message_34en

indexSeán’s lamp page 2

Superior GeneralLetter to my Brothers. Br. Seán Sammon

page 4

Vicar GeneralA Mission “ad gentes” project.Br. Luis García Sobrado

page 18

General CouncilMission CommissionDifferent faces for one single mission. Br. Emili Turú

page 28

Vocation Ministry ComissionOn a Culture of Vocation. Br. Théoneste Kalisa

page 36

Religious life CommissionContinuous human growthand conversion. Br. Antonio Ramalho

page 42

Evangelical use of goods Commission Evangelical use of goods. Br. Maurice Berquet

page 50

Governance CommissionLife-giving leadership: Reflections on Leadership and RestructuringBr. Peter Rodney

page 58

Year XVIII - n° 34 - December 2004

Editor-in-Chief:Br. AMEstaún

Publications Commission:Brothers: Emili Turú, Maurice Berquetand AMEstaún.

Contributors:Brothers: Seán Sammon, Luis GarcíaSobrado, Théoneste Kalisa, AntonioRamalho, Peter Rodney, PedroHerreros, Emili Turú, Maurice Berquetand Brothers more.

Translators Coordination: Br. Jean Ronzon.

Translators:Spanish: Br. Carlos Martín HinojalFrench: Brs. Gilles Beauregard andAimé Maillet.English: Brs. Joseph Belanger, GerardBrereton, Ross Murrin and Douglas Welsh.Portuguese: Brs. João Fagherazzi andVirgilio Balestro.

Photography:Brs. AMEstaún, Maurice Berquet andMichel Flanigan

Registry and Statistics: Erika Gamberale.

Formatting and Photolithography:TIPOCROM, s.r.l.Via A. Meucci 28, 00012 Guidonia,Rome - Italy

Prodution and Administrative Center:Piazzale Marcellino Champagnat, 2 C.P. 10250 00144 ROMATel. (39) 06 54 51 71Fax (39) 06 54 517 217E-mail: [email protected] site: www.champagnat.org

Publisher:Instituto dei Fratelli MaristiCasa Generalizia - Roma.

Printing:C.S.C. GRAFICA, s.r.l.Via A. Meucci 28, 00012 Guidonia,Rome - Italy

On the back cover, the national flower of Sri Lanka: the Blue Water Lily (ninphaea stellata)

Laity CommissionHelping the dawn to be born. Br. Pedro Herreros

page 64

General AdministrationI International Marist Mission Assembly.Br. Juan Miguel Anaya

page 70

BIS The Bureau of International Solidarity, in Geneva. Br. Dominick Pujia

page 74

Album of memories of the VII General Conference page 80

Album of visitsIndia. Br. Adolfo Cermeño. page 84East Timor. Br. Claudino Falchetto page 86Malaysia. Br. Samuel Holguín page 88Pakistan. Br. Manuel Jorques page 89China. Br. Primitivo Mendoza page 90Japan. Br. Lawrence Ndawala page 91Philippines. Br. Sylvain Ramandimbiarisoa page 92Sri Lanka. Br. Tercílio Sevegnani page 93Korea. Br. Carl Tapp page 94Cambodia. Br. John Thompson page 95Singapore. Br. Maurice Berquet page 96

What is it? page 97

History of the General Conference page 98

Programme of the General Conference page 99

A Parable for the Conference page 100

General statistics of the Institute page 103

Welcome song Br. Nicholas Fernando page 108

B rother Seán Sammon,Superior General,wanted a small lamp

to burn perpetually before apicture of Champagnat duringthe Marist Vocation Year. Thissymbol, near the entrance tohis office in the GeneralHouse, has been a constantreminder of the light that isour mission and that there isno shortage of workers tomake it shine.The VII General Conferencecommenced with the sign offire and light. A ceremonial,incense and oil burning lampstand, made of bronze andcrowned by a rooster whichis a symbol of Singhalese

Seán’slamp

editorialBr. AMEstaún

culture, figured prominentlyduring the ceremonies ofwelcome to the participantsas well as at the start of theConference work. With achant that interrupts the

dream of night, the roosterrichly symbolises theannouncing of the good newsof a new day or the welcomeof a messenger bearing goodnews. The hour for wakinghas arrived because themessenger who announces the clarity of the light hasarrived to guide the work of the new day.A representative brings thenew light of his presence andlights an oil wick on thelamp stand as a sign ofwelcome and greeting forthose who live in the house.This Singhalese customreflects the evangelical

prescription: “Do not hide

December 2005 3

your lamp under a bushel,but put it on the lamp standso that it can give light toall who are in the house.”May it give light to theireyes and illuminate theirsteps! With these symbolsthe VII General Conferencewanted to signify that thelight of the Conference wasplaced high on the lampstand to illuminate theentire Marist world. BrotherSeán lit an oil wick of thelamp stand to illuminate theentire Institute. A brotherfrom each continent cameforward to light an oil wickfrom the flame that hadalready been lit by BrotherSeán, a symbol of hisanimation as Superior. Thesymbolism of co-responsibility and ofuniversality was thus madeevident. The VII GeneralConference was like a flamebefore the people and the

nations where the brothersare present. This flameexpresses the interior fire ofrenewal about which BrotherSeán spoke several timesduring the Conference, a firethat burns in the heart ofthe brothers. We are lightand fire put on the lampstand of the Institute to

illuminate and warm thatwhich is cold and obscurearound us. Here in thisedition of FMS Message,number 34, there is anabundance of oil offered tothe Institute by theConference to feed the flameand the light of the Maristmission in the world.

ear Brothersand

Marist partners, Howard Thorsheimand Bruce Roberts,two futurists, were showing a group of secondgrade students some photographicslides as part of the annual Science Fair at the children’sschool. As an image of the earth takenfrom 100,000 milesin space appearedon the screen, one member of the class raisedher hand and said,“We draw the lines.”

DLetterSuperior General

Br. Seán Sammon

Let us set out together, then, to reclaimthe spirit of the Hermitage. (Seán Sammon, Reclaim the spirit of the Hermitage, p. 35)

Diciember 2005 5

Perplexed, the two men askedher what she meant. The girlresponded, “Look at the globeover there on the l ibraryshelf, with all the lines be-tween countries, and thenlook at the earth as it reallyis. There are no lines on theearth, just on the globe. Wedraw the lines.”What does this story about asecond grade c lass, theirglobe of the world, and a longdistance picture of planetearth have to do with thework of our Seventh GeneralConference held in Negombo,Sri Lanka in September of thiscalendar year? The connection

is quite simple. Returning toRome from South Asia in earlyOctober, I realized that in ad-dition to all that had beenaccomplished over the courseof our four week meeting, wehad also learned this lesson:if, in the past, l ines havebeen drawn within our Insti-tute—based on language, cul-ture, different world viewsand understanding of religiouslife, etc.—the time had cometo erase them. For what weshare in common as Mar-cellin’s brothers and Maristlay partners is much more sig-nificant than any differencesthat might exist.

If you asked me for one mem-ory only from our meeting inSri Lanka that remembrancewould be of the sense of fra-ternity that was so presentamong us. Not the type ofbrotherhood that leaves youor me feeling supported andaffirmed. Rather, the experi-ence of fraternity that I car-ried back with me to Romewas more profound and en-couraging, rooted as it was ina common passion for Jesusand the kingdom of God. In setting out to plan theGeneral Conference, the mem-bers of the General Councilprayed that the meeting

to my brothers

December 2005 5

would be a defining momentat this point in the historyof our Institute. We realized, of course, thatGeneral Conferences differfrom General Chapters in anumber of significant ways. Chapters are deliberative,General Conferences consul-tative. Chapters have broadpowers and serve as the ul-timate authority of the In-stitute when they are in ses-sion. In contrast, General Confer-ences provide an opportuni-ty for contact between theprovincials and District su-periors of the Institute andthe Superior General, Vicar,and members of the Counciland others who make up theGeneral Administration. Aware of these limitations,

the members of the GeneralCouncil maintained the hopethat our meeting would bemore than a report of theactivities of the past fouryears, as important as weknew such an accountingwould be. Our hope, though, was moreambitious: to refine furtherthe vision of the future ofMarist life and mission thathas been emerging for sometime now and to put intoplace the means to realizethat vision more fully. I must admit that I cameaway from those days in SriLanka more encouraged thanI ever thought possible, andthankful too. Thankful formy brothers and the gift ofour vocation and for all thatit has to offer the Church

and world today; thankfulfor Marcell in and his un-shakable bel ief in God’spresence, his reliance onMary and his simplicity anddeep love for our ear lybrothers. And finally, thankful for allthose who have gone beforeus and who in difficult andtrying times never stoppeddreaming, never ceased tonurture faith, and to lay thegroundwork for the new daythat is now beginning todawn for our Institute andits mission. It is a different day thansome might have envisionedforty years ago, but it is theday of the Lord nonetheless.Yes, we have suffered signif-icant losses over the lastfour or so decades: the lossof some wonderful brothers

in many provinces anddistricts, the loss ofa focus for ourMarist mission in

Superior GeneralBr. Seán Sammon

others, the loss of reputa-tion in still others. But we have gained immea-surably more. For today youand I understand more fullythat it is the Lord’s workthat we do and not our own,that we are called not to besuccessful but rather faith-ful, and that our Marist laypartnership movement inunion with those of us whoare brothers is giving us awindow on what the Churchof the future might looklike.

