The Province of West Central Europe will become a District

On 15th August, the patronal feast of the Institute, Br Ernesto Sanchez, Superior General communicated to the Provinces of West Central Europe and L’Hermitage that the present Province of West Central Europe will become a District, canonically dependent on the Province of L’Hermitage, as from 23 October 2023. Br. Robert Thunus will continue as Provincial until the creation of the new District.

In the letter sent to the Provinces of West Central Europe and L’Hermitage, Br Ernesto stressed that a process of discernment has been carried out in recent years, in view of the care and future of Marist life and mission in this part of the Institute.

The General Council has been in dialogue over the last two years with the Provincial and Council, and with other Brothers and lay people of the West Central Europe Province. The dialogue was then extended to the Provincials of Europe and the Provincial and Council of the Province of the L’Hermitage in particular were consulted. In the letter, Br. Ernesto offered some indications regarding animation, management and government, which will be included in the Statutes of the new District. 

Brothers Gabriel Villa Real and Robert Thunus, Provincials of L’Hermitage and West Central Europe respectively, invited the brothers of the two Provinces: “to see this new step as an opportunity to look back at the past with gratitude, to live the present with passion, and to embrace the future with hope”. They also stated, “During the coming weeks, we will embark on a common journey with the aim of enhancing the vitality and viability of Marist life and mission in the countries in which we are present.”

In the conclusion of his letter, Br. Ernesto underlined the concern of the Council “to maintain the hope and viability of the pastoral and educational ministry of the future District”.  He also reminded everyone that “the reflection of the Region of Marist Europe will be key in envisaging together the best future for the Marist charism on this continent, the origin of the Institute.”