The ?Dawning? of New Marist Life in Asia
The first gathering of the Lay Marists and Brothers Commission in Asia was held on May 7-8, 2013 at Champagnat Youth Center, Port Dickson, Malaysia. In attendance were Br. Joe Peiris and Ajith Perera of South Asia, Br. John Tan, Elma Rafil and Agnes Reyes of East Asia, and Br. Ismael Valls of Ad Gentes Sector. Agnes was elected chairperson of the Commission for 2013-2015. The presence of the chair of the Marist Asia Conference, Br. Shanthi Linayage provided a strong support and encouragement to the Commission. Tony Clarke, the co-director of the Secretariat of the Laity, was very much appreciated for his guidance and valuable input. The Commission was blessed to have the presence of the newly appointed Provincial of East Asia, Br. Robert Teoh, who had given his availability to address the Commission’s needs during the duration of the meeting. Gratitude was expressed to East Asia Province for hosting the said event.
Asia Commission Statement
The Lay Marists and Brothers Commission in Asiaestablished by and responsible to the Marist Asia Conference (MAC) believes that ‘Christ unites all of us as the People of God, equal in dignity and diverse in our service and state of life. (cf. Gathered around the same table, #6, pp 25) Respectful of the religious diversities in Asian context, we feel “invited to dream, to pray, and to live God’s dream together.” (Gathered around the same table, p. 107)
In order to answer this call, we wish to experience and share life and faith as we seek to:
1. Organize shared Asia Marist Formation experiences and create formation structures that will facilitate a deeper understanding of our spirituality, communion, and mission.
2. Promote and encourage formation opportunities for Brothers to deepen the understanding of the Lay Marist identity and the new relationship between Lay Marists and Brothers.
3. Intensify the promotion of the Lay Marist vocation especially for those involved with the mission work of the Brothers.
4. Strengthen the spirit of communion, and promote new experiences of living in community, in order to deepen mutual relationship and support between Brothers and Lay Marists.
5. Create avenues for a deepened understanding and appreciation of the different spiritualities that exist in Asia.
6. Promote processes of discernment in order to respond to God’s call to mission in Asia.
7. Strengthen a network of communication among the Brothers and Lay Marists.
8. Support the promotion of Lay Marist life in countries where Lay Marist life, identity and spirituality are less developed.
9. Work closely with the Secretariat of the Laity to share and communicate its plan of action.
The Lay Marists and Brothers Commission in Asia, affirms the richness of the gift of shared Marist vocation in the tradition of Marcellin Champagnat. With Mother Mary as our companion in the journey, the Commission commits to “helping to bring about the dawning” of new Marist life in Asia.