Chief pointsIn this letter I plan to giveyou an overview of the Con-ference and its work, an in-troduction of sorts to thehistory of those importantweeks together. Later in this issue of theMessage you will be able toread in more detail abouteach issue raised here. Atthe outset, though, I wantto point to three mainachievements that camefrom days of listening andsharing, reading and reflect-ing, praying and givingthanks. First of all, the Conferencewas a moment of personalrenewal for those who par-ticipated. I heard that com-ment made time and againby those who were in Ne-

gombo. No group can renewitself unless those chargedwith the task of fosteringrenewal have themselvesbeen converted. The factthat so many found the Con-ference to be a time of per-sonal renewal is a hopefulsign.Next, during the course ofthe Conference, initiativesfor Institute projects in theyears ahead were intro-duced—and more important-ly well received. This devel-opment indicates that weare building a future andthat with God’s help it willbear fruit. For example, a proposal wasintroduced to send approxi-mately 150 brothers to Asiaduring the next four yearsand to invite others to helpthe few provinces that haverestructured but will not re-alize the vitality they longfor without some outside as-sistance. Our Institute is present to-day in so many countries be-cause approximately 900 ofour brothers left France in1903 in response to theCombes Laws. Today, as anInstitute we need to makeour own the spirit of 1903once again. Final ly, as they departedthose who had participatedin the meeting left encour-aged and with a sense ofhope. Personally, I believe

that the latter is the mostimportant virtue needed inreligious life today. Hope goes beyond the ratio-nal; it is related instead tomatters of the heart andspirit. We are called todayto be heralds of hope topoor young people in somany parts of our world.And so we need hope our-selves, for you cannot giveto others what you do nothave yourself.

Sri LankaIn the following pages youwill read about and hopeful-ly share in the experience ofthose who had the privilegeof being members of ourmost recent General Confer-ence. During the time wehad together we prayed,worked, celebrated, andeventual ly grew to be acommunity of brothers. Ourdays were marked by mutual

December 2005 7

Letter to my brothers

respect, the open sharing offaith, and an eagerness tolearn from one another. Initial welcomes during anygathering always leave alasting impression and setthe tone for what will fol-low. In this regard BrothersMichael de Waas, MervynPerera, and our brothers andlay partners of the Provinceof Sri Lanka and Pakistanoutdid themselves. They took us into their livesand hearts and did so much tomake us feel at home. At thesame time, they shared withus some of their rich and an-cient culture through dance,music, stories, and at leastone journey through severalof the main sights to be seenthroughout the country.

The Sri Lankan people havea reputation for a spirit ofwelcome and hospitality. Wewere the grateful beneficia-ries of both during our stay.The country, however, andits citizens have also suf-fered terr ibly during thepast year. Tsunamis sweptashore on the morning ofDecember 26th, 2005. When they raced back to thesea, they took with them anuntold number of l ives,leaving in their wake familystructures forever altered,newly orphaned children,and death and destructionon a scale hard to imagine.During the days of ourmeeting, we were fortunateto have the opportunity oflistening to two survivors ofthe horrors of late last year.One, a religious sister in her

sixties, told us that all othermembers of her communityhome on that fateful Sundaymorning died in the tsuna-mi; she almost drowned. Now she wonders why Godspared her. A priest also told his story.He spoke openly about hismounting fear as he realizedthat the wave, rising to theroad in back of his car, wasgaining speed on him as heraced to higher ground andwhat he hoped would besafety. Even today he sleepswith a light on and cannotuse a ceiling fan. Its noisereminds him too much ofevents of the morning of De-cember 26th. We also visited a parish af-fected by the tsunami. TheChurch in which the parish-ioners worship is over 100


December 2005 9

years old and located righton the shore. The govern-ment has told the par ishthat it must relocate. Under-standably, the parishionersare reluctant to do so. Thisstory is repeated time andagain throughout the regionsof the country affected. Many of the country’s bish-ops also spent an eveningwith us, including the Arch-bishop of Colombo, OswaldGomis. I was touched by the factthat more than half of theConference of bishops joinedhim, including the group’spresident. His words ofthanks to our Institute forthe presence and contribu-tion of our brothers there inSri Lanka were spontaneousand heartfelt.

Why South Asia?The General Council choseAsia as the venue for ourmeeting for several reasons.First of all, the continent ishome to almost two-thirds ofthe world’s population and,yet, we have but approxi-mately 200 brothers servingthere. Second, the late Pope JohnPaul II looked at Asia as theplace where the presence ofthe Church needed to growover this new century.

Realizing that approaches toevangelization have changedsince Vatican II, he suggest-ed that the qualities of pres-ence, dialogue, and healingand reconciliation betweenpeople of faith might be thegift that the Church couldbring to the region. Our consultant theologian atthe Conference, Father Aloy-sius Pieres, SJ helped ourunderstanding about the

need for new approaches tooverseas mission. During thecourse of one of his presen-tations: he pointed out thatmany Asian people are suspi-cious of Christianity; viewingit as another means thosefrom the West use to imposetheir culture on the peoplesof the East. In saying this, the priestwas voicing a growing con-viction among many Chris-


tians today that religiousdialogue is one of the moreurgent tasks the Churchmust take up in its missionto the world. Finally, the Goldi Sands ho-tel. Why some have asked,did the Conference have ahotel as its venue? After all,customarily we use an Insti-tute house or a retreat cen-ter of some sort for ourmeetings. To begin with, this pastSeptember was only the sec-ond time the General Con-ference has been held out-side of Rome. The last timewas in 1989 in Veranopolis,Brazil. In deciding upon aplace for this year’s meet-ing, the Conference prepara-tory Commission workingwith our brothers in Sri Lan-ka began two years prior tothe meeting to secure anappropriate venue. They established a number

of criteria to guide them intheir search. Suff ic ientspace was of course at thetop of the list. That meant a plenary meet-ing room of reasonable sizeto contain the entire mem-bership of the Conference,as well as those translating,secretaries, members of thevarious General Administra-tion bureaus who were pre-senting during the meeting,visitors, and others. A suff ic ient number ofrooms for small group workwere also necessary, as wasa chapel, dining area, somespace for the community togather informally, and bed-rooms for approximately 60people. Cost was also considered.Understandably, since thecurrency of Sr i Lanka isweak against the Euro andUS dollars, costs were sig-nificantly lower than they

might have been had theConference been held in an-other part of the world. Dis-tance to and from the air-port, the availability of theelectronic equipment thatwas needed, an ability tovary the menu so as to suitthe dietary needs of an in-ternational group. These andother factors went into themix. The fact of the matter isthat after looking at a num-ber of places it became ob-vious that none of the re-treat houses available wereadequate. The seminary in Kandy mighthave been a possibility, butit was located more thanfive hours from the interna-tional airport in Negomboand considerable alterationswould have had to be putinto place to allow us tofunction in four languages,and have at our disposal thenecessary media for themeeting. The Goldie Sands hotel is amodest set up and thevenue that the Sri Lankan


December 2005 11

bishops use for their Confer-ence meetings; it has alsobeen used by the country’sCatholic school associationwhen they have gathered.The manager, Mr. Cruz, a for-mer seminarian with theSalesian community, wasable to adapt the space tosuit our needs. We were also able to securethe entire building for themonth, giving us the abilityto build a strong communityduring our days in SouthAsia.

