The General Administration and the coronavirus situation in Italy
Since early March, the Italian government has been putting initiatives into place to counteract the spread of the COVID-19 infection, as have many other countries. Many Marist centres are adapting to the restrictions of movement indicated by their respective governments. This has consequences for Marist life and mission, especially in how we work for the good of people and live in solidarity with the experience of the world today.
The General House is also responding to these government requirements. We also follow the instructions of the Pope and the Church to live this moment with prudence, solidarity and a spirit of faith.
From the 10th March, the laystaff who work in the offices of the General Administration have been working from home over the internet. Those who work in our reception, food and cleaning services have reduced hours. As of today, no member of the General Administration, brothers or laity, has been affected.
Several brothers, from the General Council or those in charge of departments and secretariats, who had planned trips for these days, have cancelled or are moving their scheduled appointments due to travel restrictions from Italy or other countries.
The meeting of the Brothers Provincial and District Superiors at the General House from the 2nd to the 7th March was very positive. Four new leaders stayed on for one more day. The Provincials of the regions of America met from the 9th to the 12th. Fortunately, almost all have been able to return to their countries, although some had to reschedule their flights. Upon arrival in their countries, many of them have spent a few days in quarantine, voluntarily or following the directives of local authorities.
Some meetings and programs that would have taken place in Italy have been temporarily suspended: the meeting of the Extended Bureau of the Laity, meeting of the International Commission of Brothers Today, the meeting of the regional representatives of Communication, the FMSI council. Those responsible for these meetings, in contact with the people involved, are organizing new dates.