Santa Maria de los Andes, Extended Provincial Council

Between October 1 and 3, a new version of the Extended Provincial Council of Santa María de los Andes was held at the Marist Spirituality Centre of Las Condes, in Santiago, Chile.

The meeting brought together representatives of the three sectors of the province – Bolivia, Chile and Peru – working in the different provincial teams and administrative roles. Also present during these 3 days: the provincial council, mission delegates, coordinators and members of the various province teams: Finance, Education, Communications, Spirituality and Laity, Ministry, Solidarity, Protection and Brothers.

The first day began with a prayer which led into an activity where the participants had the opportunity to reflect on and share their life story. Then began the presentation of strategic objectives that each sector had prepared, based on guidelines established by the provincial council. The provincial, Br Saturnino Alonso, himself presented the provincial strategic guidelines and each sector’s strategic plans.

On the second day, the Executive Secretary of the Marist South America region, Brother Alberto Aparicio, explained to those present about the path that Marist South America has taken since its formation in 2016. Following this introduction, he presented a broad outline of each of the six strategic projects in progress: Schools network, Communication, Novitiate, Finance network, Vocational animation and Identification of experts.

The meeting centred on work in committees. After the presentation on the region, committee members looked at how to move forward in their area and prepared a presentation of the provincial journey so far. The third day of the Extended Provincial Council, the committees continued their work and reflected on the importance of the province work in Marist life.

The Extended Council ended its meeting on Thursday with a thanksgiving eucharist for the work done and the bonds strengthened.