The ConferenceitselfAs you read through this is-sue of FMS Message, you willcome to understand thestructure of the Conferenceas wel l as the many ele-ments that were included inits structure. A brief pre-view, at this point, will helpyou understand better whywe wove the overall fabric ofthe meeting in the way thatwe did. F i rst of a l l , the SeventhGeneral Conference beganlong before those participat-ing arrived at the airport inNegombo. As mentioned ear-lier, a Preparatory Commis-sion—made up of BrothersLuis Garcia Sobrado (chair),Pedro Hererros, Mervyn Per-era, Peter Rodney, and Jean

Ronzon—was appointed twoyears prior to the meetingitself.Provincials and District su-periors participating in theConference were also askedto vis it at least oneProvince or District in theregion of Asia prior to theirarrival in Sri Lanka so as togain a better understandingof our brothers’ lives andapostolates in that part ofour Marist world. Most wereable to make these visits

and they and the Conferencewere the richer for it. The following countries wereincluded among those visit-ed: Cambodia, China, EastTimor, India, Japan, Korea,Malaysia, Pakistan, Singa-pore, Sr i Lanka, and thePhilippines. The Conference opened onthe 5th of September with aEucharist celebrated byBishop Frank Marcus, a past-

pupil of the brothers’ schoolin Negombo, in a mannercustomary for importantgatherings. The group thenspent some t ime talkingabout the visits made byprovincials and District su-periors on their way to theConference. Introductions are anotherimportant part of any meet-ing and this one was no ex-ception. How to accomplishthis task with a large group,however, in a way that does

not become tedious is al-ways a challenge. So also,we wanted to meet ourbrothers in Sri Lanka andlearn something about theirlife and works. This hope was realized dur-ing a very fraternal eveningof welcome and sharing fol-lowed by prayer and supper.As part of the celebrationthat evening, BrotherMichael de Waas, Provincial


of the Province of Sri Lankaand Pakistan, presentedeach Conference memberwith a gift plaque from thebrothers of the Province, acommemoration of our meet-ing and our presence in thecountry. The rest of our first weekwas meant to provide some-thing of an overview of theConference. In retrospect, the t imemight have been too shortto accomplish what was anambitious agenda. In theend, however, the main taskswere accomplished. Akeynote address was deliv-

ered, a discussion aboutsigns of vitality within theInstitute organized by Luisand I followed, as well as areview of the five calls ofour 20th General Chapter. The week ended with a pro-posal for a mission ad gentesproject

focused on Asia and thosefew administrative units inthe Institute that have re-structured but are havingsome difficulty insuring thevitality needed to build a fu-ture. Specifically, the General Ad-ministration plans to missionapproximately 150 brothersto Asia over the next fouryears and to ask a smallernumber to help thoseprovinces and districts thatface more formidable chal-lenges in the area of restruc-turing. As you will see later in thisissue of the Message, we un-dertake this project in re-sponse to the calls of theChurch and the signs of ourtimes.

We also believe that thismission ad gentes initiativeis in keeping with Marcellin’sconviction that all diocesesof the world are within ourplans. With the Conference nowopen officially, and much ofthe preliminary work accom-plished as well as the pre-sentation of at least one ma-jor proposal for the future,all took Saturday as a day ofprayer and reflection. It wasa welcome moment after abusy and challenging week.

Specific challenges:Formation and vocationpromotionThe Conference that unfold-ed f rom that point on ischronicled in the pages thatfollow. Areas such as initialand ongoing formation, thepromotion of vocations, re-gionalization and restructur-ing, finance, the evangelicaluse of goods, mission, soli-darity, Marist Apostolic Spir-ituality, and the laity werediscussed. Conference members a lsobenefited from presentationsby Brothers Jean Ronzon,Secretary General , Juan


Miguel Anaya, ProcuratorGeneral, Giovanni Bigotto,Postulator General, and An-tonio Martínez Estaún, Di-rector of Communications. In each presentation, thoseinvolved were quick to pointout what has been accom-plished in their specific areaover the last several years;we were also made aware ofall that remains to be done. A few highlights. The areas of initial and on-going formation as well asthe promotion of vocationswere on the Conferenceagenda for most of the sec-ond week. Brothers AntonioRamalho (Chair of the Reli-gious Life Commission) andThéoneste Kalisa (Chair ofthe Vocation Commission),accompanied by BrotherErnesto Sánchez, BureauSecretary for Religious Lifeand Vocations, provided thenecessary input and facili-tated the process used toaddress each of these topics. More than thirty years ago,as an Institute we set outon a new road in terms offormation. In retrospect, some of whatwe initiated was inspired; ithas borne fruit in the livesof the young men whopassed through formationafter Vatican II and en-riched their lives as well asthe life of our Institute andits mission.

Through careful planningand sacrifice on the part ofmany, we have today also anumber of well prepared for-mators in the Institute; theyare carrying out their apos-tolate with dedication andskill. There are areas of formation,however, that need furtherrefinement. For example, thequestion of accompanimentcame up on more than oneoccasion during the Confer-ence. And while those who spoketo the issue endorsed clearlythis important aspect of ourprogram of formation andwanted it to continue, somequestioned the type of ac-companiment that has beenoffered at times. The topic of ongoing forma-tion also received attention.The programs in place cur-rently are appreciated andhave been of help to manybrothers over a number ofyears. At the same t ime, someasked if it was time to eval-uate what we are doing: Areour current programs of on-going renewal meeting theneeds of today? Should we revise some pro-grams and create other newones? The idea of developing pro-grams of renewal in coopera-tion with other communitiesof brothers or those Insti-

tutes with a Marial characterwas also met with interest. A discussion of the Year ofVocation Promotion fol-lowed. In many parts of the

Diciember 2005 13Diciember 2005 13December 2005 13


Institute this 12 month ini-tiative has assured that ourgoal of establishing a cul-ture of vocation promotionin every Province or District,or strengthening what is inplace already, is well on itsway to being met. A word of thanks was offeredto all those who worked hardover the past year to givevocation promotion its prop-er place within the Instituteand each of its administra-tive units. At the same time, many arecalling for a second step inthe process of encouragingvocations worldwide. We all realize that God con-tinues to call young men toour way of life. We need to be sure that wedon’t do anything to get inGod’s way!

Restructuring, regionalization, finance, the evangelicaluse of goods, mission, spirituality, laityThe Conference’s third weekbegan with a session on re-structuring and regionaliza-tion facilitated by BrothersPeter Rodney, Chair of theGovernment Commission, andJuan Miguel Anaya, BureauSecretary to that Commis-sion. The session includedseveral presentations by across-section of provincials.Each had been asked prior tothe meeting to be ready to

discuss his experience of re-structuring and/or regional-ization. All those who spokewere positive in their ap-praisal of both processeswith more than one com-menting that though restruc-turing entails a good deal ofextra work, the possibilitiesfor new life that it produceswere more than worth theeffort. Brother Antonio Martinez,Econome General, accompa-nied by the members of theGeneral Counci l F inanceCommission, led several ses-sions on Finances. He pro-vided those present with anoverview of the Institute’sfinancial situation for thelast several years as well assome information regardingthe structure and f iscalhealth of the 20th GeneralChapter Fund. These presen-tations helped those presentunderstand better some ofthe financial realities facingour Institute today and alsogave r ise to a number ofhelpful suggestions f romConference members. Brother Maurice Berquet,Chair of the Commission forthe Evangel ical Use ofGoods, followed with a pre-sentation about plan of ac-tion developed by his Com-mission. He also offered aproposal for its use and gaveexamples of how it has beenhelpful already to a number


of brothers and Marist lay-men and women throughoutthe Institute. Brothers Emili Turú, Chair ofthe Council’s Mission Com-mission, and Juan MiguelAnaya, Secretary to its Bu-reau, outlined planning al-ready underway for an Inter-national Conference onMarist Mission scheduled forSeptember 2007. They up-dated Conference membersalso on a number of otherinitiatives that fall undertheir responsibility. As partof the Mission Commissionpresentation, Brother Do-minick Pujia, Director of theBureau of Solidarity and partof the Mission Commission,outlined a project now justbeginning that will provideour Institute with a voice at

the United Nations HumanRights Commission speakingon behalf of the rights ofChildren. This initiative willbe undertaken as part of ourwork with Franciscans Inter-national, a group based inGeneva and includes at themoment members of theFranciscan and Dominicanfamilies as well as ourselves. Brothers Pedro Herreros,Chair of the Council Commis-sion on the Laity, andMichael Flanigan, Secretaryto the Laity Bureau, present-ed to the Conference a sum-mary of their work thus farwith Marist laity throughoutthe world. They presented anumber of statistics describ-ing the development of theChampagnat Marist FamilyMovement in each region of

the Institute, and indicatedthat their Commission hashad some preliminary discus-sion about the possibility ofdeveloping a document onMarist lay partnership.Brother Peter Rodney whocoordinates the Counci l ’ sworking group charged withwrit ing a document onMarist Apostolic Spiritualitydiscussed with Conferencemembers the work of thatCommission to date and an-swered questions from thegroup. Once again, a numberof suggestions were madethat will be of help to theworking group. In the areaof spirituality also, the ques-tion of the Marist ApostolicSpir itual ity regional net-works called for by the mem-bers of our 20th General

Diciember 2005 15Diciember 2005 15December 2005 15


Chapter came up for discus-sion. Conference membersasked the General Council tofind more effective ways ofimplementing this directivethan those used thus far.

Coming to a closeAs the Conference neared itsend, those part ic ipatingbenefited from several infor-mational presentations.Some of these dealt with theplanned renovation of Notre

Dame de l’Hermitage so as toamplify its mission of hospi-tality and Marist heritageduring the years to come.Other sessions included a re-view of the General Councilcalendar for the next fouryears, some details aboutthe second round of GeneralCouncil visits and a discus-sion on the ongoing forma-tion and animation ofProvincial and District Secre-taries which was conductedby our Secretary General,Brother Jean Ronzon.Finally, a General Conference

depends on the hard workand devotedness of a greatnumber of people: the mem-bers of the CoordinatingCommittee, the Brothers whodid all of the written and si-multaneous translat ions,secretaries, etc. The list of names would betoo long to write down herebut I wish to express my sin-cere thanks and appreciationfor the enormous amount ofwork and al l of the extrahours that so many Brothersoffered so that the Confer-ence would run smoothly.


