The Provinces of Mexico celebrate 200 years of the Institute
From the 3rd to the 5th of March, members of the Marist Family of the two Provinces of Mexico, met in the Marist ‘Casa de Encuentros’ of la Chona, to celebrate the Bicentenary of the Marist work. It was a very fraternal encounter that strengthened the bonds of union, the love for the Congregation and a better understanding of the Charism that God has given through the Marist Brothers.
The 3rd began with the welcome in which were expressed the desires and yearnings that the Marist Family may, from day to day, be more in love with God. The central themes for the reflection were three: 1) Mary present in our Institute and in our life, 2) Our spirituality is in God, 3) We walk with Marcellin.
On Saturday, March 4th in the morning the central theme was Mary, we went to visit the Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos; there we had the Eucharistic celebration and at the end, at the feet of the Virgin the group said a prayer and sang the Salve. Then we returned home and in the afternoon we had a reflection centered on each one and to see how God has always been present in them. In the second part of the afternoon there was an intense prayer of interiority.
In the evening the whole group celebrated at the rhythm of Mexican songs, roasted meat and a good cake on the occasion of the Marist celebration.
The following day the reflection was centered on Marcellin Champagnat, considering the Charism in a future perspective. Then followed the Eucharistic celebration and reflection in groups, which was followed by the sending and a little gift was given to each one as a souvenir so that in their life they can continue the Marist work.
It has been foreseen to have other meetings in this house, on the Marist Bicentenary. From the reflections of these groups a report will be made seeing the Marist Congregation according to the challenges of today so as to strengthen the tomorrow with a living dynamism.
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Br. Hugo Jiménez Padilla