VI Provincial Chapter of East Asia
The Province of East Asia held its VI Provincial Chapter at the Marist Spirituality and Mission Center, Lake Sebu, in Philippines from April 20-25. Its motto was “Do this in Memory of Me! (Luke 22:19), Generating Homes of Light in Christ”, recalling the Institution of the Holy Eucharist, where Jesus impels His apostles to proclaim His salvific actions saying: “Do this in memory of Me”.
During the Eucharistic Celebration presided by Most Reverend Bishop Colin Bagaforo, with two other priests concelebrating (Fr. Allan Sasi, DCKand Fr. Rex Sumpan, DCK), Brother Allan J. de Castro assumed as the new Provincial, replacing Br. Dominador Aquino. Br. Allan will be accoimpaigned by the newly elected Provincial Council composed by Brothers Anthony Tay, Jacobo Song, Manuel V. de Leon and Rommel Ocasiones.
The event was attended by 26 delegates, 21 observers and 16 participants from the three Province’s sectors: Philippine, Korea-Japan and China. Also were present Br. Luis Carlos Gutierrez, Vicar General, and the General Councillors Br. Sylvain Ramandimbiarisoa and Br. Josep Soteras, Councilors links with the Region of Asia.
On the occasion, the youth observers of East Asia made an appeal: “We commit to be pro-active in terms of service and involvement as we move forward in amplifying the emerging issues that concern the youth. In the same manner, we aim to see young minds that may come before us, experience the advocacies that we have fought for. In this milieu, we channel the charisms of St. Marcellin of Champagnat and all the founding brothers of this Congregation.”
You can read here down the Statement from the delegates and participants of the Chapter. And here you find the 3 bulletins with other information and pictures from the meeting.
Statement of the 6th Provincial Chapter of East Asia
We, the delegates and participants of the 6th Provincial Chapter of the East Asia Province, discerned what the Holy Spirit is calling us to BE and DO in this volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world where we are now living.
In our synodal journey of reflecting, listening, sharing, and discerning the will of God, we believe that as Marists of Champagnat, we are called to be:
- CONTEMPLATIVES OF THE SACRED by nurturing harmony and interiority in our relationship with our God. We commit to being credible witnesses in the spirit of the Beatitudes.
- COMPASSIONATE HEALERS by recognizing our limitations, weaknesses, and brokenness; being respectful of diverse cultures and beliefs. We commit to create a culture of CARE for one another, especially those who are suffering in whatever conditions. We remain faithful to what St. Marcellin impels us to “love one another and be of one heart and one mind.”
- BRIDGE BUILDERS by connecting with the young, listening to their voices, acknowledging their developmental needs, and bridging them to their dreams. We commit to journey with them, in becoming partners and partakers in God’s mission, particularly the children and the young at risk and in need.
- CARERS OF OUR COMMON HOME by upholding human dignity and integrity of creation. We commit to intensify our responses and initiatives in addressing emerging needs, social injustices, and environmental crises toward integral ecology through our ministries.
With unswerving trust in God’s guidance as Mary did, we will act with a sense of urgency and courage and do things in MEMORY OF JESUS.
We continue our journey together as Marists of Champagnat, one with the global Marist family, in becoming HOMES OF LIGHT IN CHRIST!
We now entrust all these to God, with the Magnificat of Mary, and their realization with the inspiration of St. Marcellin.
We go in the light of Christ with a profound sense of mission to create a hopeful and life-giving future!
_______________
Delegates and participants – 6th East Asia Provincial Chapter