Diciember 2005 17Diciember 2005 17

The Marist Fathers were par-ticularly generous in allowingFather Joaquín Fernández,former Superior General, tostay with us for the durationof the Conference and offerhis services as chaplain. The Province of Sri Lanka andPakistan was no less gener-ous in making its ViceProvincial and ProvincialEconome avai lable to us:Brother Mervyn Perera. Heserved the members of theConference twenty-fourhours a day in a most dis-creet and efficient way!Lest you be left with the im-pression that all was work,as we moved into laterweeks of our meeting, manyof the Conference partici-pants t raveled to Kandy,stopping to see var iouspoints of interest along theway. The trip provided thoseparticipating with the oppor-tunity to see another face ofSri Lanka, the region knownfor its tea production, andto experience more of thehistory and culture of thecountry. Throughout our time togeth-er, we worked at a pace thatensured that the tasks thatfaced us would be completedwell in due time. The groupalso participated an inter-faith evening of prayer withrepresentatives f rom theHindu, Buddhist, and Islamicfaiths, joined the students

and staff at Maris Stel laSchool in Negombo, and metwith the local press. Duringour final few days, the hotelmanagement took anevening to organize afarewell supper for us all. Wecame to the end of our daystogether richer for havingbeen together, with a clearerpicture of the chal lengesthat lie ahead, but most ofall with the conviction that,with God’s grace, we will beable to face them withcourage and creativity. The first group of travelersleft for home well beforedawn October 1st, and bythe end of that day almosteveryone had moved on fromNegombo. A few remainedfor one to several days formeetings or due to the na-ture of their travel plans. Bythe 7th of October, though,all Conference members withthe exception of our brotherswho call Sri Lanka home, haddeparted. On leaving the country my-self, I had only fond memo-ries of the warmth, hospitali-ty, and generosity of ourbrothers there and of theirfellow citizens. I, too, real-ized that I, like so many oth-ers, had a great deal to learnabout the region of Asia. A General Conference, ofcourse, is a lways a greatdeal more than a series ofpresentations or even a set

of plans for the future. At itsheart, any Conference mustbe an expression of faith, anexperience of hope, a reaffir-mation of our fraternity andpartnership with Marist laity,and of all that the founderhad in mind when hedreamed of founding an In-stitute of teaching brothers.God in His goodness broughtour Inst itute to birth in1817 and has given it lifefor a lmost two centur iesnow. As we look forward tothe 200th anniversary of ourInstitute, let us pledge our-selves to live the dream ofthat simple country priestand Marist Father, MarcellinChampagnat, who had thecourage and the persever-ance to found and establishus. And let us also alwayskeep in mind that we havecome together for missionand that that mission is veryclear: to make Jesus knownand loved among poor chil-dren and young people. May God continue to blessand keep you and to makeyou his own. May Mary andMarcellin be our constantcompanions today and dur-ing the days ahead.

Blessing and affection

December 2005 17


Asia, this is the challenge of the third millennium for the Church.(Ecclesia in Asia, 1)

December 2005 19

We asked the Leaders ofthe Congregation whatthey thought about theappropriateness andtimeliness of such a pro-posal. Provincials andDistrict Superiors were

nearly unanimous in approving the idea. Their thoughts and ob-servations will greatly help us turn this plan into reality, usingaims, ways and means more in line with the capabilities andconditions found in their Administrative Units. I think the philosophy behind the project as well as the way inwhich it was spelled out captivated the hearts and minds of allwho were members of this General Conference, and will becomean important part of our efforts to revitalize the Congregation.I’d like to share with all of you the main points of this philoso-phy and the principles underlying the project itself.

I. Philosophy of the projectAim

To assure that the Congregation will have a percentage of broth-ers in Asia and Provinces that, having been restructured, are inneed of additional members with the qualifications required tohelp these Units achieve their stated goals of viability and vi-tality. At the same time, to undertake a process for sending asignificant number of brothers on missions “ad gentes” on anannual basis, with the expectation that this will become an on-

Br. Luis García Sobrado

Vic

ar G

ener

al

General Council Commissions

The Mission “ad gentes” project

forthe years ahead

W ithin the frameworkof the 7th General

Conference, the GeneralCouncil introduced a Mis-sion “ad gentes” project tobe carried out in the com-ing years.

going practice, one that effectively promotes an internationaland multicultural dimension in all our Administrative Units.

Deepening insights and growing conviction

Behind this project lies a series of deepening insights and growingconviction, both on the part of the General Council and, I believe, ofa substantial number of brothers and lay Marists. Here are the per-ceptions and convictions that I consider to be most important:

1. The perception that an uninterruptedtradition of our mission “ad gentes,”dating back to the earliest days of theCongregation, has run out of steamthese days. At the same time funda-mental socio-religious changes overthe last fifty years have led to radicalshifts in the way we envision and im-plement the mission “ad gentes” inthe Church and Congregation. To citebut one example: If salvation can beattained “outside the Church,” what isthe purpose behind a mission “adgentes” today?

2. Our vision for putting the mission“ad gentes” into practice, as definedat our most recent General Chapter:“Choose life,” No.46

“The 20th General Chapter recommends:

– That Provinces of the same geographic region unite to launch, orcontinue, missionary outreach ”ad gentes.”

– That groups of Provinces, in agreement with the General Council, ini-tiate projects of Marist mission with their own government structures

– That Brothers be enabled to move easily from one Province to anotherfor the sake of projects of solidarity, evangelization and education.”

These lines in “Choose life” authenticate a new way to go about the mis-sion “ad gentes” in our Congregation. As I see things, the 1903 exodus ofBrothers from France, prompted by political developments, was a definingmoment that confirmed and intensified the international character of ourCongregation. This dynamic process was then further developed in a

20 FMS • Message 34

Br. Luis García SobradoGeneral Council Commissions

December 2005 21

planned and structured way using formation centresfor the missions, with programs such as those at St.Francis Xavier and Bairo. The 1967 General Chaptermade the responsibility of each Province to continuethis mission “ad gentes” program in the Congrega-tion, and without a doubt the last 40 years have giv-en rise to a host of new foundations with brothersand resources coming from many Provinces. This cy-cle is now winding down, and a new one – inter-provincial, regional and intercontinental – is startingup. At least in its initial stages, this new dynamicwould seem to need backing and coordination by theGeneral Administration.

3. The perception that some Provinces, recently re-structured, will not have the wherewithal toachieve their goals of increased vitality and via-bility unless brothers from other Provinces comein, men capable of effectively collaborating inpursuing those goals.

4. Pope John Paul II’s repeated exhortations concern-ing Asia, using passages like this one: “With theChurch throughout the world, the Church in Asiawill cross the threshold of the Third Christian Mil-

lennium marvelling at all that God has worked…and strong in the knowledge that just as in thefirst millennium the Cross was planted on the soilof Europe, and in the second on that of the Amer-icas and Africa, we can pray that in the ThirdChristian Millennium a great harvest of faith willbe reaped in this vast and vital continent." (Apos-tolic exhortation Ecclesia in Asia, No. 1).

5. The conviction that revitalizing the dimension ofour mission “ad gentes” will have a salutary ef-fect on the life and mission of every Province inthe Congregation.

6. The perception that the Encyclical RedemptorisMissio, in referring to a “new evangelization”,expresses the need for an evangelization inwhich multiculturalism plays a vital role.

7. Just as many Provinces have committed resourcesto the mission “ad gentes” over the last 40 years,so too, in a steady way, many brothers have feltcalled to work directly with our Superiors Generalin response to this mission. The reality is thatvery few of these brothers have been sent on spe-cific missions. When they have been, they’ve beenasked to get involved in well-defined missions andprojects, as was the well-known case of the fourmissionary brothers who were murdered in therefugee camp in Bugobe, in the former Zaire.

The General Council believes that now is the timeto become more proactive in helping these broth-ers discern God’s call and put it in practice. We

believe the number of brothers hearing this call will increase as timegoes by, and that little by little, sending brothers and lay people onmission on an annual basis will become a tradition that ensures the

presence of new Marist communitiesthroughout the Church and the world.

Two assumptions

First: Though we cannot predict thefuture, we can shape it through thedecisions we make and the steps wetake to implement them.

Second: We will accomplish our missionmore effectively if our projects arebased on and inspired by the fact thatwe are an international and multicultur-al Congregation. If not, we would bemerely a collection of independent Ad-ministrative Units with vistas quite bar-ren and confined. Only if we operatefrom sufficiently broad horizons, beyondpetty local concerns and interests, willwe be able to undertake the daring eval-uation of our works that the 20th Gen-eral Chapter invited us to do.

