothers. Collaborating together in daily work. Sharing the richness of who we are, sharing the richness of our particular vocation. Praying together in community, helping in the kitchen and sharing our meals. It was important to share moments of joy and solidarity. It was important to share our culture.
And the ministry of the community?
It was important to live on the outskirts of the city. Getting to know the local scene and working in ministry together as a team, as the LaValla200> community. We were able to have a positive impact through our ministry on children and young people in vulnerable situations; to work as a team with the local parish and also with the diocese; to support the mission of the Marist Province in Australia; to be involved in the activities of Marist Youth Ministry and the Marist Association; to help with the education of children from the Aboriginal community and be in solidarity with the Aboriginal women and their families.
What summarizes your experience?
We were living a new Marist beginning. We were living the joy of the Gospel. We were accomplices of the Spirit. All together, lay people and brothers around the same table.
What was the most significant scenario or event in your time with Lavalla200>?
Working on the outskirts of Mount Druitt, with vulnerable children and youth, in particular with Aboriginal families. Sharing food with Aboriginal women. Celebrating life as a Marist family. Meeting people at some depth, working hard, celebrating life and the gift of every moment with the joy of the Gospel.
We are one big international Marist family. We share the same charism, the same spirit.
What were your biggest challenges during this time?
Living on the periphery is not easy. Intercultural living is interesting, but it involves facing something different, new, unknown. Language is another obstacle. Accompaniment for the lay members, for women especially, is a challenge. We need more accompaniment, especially the Marist laypeople.
What would you like to say to the brothers and lay Marists who are thinking of participating in the Lavalla200> Communities or other international/intercultural projects of the Institute?
What would you do if you were not afraid? Welcome to the LaValla200> family. Thank you for listening to the voice of the Spirit in your heart. With joy you can share life in the international mission. Seek first the kingdom of God, and all will be added to you.