The Identity of the Brother?s Vocation in the Contemporary World

Last year we picked up once again the program of Province meetings for young Brothers. The most recent one, held in Alcalá, counted as the fourth such meeting. We were guided through the program by Brother Provincial, and, thanks to his leadership, we experienced a growth in our feelings both of brotherhood and of bonding with our Province.

The goal of the meetings is to dedicate a certain amount of time to being together, sharing the latest news, allowing our ideas about the Province to surface, and talking about formation. This time we focused upon the identity of the Brother?s vocation in today?s world.

The weekend meeting of December 6 ? 8, was held in the Iberica Province?s headquart-ers, located in Alcalá de Henares. The meeting was guided by Brother Manuel Jorques, Provincial, and Brother José Maria Ferre. The two Brothers led both the meetings? prayers and the sessions on formation

On December 6th, we had a free day which gave us the chance to visit Alcalá?s historic center. Brother Carlos Torres, our guide, oriented us to the site. Thanks to his excellent presentation of the city?s points of interest, we got to see the following important parts of the city: the cathedral called ?Magistral de los Santos Niños,? the main street called ?Calle Mayor,? the birthplace of Cervantes, and the university.

In the afternoon, we divided into small groups, giving us the chance to tour Madrid and visit the Prado Museum which was holding a Rembrandt exposition. In the evening we joined up with the Province Brothers at Xaudaró to have the evening meal and to go to the theatre to see the comedy ?The Fantastic Duo? with Josema Yuste and Florentino Fernández in the lead roles. Peals of laughter put a pleasant end to a very intense day of community and culture.

On the morning of the 7th, we had a meeting with Brother Provincial. He discussed several important points with us concerning: enhancing our lives as Brothers; being people of peace and enthusiasm; living without ?living by the clock?; being happy and not being dependent upon others; allowing our light to shine; avoiding backbiting; creating friendships. Brother Provincial?s comments were followed by an open forum in which we had the chance (a) to present our ideas and our concerns and (b) to ask him questions which are close to our heart.

We set aside Sunday afternoon and Monday morning to the topic of formation. In a down to earth way, Brother José Maria Ferre offered us several key concepts for living our vocational identity as Brothers in the contemporary world. Taking into consideration our personal experiences, he helped us to discern the important aspects of Marist Brother identity. He presented his vision of the religious Brother?s identity and some notions along which one might deepen the vision. Drawing deeply upon his personal experiences and staying close to the FMS documents, Brother Josè Maria developed the presentation with the active participation of the Brothers in attendance.

Times of prayer and the Eucharistic celebrations helped us to enter more consciously into an understanding of our vocation, so as to find God?s presence in the vocation, and to offer thanks for all that He has done for us.

As the two and a half days of meeting drew to a close, we were able to see that the week-end had been an intense experience of brotherhood, one that helped us to strengthen our fraternal bonds, to know our Province better, giving us an enthusiasm for living our vocation fervently.

We carry with us a special remembrance of the community at the Alcalá Provincial House, of those working in the Province administration of Iberica Province. Thanks so much for all the concern you showed us and for the Marist welcome you provided. We are grateful because, thanks to you, we really felt at home among you!

Young Brothers Gather in Alcalá de Henares

Last year we picked up once again the program of Province meetings for young Brothers. The most recent one, held in Alcalá, counted as the fourth such meeting. We were guided through the program by Brother Provincial, and, thanks to his leadership, we experienced a growth in our feelings both of brotherhood and of bonding with our Province.

The goal of the meetings is to dedicate a certain amount of time to being together, sharing the latest news, allowing our ideas about the Province to surface, and talking about formation. This time we focused upon the identity of the Brother?s vocation in today?s world.

The weekend meeting of December 6 ? 8, was held in the Iberica Province?s headquart-ers, located in Alcalá de Henares. The meeting was guided by Brother Manuel Jorques, Provincial, and Brother José Maria Ferre. The two Brothers led both the meetings? prayers and the sessions on formation

On December 6th, we had a free day which gave us the chance to visit Alcalá?s historic center. Brother Carlos Torres, our guide, oriented us to the site. Thanks to his excellent presentation of the city?s points of interest, we got to see the following important parts of the city: the cathedral called ?Magistral de los Santos Niños,? the main street called ?Calle Mayor,? the birthplace of Cervantes, and the university.

In the afternoon, we divided into small groups, giving us the chance to tour Madrid and visit the Prado Museum which was holding a Rembrandt exposition. In the evening we joined up with the Province Brothers at Xaudaró to have the evening meal and to go to the theatre to see the comedy ?The Fantastic Duo? with Josema Yuste and Florentino Fernández in the lead roles. Peals of laughter put a pleasant end to a very intense day of community and culture.

On the morning of the 7th, we had a meeting with Brother Provincial. He discussed several important points with us concerning: enhancing our lives as Brothers; being people of peace and enthusiasm; living without ?living by the clock?; being happy and not being dependent upon others; allowing our light to shine; avoiding backbiting; creating friendships. Brother Provincial?s comments were followed by an open forum in which we had the chance (a) to present our ideas and our concerns and (b) to ask him questions which are close to our heart.

We set aside Sunday afternoon and Monday morning to the topic of formation. In a down to earth way, Brother José Maria Ferre offered us several key concepts for living our vocational identity as Brothers in the contemporary world. Taking into consideration our personal experiences, he helped us to discern the important aspects of Marist Brother identity. He presented his vision of the religious Brother?s identity and some notions along which one might deepen the vision. Drawing deeply upon his personal experiences and staying close to the FMS documents, Brother Josè Maria developed the presentation with the active participation of the Brothers in attendance.

Times of prayer and the Eucharistic celebrations helped us to enter more consciously into an understanding of our vocation, so as to find God?s presence in the vocation, and to offer thanks for all that He has done for us.

As the two and a half days of meeting drew to a close, we were able to see that the week-end had been an intense experience of brotherhood, one that helped us to strengthen our fraternal bonds, to know our Province better, giving us an enthusiasm for living our vocation fervently.

We carry with us a special remembrance of the community at the Alcalá Provincial House, of those working in the Province administration of Iberica Province. Thanks so much for all the concern you showed us and for the Marist welcome you provided. We are grateful because, thanks to you, we really felt at home among you!