Context

This project can only be understood when seen in the context ofour Marist mission in its totality. Brother Seán, our beloved Su-perior General, is preparing his third circular on Marist identityand mission. I am sure it will help all of us gain a broader under-standing of this “ad gentes” project and place it at the heart ofour charism and Marist identity today. At all times the theme of vitality in our Marist life and missionserved as the backdrop for the 7th General Conference. Settingout with faith and hope on the mission ”ad gentes” project likethe one proposed at the Conference is a clear sign of our faith inthe future of our Marist life and mission. At the same time itmarks a logical step forward in what we’ve been discerning anddoing in the last few years, particularly the whole process of re-structuring. We are definitely convinced that this is a response tothe signs of the times.



In the Institute, the mission adgentes is a frontier apostolic

action: leaving your country to go to anotherin order to announce the Good News of Jesus.For us Marist Brothers who live the charismof Champagnat, it is a vocation within ourcommon consecrated vocation. The missionaryfire has been maintained and must bemaintained throughout all the history of ourInstitute. During the last sixteen years thenumber of missionaries ad gentes hasprogressively increased. The frontier places ofevangelisation await us. That is one of thechallenges of our Institute today!

Br. José Antonio RuizDistrict Superior of West Africa

December 2005 23

II. Strategic plan for a mission ad gentes project 2006 - 2009

These numbers seem to indicate

– That Provinces did very goodwork in our Mission “ad gentes,”maintaining sites and openingnew missionary areas after International Centres for the Missions were closed.

– That, as time passed, Provincesfound it increasingly difficult to send Brothers under the ageof 50 to Mission “ad gentes”projects

– That the Congregation still has a window of opportunityto revitalize this importantdimension of its life and mission.

2. Personnel required

A coordinator for the project: Office of the Vicar General

A formation Team: Director, Assistant Director, Administrator

Visitor(s): One or two brothers working full-time, delegates ofBrother Superior General. The team and visitor(s)would work closely with the Vicar General. They wouldbelong to the General Administration community.

MISSIONARY BROTHERSYear Missionaries Av. Age1989 553 51,371990 556 52,201991 563 52,801992 566 53,631993 569 54,451994 571 55,341995 574 56,151996 575 57,091997 576 58,041998 576 59,041999 576 60,042000 577 60,982001 583 61,602002 588 62,282003 595 62,822004 596 63,76

Brothers Agein the Institute group

65 20

238 25

204 30

203 35

187 40

227 45

253 50

386 55

375 60

453 65

500 70

TOTAL 3091

GoalAn operative plan for

sending a significant numberof brothers on mission,

every year, to Asia and Marist Provinces inneed of assistance.

Priorities in terms of mission ➤ Asia

➤ Restructured Provinces that need help in terms of viability and vitality

➤ Promoting international participation in “ad gentes” projects.

1. Seeking to learn a lesson from recent statistics

Role:a. Establishing contact and visiting bishops, civil authorities,

and Marist Provincials and District Superiors.

b. Gathering the information needed to help discern and definethe actual project that the missionaries will launch or join.

c. Doing the necessary paperwork to facilitate the assignment ofnew missionaries.

d. Accompanying and keeping in touch with the new missionarybrothers for at least during the first year.

3. Drawing up lists on an annual basis

– The Superior General would write a letter inviting brothers tovolunteer for the Mission “ad gentes.” *

– In dialogue with a Provincial/District Superior, the SuperiorGeneral would extend a personal invitation to brothers who,although they may not have volunteered earlier, seem to bequalified to serve in a “new presence” in our Mission “adgentes.”



* At the present time, there are 38 Brothers

on the “Ad gentes” list. Each has taken

the initiative to write to Brother Superior General.

December 2005 25

4. Discerning and selecting

– Step one: Conversing by letter/phone/E-mail (Superior General, Vicar General)

– Step two: Receiving recommendations fromProvincials/District Superiors

– Step three: Providing six months of accom-paniment, formation, and personal andgroup discernment

– The Vicar, the visitor(s), and the Directorof the Team hold discussions to develop atentative list of appointments.

– Brother Superior General sends brothers ontheir Mission assignment for an initial pe-riod of three years.

5. Session for formation and discernment

In charge: Vicar General and Formation Team.

Duration: Six months.

Contents:

➤ Core courses in Mission studies, MissionarySpirituality, Cultural Anthropology, etc.

➤ A program geared to entering more deeply in-to the process of personal development, withcounselling to help the individual find waysto become more aware of his weaknesses,learn how to overcome them, and deal withsolitude and loneliness in cultural and rela-tional situations during the early years, etc.

➤ A community-life program that fosters afraternal atmosphere, conflict resolutionin community, and an appreciation ofmulticultural realities, etc.

➤ Personal accompaniment aimed at rein-forcing one’s spiritual growth, prayer life,progress in faith, etc.

Objective: When the session ends, Brother Superior Gen-eral, the Formation Team, and the brother in-volved should reach a conclusion about thegenuineness of the brother’s call to a Mission“ad gentes,” the nature of the apostolate bestsuited to his qualities and experience, and hisassignment for an initial period of three years.

Language:

➤ English.

➤ Main reason: It’s the language most com-monly used for communications in Asia,and the best-known second language forbrothers younger than 40 years old.

➤ English-to-Spanish translation would beprovided if necessary.

Place: The Philippines.

➤ Reasons: It’s an Asian country with a strongCatholic presence; the availability of per-sonnel and facilities at a reasonable cost.

➤ Rented sites.

➤ Easy to relocate after three or four years if necessary..

Alternative sites: Sri Lanka; Rome.

Funding

➤ Flight arrangements :

Departure – Province of origin or Region.

Return flight – Province of assignment or Region.

➤ Housing and matriculation:

1/3 General Administration.

1/3 Province of assignment.

1/3 Outside resources.



December 2005 27

7. Calendar

8. Initiation

➤ The brother spends six months in the Ad-ministrative Unit or Region where he willbe on mission for the following three years.

➤ This is a time for him to deepen his know-ledge of the culture and language, meetbrothers, and envision living in his futurecommunity before being assigned to aspecific ministry and community.

CALENDAR GROUP A GROUP B GROUP C GROUP D GROUP E(20 – 30) (20 – 30) (20 – 30) (20 – 30) (20 – 30)

Jan – Jun 2006 Learning/improving English

Jul – Dec 2006 Formation program Learning/improving English

Jan – Jun 2007 Initiation period Formation program Learning/improving English

Jul – Dec 2007 Initiation period Formation program Learning/improving English

Jan – Jun 2008 Initiation period Formation program Learning/improving English

Jul – Dec 2008 Initiation period Formation program

Jan – Jun 2009 Initiation period

Our ministry may wear different faces in various parts of our world today, but at its heart remains the gospel mandate to make Jesus Christ known and loved.

(Seán Sammon, Life-giving Leadership, p. 27)

December 2005 29

In your comments, youconcentrate in a specialway on the theme ofMarist mission, knowingthat I had a special partin the animation of thisday: thank you. I amhappy that you liked theway I started my reflec-tion by showing faces ofchildren and young peo-ple from the five conti-nents that benefit from a

Marist education. The diversity of problematic situations thatthe Institute must face in these moments of our history, as wellas the increase in our average age, could make us turn inwards,as if the only important question was about our survival. Thesereal faces remind us that we were born for them, and that inthem we find the raison d’être of our mission. Knowing that some 100 million children live on the street; thatmore than 120 million do not have any schooling or that morethan half of the world’s children suffer serious hardships due towar, poverty or AIDS (more than 1,000 million)… we return toreality and we remember where the real needs are for us. Needs that the latest General Chapters gathered together insuch documents as “In the footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat –A Vision for Marist Education Today”. The Spirit speaks to us,like the young lad to Father Champagnat, through the greatneeds of today’s children and young people. You yourself, Phillip, said to me in your letter that “there are

Br. Emili Turú

Gen

eral

Cou

ncil

Mission Commission

Different faces for one

single mission

D ear Phillip,I want to respond to-

day to the letter that yousent me some weeks ago,with your reactions to whatyou were reading about theprogress of the GeneralConference. Thank you foryour great interest in the lifeof our Institute, as well asthe sincerity of your sharedreflection.

answers that cannot wait”. I am not sure if you knew that, as apreparation for the Conference, we sent a survey to all theProvincial Councils on the application of the main calls of the XXGeneral Chapter. Now, I must tell you that all were unanimous inaffirming that solidarity must be at the heart of our Marist mis-sion. As well they recognised great advances in this area, thathave brought more vitality to the Provinces; moving to new mis-sion areas; starting new projects; more sensitivity; growth in theintroduction of social programmes in schools, etc. With all ofthis, the majority recall that there is still a long way to go…You ask me about the reflection initiated by the General Councilon the Marist mission during the Conference. I must say that,

faithful to the documents that we have leftwith each of the Provinces that we have vis-ited during the last four years, we keep find-ing the following recurring topics: :

Visibility of our collective commitment

It is not enough to write beautiful docu-ments to express our priorities. These priori-ties must be clearly visible and easily per-ceived. Visibility: how do others see us?What do they say about us? What character-istics of ours are recognised? As well, anoth-er question is addressed perhaps to our-selves: Basically by which characteristics dowe want to be identified?That seems to me to be a profound question,addressing itself not only to what we do butalso to who we are. Even though this is a longquotation, I want to share a text with you byJoan Chittister that seems to me to be signif-icant: “We count today among the most in-structed groups of the world and our members

have a great professional visibility, while our congregations are be-coming nearly totally invisible… As long as we do not channel ourcorporate energy vis-à-vis the social problems of the world, by in-forming the people of their importance, by pushing for change andby incarnating new responses by our lives, it will still be valid andnecessary to question ourselves on our reasons for staying togeth-er. A congregation without a corporate commitment has nothingfor which to form its members. Why invite people to join us if wehave no aim? (The fall of the temple: a call to formation).


