Spirituality and the new relationship of brothers and lay people

The fifth week of formation, which took place from June 4 – 9 for the candidates of the Lavalla200> programme in San Martín a Monte, Italy, had two modules, one on faith and culture and one on the new relationship between brothers and laity.

The first module, Faith and Spirituality’, was led by María Pilar Benavente Serrano (Piluca), of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa.

The module addressed the harmonious relationship between faith, life, spirituality and interiority. During one of the dynamics, Piluca gathered the participants in groups and encouraged them to identify, throughout the history of Champagnat, what had been the decisive moments that had made him perceive the God’s presence and had enabled him to move forward in his work. She then asked the participants to reflect on which moments during their lives they had felt the God’s presence of God (faith itinerary).

Mid-week, the Lavalla200> community held a multicultural celebration for the feast of Saint Marcellin with the celebration of the Word in different languages, sharing life and the Eucharist. At the end of the day, there was a festive dinner in homage to the founder of the Marist Institute.

The second module was led by José María Pérez Soba (Chema) and Ana Sarrate, two Marist lay people from the Ibérica province. The theme ‘Marists in communion’ aimed to help them reflect on the different vocations of brothers and laity and the new relationship that is being established between them, especially in an intercultural experience such as Lavalla200>.

The week ended with a presentation on Marist expressions in America. There were presentations on Marists in Brazil, Bolivia and Colombia, followed by a fraternization with drinks and typical foods of the regions.