Workshop with the Young Brothers of Africa in preparation for final vows
One of the workshops in the ongoing Program of Preparation for Final Vows in the African Region is “Our Charism and Spirituality in the Light of the Recent General Chapters”. Brothers Angel Medina and Lindley Sionosa of the Secretariat of Brothers Today presented this topic for 4 days on July 13, 14, 15 and 17. Since they could not travel to Nigeria, they used the online platform, with 2 sessions of 90 minutes each every day.
Brothers Ken McDonald and Ă“scar Martin, link councilors for Africa, made a brief appearance in the first session of the first day to greet the brother participants and give their message of encouragement and well-wishes.
Our Charism and Spirituality in the Light of the Recent General Chapters
The first 2 days of the encounter focused on the General Chapters, which included its nature and purpose, a walk through the 22 GC´s over the last 200 years, a more detailed discussion of the 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd GC´s and a review of the calls of the 22nd GC. The 3rd day was spent reflecting on the Marist Charism and Spirituality, enriched by inputs culled from our documents, words of wisdom from our Institute authorities and insights from selected experts.
On the 4th and last day, Brother Luis Carlos, Vicar General, made himself available to present the Strategic Plan of the General Administration, which was met with so much interest and enthusiasm by the young brothers. The ensuing open forum was proof of this. The young brothers shared their observations and asked questions to which Br. Luis Carlos responded. To close his time with them, Br. Luis Carlos gave his message of support and motivation.
Br. Mark Omede, co-director of the Secretariat of Education and Evangelization, had a moment with the participants to greet them and to offer words of inspiration. The last session was spent in presenting more information about the Secretariat of Brothers Today and its place in the implementation of the Strategic Plan. This was followed by a fraternal conversation where Brothers Angel and Lindley exchanged views with the young brothers and attempted to journey with them in addressing their preoccupations about the present situation of the Institute and its future direction.
The two-month Program of Preparation for Final Vows in the Africa Region started on 01 June. There are twelve brothers participating – seven from Nigeria and one each from Angola, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Zambia. With Br. Vitus Osuji doing the overall coordination, the program is being conducted at the Marist Formation Center, Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria. It will conclude on 31 July.