Br. Emili TurúMission Commission

Our future journey moveson through an effort to

clarify our identity, to make our Maristbeing and acting more visible, to live ourvocation of brother in the Church withthe laity, to redefine our apostolicspirituality, to update our educationaland evangelising mission at the service of the most neglected children and young people, and to search for a style of community life rooted in our charismatic origins and open to the challenges of the culture of our young people of today.

Br. Xavier BarcelóProvincial of l’Hermitage

December 2005 31

Call to be More daring in our optionsAs you remember, Phillip, at the end of the visitof the General Council to your Province, one ofthe recommendations that we made was not tobe afraid of increasing your service to childrenand young people who are the most neglected.We have made similar recommendations to manyother Provinces: May we always grow in quanti-ty and/or quality in this direction indicated tous by the XX General Chapter!

We have the document “In the footsteps ofMarcellin Champagnat – A Vision for MaristEducation Today”: “Our preference is to bewith those who are excluded from the main-stream of society, and those whose materialpoverty leads them to be deprived also in re-lation to health, family life, schooling and ed-ucation in values. We recognise in this lovefor all young people, and especially for thepoor, the essential identifying marks of ourMarist mission.” (54-55)In this case also, our “preferences” must bevisible and assessable. No matter the domainwhere we develop the Marist mission (school,university, centres of non-formal education,etc.) it must be CLEAR that we have a prefer-ence for underprivileged children and youngpeople: criteria for admission and of selec-tion, accompaniment, personal attention,adapted study plans, programmes of integra-tion, etc.But collectively, as a Province, we can also mea-sure what are our preferences. Here are some cri-teria: usage of our economic resources, the num-ber of educational works in “normal” areas ormarginalised areas, the number of brothers whoare dedicated to these different Marist works, etc.

We received this message twelve years ago: “All the Brothers of the In-stitute are involved in this call to solidarity. However, it is not possiblefor all to express it in the same way. Following each Province’s ex-pressed option for the poor, some Brothers are called to work directlywith the poor. Some are also called to live like the poor in a way thatallows us to speak of a real preferential option. All Brothers, whereverthey might be, know the call to work for the poor and to organise theirlives and their apostolates from the perspective of the poor.This is the hour for us to accept, decisively and unequivocally, theevangelical call for solidarity.” (XIX General Chapter, Solidarity 19-20).

Invitation to be Creativein EvangelisationI know Phillip that this subject is particularly dear to you. For severalyears, your work in youth ministry has made you look for the best wayof sharing the Gospel with children and young people. The same thinghas occurred in many Provinces of our Institute, even though theword evangelise has very different connotations depending on thecontext where it is pronounced. Our stay in Asia reminded us of that.



December 2005 33

Let me quote once more from “In the footsteps ofMarcellin Champagnat – A Vision for Marist Edu-cation Today”: “Following Marcellin Champagnatwe seek to be apostles to youth, evangelisingthrough our life and our presence among them aswell as through our teaching: neither simply cat-echists, nor just teachers of secular subjects. Edu-cation in its broadest sense is our field of evan-gelising: in school settings, in other pastoral andsocial programmes, and in less formal contacts.In all of these, we offer an holistic education,drawing on the Christian vision of the human per-son and of human development.” (75-76) I must tell you that I admire the efforts that aredeployed in certain parts of the Institute to tryto adapt to the new needs of children and youngpeople. On the other hand, there are some whogive the impression that they have alreadythrown in the towel. Generation differences, lackof formation, growing secularism in societies andthe indifference among youth have not alwaysbeen taken as challenges and an invitation to becreative. Isn’t it true sometimes that you wouldlike to give up the struggle?

Invitation to Create management structures adapted to new realitiesI will not insist too much on this point, Phillip,because I have the impression that you are a littleallergic to “management structures”, but it seemsto me to be an important aspect since, even if wesay that it “is for others” we use them as such asan institution. Besides, the structures must alsobe adapted to evangelical principles and reveal inan efficient way the criteria that motivate us. A few days ago, a friend shared with me the ex-perience of his father who had built up a smallfamily business during the 1980s. Through theyears, this small business grew, increased its pro-duction and the number of its employees. Theproblem is that his father still wants to run thebusiness as it was twenty years ago; he is over-burdened by a reality that he no longer controls.

Does the example sound familiar? I have the im-pression that that has happened in many of oureducational institutions. It is not only a matterof using new techniques of management thatmake the work simpler and more efficient, but itis a matter especially of adapting our structuresto the new reality of the “shared mission” withthe laity. In effect, the majority presence oflaypeople in our educational works demands atype of participation based on confidence, clarityof roles and of responsibilities, and in accordwith that which our documents say when wespeak of co-responsibility.On the other hand, the reality of restructuredProvinces or Provinces that are complicated due

to the number of their works and their geographic expanse shows usthat, unless there exists a good management model of educationalworks, the Provincial and his Council are overburdened with work, orthe attention that should be given to these works is neglected, withthe danger of finding oneself in a short amount of time faced with ir-reversible situations.

Importance of The internationality of the Institute

I remember that in another of your letters, you quoted a sentencefrom the letter of convocation to the General Conference: “We havebeen an international Institute for over a century, but we have notalways acted like one.”I assure you that this aspect of internationality is one of the greatest

riches that I have felt throughout these lastfour years. It is true that restructuring hashelped us to think with a more extended men-tality, but it seems to me that we still act ac-cording to “local” criteria. Some emphasise thedifficulties of internationality: cultural and lin-guistic differences, costly travelling, etc. I be-lieve that we must accept as normal such in-conveniences that are inherent in the richnessof diversity.Although it is a slow journey, we are putting inplace structures of collaboration and supportfor the Marist mission, at the continental andintercontinental levels, and the experience isvery positive. May we continue this journey inthe future!I will finish this letter that today as beenlonger than usual. But I believe that the cir-cumstances merited it.I end by alluding to the last comment of yourletter, where you said that in your Provincethere continues to be a certain tension betweenthose whose Marist mission is in a school andthose whose mission is elsewhere. This is also asituation that troubles me, Phillip. What uselessfights we have! Don’t you agree? We must al-ways return to “In the footsteps of MarcellinChampagnat – A Vision for Marist Education To-day” where the approach is clear: one single



At the VII GeneralConference, we listened

once more to the calls that have comefrom Marcellin’s dream: shared missionwith the laity, preference for the leastfavoured and commitment to evangelisethrough education. We want to form and invite co-workersof our educational works to respond in a more resolute way to the evangelisation of the poorest. We are confident that in taking thispathway, though it is longer and moredemanding, we will realise the great dream of Champagnat and that our hearts will burn more fervently.

Br. Víctor M. Preciado R.Provincial of México Occidental

December 2005 35

mission, which is concretised in different aspectsand domains of action. We are all necessary andcomplementary. It would be marvellous if we didnot waste a single minute on internal struggles,and if we dedicated all our energy to the pressingmission that has been confided to us among chil-dren and young people, especially those in mostneed, each one giving the best of himself.Dear confrere, I wish you all the best. May theLord give us the gift of authenticity! I cannot re-sist offering you a text from Thomas Mertonwhich had an influence on me yesterday: “If youwant to know who I am, do not ask me where Ilive or what I like to eat or how I do my hair.Rather ask me about what I live, with all its de-tails, and ask me whether I try to dedicate my-self to living fully what I want to live.”Thank you, once more, for your confidence andsincerity. May you have a lot of enthusiasm inyour mission with young people! Don’t you feelit is more current than ever before?

My greetings to the brothers.

We are called to be a searing presence in our world.

(Seán Sammon, Marvellous Companions, p. 42)

December 2005 37

Some Provincials sharedwith us the hope raisedby young men who areasking to share our life.Often these candidatesshow up after severalyears with no novices orpostulants. We alsoshared thoughts on thepositive action raised bythe Year of Vocations in

different parts of the Institute. In the course of these ex-changes there was a general feeling that, as Institute and asProvinces, we can do more in the field of cultivating vocations.And in spite of the diversity of Provinces, there was a consensusin favour of a vision which we call “a culture of vocation.” I’vechosen this theme for the present reflection.A culture of vocation is a very common expression in today’slanguage. It states a need for evangelization in depth. Christianunderstanding of vocation in general has declined. In certainmilieux, to speak of a call from God, especially to the vocationof consecrated life, is interpreted as a relic from a bygoneworld. Convinced that God continues to call, the Church invitesconsecrated religious to mobilize and analyse the causes of thischange in mentality and to reformulate the experience of a callfrom God in a way more adapted to today’s language and reali-ties. In fact, more than to reflection, the Church invites us toawaken in its bosom a culture of vocation. Every Christian fami-ly is invited to contribute to this vision, each according to itspossibilities and its role in the Church.

