The Secretariat of Solidarity-Cmi listens the children’s voices of Saint Hubert and Arlon
From March 11 to 13, the directors of the Secretariat of Solidarity-Cmi, Angel Diego Garcia Otaola and Diego Zawadzky, and Br. Robert Thunus, District Superior of West Central Europe, visited several places with Marist presence in Belgium.
The Secretariat’s objective with this visit was to conduct workshops with children and young people to hear their voices, with a view to preparing the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report, which will be presented to the United Nations in early September. The children’s voices express their suggestions and recommendations on how to improve people’s lives in the country, especially about the human rights situation. They were present approximately 80 children and young people from two Marist centers, aged between 12 and 17.
The workshops were held at the schools of Saint Hubert and Arlon, both located in southeastern Belgium. Language limitations did not hinder the planned activities, as Brother Robert provided translation when necessary.
Visit to the brothers of Brussels and Habay
Another of the riches of the visit to Belgium was the contact with the brothers of the Brussels and Habay communities, where fraternity was shared through moments of prayer and meals. We would like to highlight the Marist welcome, simple yet full of thoughtful details. In the Habay community, at the “Centro Le Bua,” one can perceive the spirit of welcome toward those who choose this place for fellowship, reflection, and prayer. There we had the opportunity to share prayer and the “Champagnat Fraternity,” made up of brothers and lay people committed to the Marist charism.
We would like to thank the brothers and lay people of Belgium for their welcome, their closeness and fraternity, and all their help in carrying out the planned activities. It is a privilege to be able to hear the voices of Marist children and young people in so many parts of the world. Thank you.
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Br. Ángel Diego.
