Three Indian Marist communities
From November 27 until December 3 Brother John Klein, Link Councilor for the Province of South Asia, and Brother Shanthi Liyanage, Provincial, visited our Indian brothers in the state of Tamil Nadu. It was an opportunity to spend time with each of the three Indian Marist communities in order both to better understand the realities of the brothers and to encourage them in their tremendous efforts on behalf of young people, particularly those most in need. This is especially evident in the Marist Primary School and the Marist Secondary School in P. Udayapatti and in St.Marcellin High School in Mangamanuthu. In addition, one of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity to participate in Operation Rainbow’s Christmas celebration for the young people infected with AIDS. Operation Rainbow is a multi-faceted program conducted by the brothers (Marcellin Trust) that assists these young people and their families who are often ostracized and discriminated against because of their health situation. Brothers John and Shanthi were privileged to participate in celebrating the Eucharist with the Mangamanuthu community during which Brother Jude renewed his vows.
On Sunday, December 2nd all of our Indian brothers currently living and working in India gathered for the celebration of the Eucharist and for a meeting designed to look at the current Marist reality in India and to consider what concrete steps might be taken to enhance Marist life in the future. During the meeting the brothers highlighted the following as positive aspects of Marist life in India: the brothers are youthful and energetic; our apostolates are strong and effective; our family spirit is strong; our community life is simple; the brothers are receiving good formation and receiving a higher level of academic education. When looking to the future the brothers stressed several initiatives that would enhance Marist life. These included beginning a new mission in new areas of India; expanding vocation efforts and training more brothers in formation and leadership skills; and initiating a new Finance Commission that would include a strong emphasis on development and planning for the future.
Our Indian brothers are clearly committed to the charism and vision of Marcellin with faith and hope in the future. With the presence of so many young and vibrant young brothers and emerging leadership the future of Marist life in India holds significant promise.