Br. Théoneste Kalisa

Gen

eral

Cou

ncil

Vocation Ministry Commission

On a Culture of Vocation

The theme of vocationsraised keen interest

among the participants inthe 2005 General Confer-ence in Negombo. Facedwith the weakening of thesense of vocation in the lifeof the Brothers, the partici-pants expressed their con-cern.

It is a matter of profound engagement in a work of long duration.The charism of a Christian educator of youth makes our Insti-tute and each Brother a privileged partner in this work. Daily

contact with youth gives us the opportunityto share with them the Christian vision ofthe world and a culture which springs fromGospel values. The Church’s call to create a culture of vo-cation is the answer to our Institute’s pre-occupation with the feelings of the Broth-ers and lay Marists on the matter of voca-tion in general and that of a Marist Brotherin particular.In the following lines we share with youone possible way of understanding andparticipating in bringing about a culture ofvocation.

A culture of Vocation and EvangelizationA culture of vocation is an essential dimen-sion of our faith and evangelizing mission.Jesus has a specific personal relation, ex-pectation and invitation with respect toevery human being. This specific expecta-tion and invitation which Jesus shows withrespect to all is a personal vocation. It isaberrant to think of our faith and evange-

lization without a culture of vocation. The invitation to devel-op a culture of vocation is in fact an invitation to restore theChurch and evangelization in their true reality. For us religious, it is also a call to rediscover the true natureof our existence. It is particularly fortunate to be able to asso-ciate the culture of vocation with the openness to missionwhich was expressed during the General Conference. The culture of vocation has always been at the origin of thegreat missionary élans. The two complement each other to ex-press the strong feeling that God calls us all and gives us all arole in His work of evangelization.

The big question asked by all is without a doubt:

How to promote a culture of vocation in our Brothers, our com-munities, and in all those we work with side by side in our apos-tolate?


Br. Théoneste KalisaVocation Ministry Commission

The discussion at the 7th General Conference

reaffirmed the importance of VocationMinistry for the institute. The celebrationof the vocation year has focused theinstitute on the importance of vocationsfor our future. It is an issue that needs to remain at the forefront of efforts inthe various administrative units. It is essential that we continue to findnew and innovative ways of attractingyoung men to join us in our mission to evangelise young people and children,particularly those most in need.

Br. Ken McDonaldDistrict Superior Leader of Melanesia

December 2005 39

In our communitiesIt is urgent to see the sense of God’s callrekindled vigorously in our Brothers and com-munities. That is also what “Vitality” is forthe Institute. In certain parts of the world theinfluence of the surrounding milieu has fin-ished by blunting the sense of the Presence ofGod under the form of the call He addresses toeach of us. The experience of living in religious communi-ty structures without feeling the call of Godhas spread. To revitalize a culture of vocationwe have to work on three levels of culture ingeneral.

The level of forms

The culture of vocation, like all culture, has tobe expressed through forms. These forms canbe material objects: tools, works of art, sym-bols, etc. Forms can also be visible practiceslike a specific vocabulary, ways of relating,body language, etc. In the past certain groups developed theseforms to an extreme. Perhaps this is why re-jecting these forms has also been extreme. Weneed to rediscover forms proper to Marist cul-ture. They are a necessary support for our cul-ture of vocation.

It is up to each Province to act with discern-ment and draw from its Marist treasure in gen-eral what it needs for its vitality today.

The level of functions

Different cultural forms are linked by function-al relations. Each form finds its explanation inthe others. Why do we do this? Why don’t wedo this? What does this symbol mean? In aMarist community the members, especially theyoungest, need to understand the nature ofthe relations between the forms which consti-tute the specific context of their life. That’sthe apprenticeship in Marist culture. Recenthistorical studies on the origins of the Insti-tute have helped us answer this need. Butthere is still a lot of work to do for the Broth-ers to understand and incorporate their historyand the culture of their vocation.

The level of depth

Depth psychology here is the locus of our his-torical motivation. It’s the locus of the greatfoundational emotions. These are essential to developing and benefit-ing to the utmost from the profound emotion-al experiences of our origins. They are essen-tial to the real feeling of belonging and to a

common mission. When this feeling is profound the Brothers havea stronger sense of their vocation and are enthusiastic in invitingyoung men in. They are convinced that there is an experience of

God which gives us the mission to live it, todeepen it and perpetuate it. The culture ofvocation is here precisely. Champagnat was a practical man! But we’vesaid it so often that we’ve lost the mysticalrichness of his spiritual experience, which isnonetheless great and necessary for us. Thevision of a culture of vocation is an opportu-nity to open our eyes to this aspect of ourFounder. On the level of depth psychology a culture ofvocation bases itself and blends with Christ-ian wisdom, a wisdom which actively aban-dons itself to God. It’s the wisdom and themystique of Father Champagnat; a man whowas active, realistic, calculating, and at thesame time at peace, totally opened andabandoned to God, always ready to receiveHis surprises. This attitude is certainly a far-off ideal forthe young, but it can be suggested to ourolder Brothers. An attitude of thanksgivingfor the gift received and openness to thewisdom of Jesus give the culture of vocationa depth and a force which cannot be ac-quired otherwise.

Face to facewith the YoungCulture in general can be seen as the firstpath that God points out to us to walk to-wards Him. It includes the education offeredand the values handed on to the cominggenerations. At the same time a culture ofvocation gives young people a context forgrowth which, on the one hand, allows themto experience God calling, and which, on theother, accompanies them in their search andwill to answer existentially. Later, a direct invitation to open oneself upto the service of God in the consecrated lifewill find good welcoming soil.


Br. Théoneste KalisaVocation Ministry Commission

A true sign of vitality for theinstitute is when

the individual Brothers become more pre-occupied with the building of Gods kingdom rather than protectingand satisfying his personal needs.Thus, my reflection during the GeneralConference in Sri Lanka is on the challengegiven by Archbishop Fernando when he cited Mahatma Gandhi that it was onlywhen he donned the home spun cloth and took to the street as a poor man thatthe masses of India followed him. The same story can be told about MotherTeresa of Calcutta and Francis of Assisi.For the young people to be attracted to our way of life is simple. Live anauthentic life. It can only happen when we follow Christ who said, Blessed are the poor for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Br. Manuel V. de Leon, Provincial of the Philippines

December 2005 41

The witness of adults who have properly inte-grated the values of vocation is essential forthis twofold work. Today’s youth are facedwith a very trying social milieu. They aresearching for their way through numerous anddeep contradictions. In this world poor in human references theyneed people towards whom to turn in order tofeel strengthened in their struggle. The rela-tion with religious well “inculturated” in theirvocation, a welcome into peaceful religiouscommunities praying and living the values oftheir charism, these give young people thesupport and encouragement they need somuch. The simplicity and depth of Jesus’ mes-sage asks them questions and reassures them.They are then able to discern.Youth today also need signs. It is striking tosee how the young decorate the places theyoccupy. The walls are full of pictures, snap-shots, signs, paintings, etc. There’s reason tobelieve that in all of this they are looking fora symbol that will help them focus their ener-gy and choose a path. Our culture of vocationhas the duty to be visible in that world, brim-ming over with everything, where the youngare looking for their way.Finally, let’s highlight that the young are notpassive consumers. In their apprenticeship ofa culture of vocation they also contribute toits growth. They question, critique, challenge,etc. Regular meetings with the young provide

consecrated adults an opportunity to open upand clarify their thinking. And from the dia-logue thus established is born a most impor-tant structure for a culture of vocation: apartnership between the consecrated religiousand the young.

ConclusionThe Year of Vocations has been a very positiveawakening and reaction in the Institute. Butthe question which arises is: After the Year ofVocations, what then? It would be naïve tohope for a clear, ready-made answer. The trueanswer is the creativity of each of us to followup the élan which we have all seen. The callto develop a culture of vocation is general inthe Church. For us, it means also that the enthusiasm ofthe Marist Year of Vocations is not a flash inthe pan. It is, rather, the awakening of a pro-found force which, on occasion, can sleep in-side us. Let’s stay in the fray. Henceforth, may our plans and actions for vo-cations ministry follow a broad and profoundvision which reaches to the depths of our his-tory and our charism, and which is relevant intoday’s world.

Our greatest resource as an Institute is our brothers and lay partners.

