Since 2013, 29 young were sent for a voluntary mission all over the world
Last 5th October, in Mindelheim, Germany, the Provincial, Br. Brendan Geary , two representatives from the General House, Brothers João Carlos do Prado, Councillor General, and Valdicer Fachi, director of Cmi Rome celebrated five years of Collaboration for Mission, International (Cmi) in Germany.
With them, several German Brothers who are interested in Cmi, many past volunteers with their parents and friends and supporters of Cmi and the Marists were coming to the commemoration. Representatives of public life, such as the mayor of the city and the mentors of incoming volunteers, as well as the principal and teachers of the Marist College attended the celebration.
Maristenkolleg Mindelheim provided the schoolhouse for this day. After the celebration of a thanksgiving mass, the incoming volunteers planted a tree as a symbol of hope and growth.
The first possibility of exchange was given at a short welcome drink at Maristenkolleg hall.
Immediately thereafter, the guests were asked to participate in a panel discussion on the deep meaning of volunteering abroad.
Brothers João Carlos and Valdícer gave us their reflections from the Marist point of view, while Mr. Max Engels provided insight into a sociopolitical perspective.
Afterwards the participants enjoyed the dinner together and had enough time to talk to many guests of the celebration. The past volunteers were very happy to meet again and to have time for each other.
Ms Nancy Camilleri enriched the evening with a short sketch, presented by incoming and past outgoing volunteers. This sketch showed, in a loving and funny way, how tricky German language could be for learners.
Since August 2013, 29 young graduates from German Marist Schools were sent for a voluntary mission service to other Marist projects all over the world. The young people live and work for 9 months in a Marist receiving community.
Looking at the last 5 years it was desire for us to pause and to say “thank you” together with many people who are significant for Cmi Germany and the Marists in Germany.