Tutti Fratelli Annual Gathering
Despite the pandemic and all the restrictions that come with it, brothers from different congregations present in Rome came together on November 28 for the Tutti Fratelli Annual Gathering. This happened online, a first since 2010, when the first encounter took place.
This yearly gathering is an occasion for exchange of experiences and promotion of common initiatives. It is likewise a celebration of fraternity and an opportunity to deepen the meaning of the brothers’ vocation today.
About eighty brothers from more or less thirteen congregations connected for the two-hour session, which carried the theme, “Integral Ecology, Laudato Si and Coronavirus”. The virtual platform also made possible the participation of several brothers from outside of Italy, such as Australia, Mexico, the United States and India, to mention some.
Thirteen Superiors General, including Br. Ernesto Sanchez, graced the encounter. There were also seventeen Marist Brothers who attended.
The Tutti Fratelli Group that organizes this annual gathering are formed by representatives of different brothers’ congregations in Rome. The Secretariat of Brothers Today, from the General Administration of the Institute, collaborates with this group. Since its foundation ten years ago, two inter-congregational courses of on-going formation have already been conducted.
The meeting
The theme was elaborated by two presenters: Don Roberto Cherubini of the Community of San Egidio and Br. Alberto Parise, a Comboni Missionary.
Don Roberto shared about his ministry with the homeless in the streets of Rome, a work made more challenging and meaningful by the pandemic. He highlighted fraternity as a primary element in the encounter with the poor, and the importance of physical closeness with them where practical and possible.
In turn, Br. Alberto talked about “Integral Ecology in Time of the Pandemic”, emphasizing the challenge to “live Laudato Si globally” where all sectors, including religious congregations, are involved. He then gave some guidelines on how the different brothers’ congregations can respond to this call from Pope Francis himself.
After the talks, the participants were sent to breakout rooms for the sharing of reflections. Though the time was limited, the exchange was nevertheless rich. Back in the plenary afterwards, the participants listened to some echoes from the small groups.
The gathering concluded with a beautiful prayer inspired by Laudato Si.