Vocations Week-end

On Friday 12 November, we welcomed those taking part at « Quinta Soledad », Mexico. They were: Guillermo PROBERT (Mexico), Emilio UGALDE (Leon), Walberto FLORES (Toluca), Francisco E. ARELLANO (Pachuca), Pablo A. ALVAREZ, José Luis SANCHEZ, Emmanuel GALVAN (Querétaro), Francisco Javier LIMON, Salvador MONTOYA, Daniel REYNOSO (Celaya).The youth were accompanied by several teachers and Brothers: José Luis LOPEZ (Celaya), Víctor ZAMORA (Querétaro), Jaime CASTILLO (Pachuca), Victor VICTORIA and Joaquín HERNANDEZ (Novitiate of Morelia), Pedro Christian (Scholasticate); M Ivan O. CHACON, Br. Miguel Angel ESPINOSA and Br. José Luis CASTILLO (Provincial Team).The day began with the writing of the names of the boys on a single sheet of Bristol paper as sign of a common history. Then we reflected on the theme « being brother » and on the encounter with Jesus, thanks to the MAEB guide, to become aware of our responsibility in looking for the divine will. After a good dinner, the day ended with hearing how the brothers have set out in haste to a new land. On Saturday, we departed early for « Quinta Tonantzin », at Tepoztlán, where we found a ready welcome and breakfast. A little later, we began together the ascent of Mount Tepozteco, while keeping in mind our respective ways and our journey. At the summit, around the heart of Mary, we prayed for people searching for their vocation. This ascent was the great sign of this day.In the afternoon, we played some sport, which welded the group together and disposed them for sharing about the meaning of what is « Marist » in our lives. The day ended with social time: ping-pong and karaoke.On the morning of Sunday, last day of the week-end, we proposed to the youth that they commence a formal stage as Marist aspirants in their home towns. We reminded them that they should engage in a search for God?s will through an accompaniment which would involve their families, the local community and those in charge of vocations ministry in the province. After a time of deep reflection, each one expressed his wish to begin this process. We are very happy to learn that ten boys are setting out on this great adventure, and will be joined by some who were absent but who want to be involved. Finally, we returned to Mexico. The week-end finished with Mass at « Quinta Soledad ».We thank the community of « Quinta Soledad » and the family of « Quinta Tonantzin » for their hospitality, as well as the communities accompanying these young men; thanks, too, to the teachers, novices and brothers: a true family!Let us stay united in prayer for these boys, and those God will lead to us, so that they can discover their vocation and have the courage to respond generously to God. ____________________Mr Omar Iván CHACONBr. José Luis CASTILLOBr. Miguel A. ESPINOSA