(Seán Sammon, A time for decision making!, p. 7)

December 2005 43

The topic of formation,from its initial phase,touches the life of allour Brothers and pre-sents us with the chal-lenge of accompanying

the person in all his complexity so that he can live in continu-ous development and therefore, be equipped to deal with differ-ent crises in the course of his life. We now present the mainideas discussed by the General Conference with reference to Ini-tial and Ongoing Formation.

Initial FormationWe shared and meditated on the strengths and challenges thathave been perceived in initial formation during the visits of theGeneral Council, carried out in the course of the last threeyears.

Strengths perceived during the visits

• Generally, there is perceived in the Administrative Units avery positive effort to offer a solid formation, dedicating thenecessary human and financial resources.

• Among those in formation, a great desire exists to learnabout and to live the Marist charism.

• Those in charge of formation carry out their mission with en-thusiasm, hope, devotion, dedication and closeness with those

Br. Antonio Ramalho

Gen

eral

Cou

ncil

Religious Life Commission

Continuoushuman growth

andconversion

“The vitality of our reli-gious family and its fi-

delity to its mission depend,to a great extent, on theformation of its members"(C 95).

in formation. There is a growing consciousness of teamwork. • In some Regions of the Institute, they are carrying out a

process of unifying approaches in the work of formation amongthe teams at different stages.

• More and more care is being taken to offer a suitable and per-sonalised formation, mainly through personal accompaniment.

• More and more effort is being put into offering a formationthat tries to adapt and be more closely involved in the social,cultural and religious reality of the country.

• We find that, at the level of the Institute, a proposal for aNovitiate has been achieved with a good level of unity of for-mative approaches in relation to the objective of this stage.

• In many houses of formation the favoured method is the trainingin and practice of prayer based on Marist Apostolic Spirituality.

Challenges in the Initial Formation

The challenges are grouped in seven core themes.The first three had been pointed out by BrotherSeán in his letter of convocation "Life-givingLeadership" and the Commission of Religious Lifeproposed four more. We present them now, in-cluding a synthesis of the contributions from thereflection groups during the Conference.

a) The programmes of theological forma-tion (Religious Identity). Brother Seánmentions that we "need to have a completeprogramme that prepares our young Brothersto be today heralds of the Word of God."(p.19). There are several cases where theload of academic-pedagogic studies is suchthat it does not allow enough space for reli-gious-theological studies. The reflectiongroup suggested: that the Brothers be offeredthe opportunity to have a revitalising experi-

ence in their apostolate to prepare to BE and to DO what is char-acteristic of Marist religious; to ensure in the Post-Novitiate aprogramme of consistent Theological Formation; to identify futureformators and to offer them theological preparation.

b) The influence of the human sciences in the formationprocess. Brother Seán points out that there are different opinions,for example... in what influence the human sciences should have inthe formation process (p. 18). In the Institute, there are formativeexperiences which clearly underline some aspects which do not


Br. Antonio RamalhoReligious life Commission

It was an enrichingexperience to know from

this General Conference that there weresome developing movements in the styleof our formation. Emerging from thetraditional style of formation and gettingmore sense of the reality of the poorsurely touches Marist ApostolicSpirituality. Our new brothers will growspiritually with a sense of the realexperience of the people and their ownresponsibility as Marist Brothers.

Br. John Vianney KimDistrict Superior of Korea

December 2005 45

favour balanced integration. At times, this situ-ation has caused strong disagreements aboutapproaches to formation programmes, eitheramong the same formation teams, or with theBrothers of the Province or District. The workgroup suggested carrying out an evaluation ofthe work of those in charge of formation; to ex-change information among the houses and with-in the Province; to revise the programmes witha view to responding to the necessities of to-day’s youth; to offer a course which would havea unified vision of the accompaniment process;to deepen the study of the Formation Guide ofthe Institute, with a view to enriching it,proposing some changes, if necessary.

c) The location of the houses of formation.Brother Seán also pointed out that "the loca-tion of the houses of formation is very oftenanother question that has brought about greatdifferences of opinion, inside the same Provinceor District" and he insists that the momenthas arrived to hold a complete evaluation ofour new formation programme, with a view to

reinforcing its positive aspects and to makingthe necessary adjustments” (pp. 19-20). Thework group suggested considering the locationof each formation house as an aid to develop-ing such formative values as the simple life,closeness to the poorest, personal prayer, vi-sion of society from the standpoint of thepeople; to consider the location based on theobjective of each stage of formation; to helpthe Province to understand the sense of thechanges that are being carried out.

d) Ensuring the continuity of the proposal onformation. Sometimes there is a lack of connec-tion between youth-vocational ministry and thepre-Novitiate stages. It is also a fact that thenovices come from different postulancies havingfollowed very diverse programmes. The same thingapplies in some post-Novitiates whose novicescome from different Novitiates. The reflectiongroup offered the following suggestions: to ensurethat continuity exists in the accompaniment; tobe vigilant that, in the Region, the FormationGuide continues to be the inspirational document

of the formation plans; that the Province assures the existence of acommission of formation based on the structure of provincial anima-tion; to promote meetings among those who are in charge of forma-

tion at the different stages of formation.

e) Post-Novitiate 1: Coordination of studiesand apostolic activities with the life ofprayer and of community - Duration of thepost-Novitiate 1. Frequently, professionalpreparation is emphasised, to the detriment ofreligious formation. Or, there exists an apos-tolic compromise which makes it very difficultfor the post-Novitiate Brother to further hisacademic studies. He very easily begins to ne-glect his times of personal prayer and his com-munity commitments. At this stage, new crisesusually arise. On the other hand, in the Insti-tute, at the moment there are structures forpost-Novitiate 1 which are very varied in form,duration and study programmes. How can it beensured that the time of three years foreseenfor the Constitutions - for this first stage – isgranted with the aim of consolidating certainprocesses of growth in the post-NovitiateBrother? The reflection group suggested: giventhe particular character of the Post-Novitiate 1stage, marked by certain tensions, to assure anappropriate preparation for those in charge offormation; to offer the Brothers communitieswhich are appropriate and prepared for thisstage; to favour a healthy and balanced inte-gration between the young apostle's profes-sional necessities and the continuity of reli-gious formation, with a view to building theiridentity as a Marist religious.

f) Post-Novitiate 2. Many young Brothers arefinding great difficulty with the transition tothe apostolic entrance into communities. The

personal and community accompaniment is presented in weak form.Frequently, the Brother carries a work overload that makes it easy toneglect his community life and prayer. It can become a type oftiring activism that causes him to lose the sense of his consecra-tion. The group suggested: that the Brother Provincial or the DistrictSuperior should help to keep alive the vision of the Province, moti-vating the young men with a proposal of life and mission; to be vig-ilant that candidates with certain problems should solve them in the



The input and conversation concerning

Ongoing Formation reminded me of the Provincial’s important role in animating the lives of the individualbrothers and their communities.Providing worthwhile opportunities for Ongoing Formation is a critical part of this responsibility. In addition, the Course for CommunityAnimators held in Nemi this past spring has the potential to encourage Ongoing Formation by providing animators with the skills and insights to assistcommunity leaders. Consequently, I hope that each of our communities will be more able to bring the ideas stressed by Brother Sean Sammon in his circular,Marvelous Companions, to life.

Br. John Klein Provincial of the United States of America

December 2005 47

early formative stages; maintain communicationwith the community animators to support themin their task of accompanying the young Broth-ers; offer them opportunities to prepare for theirperpetual vows; encourage meetings among theyoung Brothers.

g) The topic of formation and cultures. Thethematic core around formation and culture (orcultures), is presented under different forms andchallenges. We are having more and more hous-es of formation in which we assist in forminggroups which come from different countries andwhere the interculture is strongly present. We re-ceive young men coming from rural areas orfrom urban or semi-urban areas. There exist inthe Institute some schemes that have looked toassist in the formation of young people comingfrom indigenous areas. We can also see forma-tion and culture in relation to the different gen-erations that exist in the Institute. The reflec-tion group suggested establishing and preparinggood formation teams to pay special attentionto the topic of cultures and to promote the eval-uation of the formative programmes; to continuethe aims of inculturation of our charism in theindigenous areas and in the suburban areas.

Ongoing FormationRegarding Ongoing Formation, it was proposedthat there be some reflection on topics emanat-ing from the XX General Chapter and on themeans used by the General Council and theProvinces for their animation. These now follow:

Animation of the first two calls of the General ChapterFor the General Council, the animation of thefirst two calls of the XX General Chapter has beena high-priority topic. During the visits carriedout to the Administrative Units from 2002 to2005, Brother Seán and his Council accompaniedRetreats based on the Calls of the Chapter.Brother Seán launched his first Circular to theInstitute on the topic of spirituality, the secondon community, followed by a third on the Maristmission. The Commission on Religious Life wasformed with the objective of supporting the workof the General Council and of the AdministrativeUnits in the animation of the religious life of theBrothers and communities, favouring structures

and support teams for initial and ongoing formation, and for the ac-companiment of Brothers and communities in their process ofgrowth, according to the first two calls of the XX General Chapter.

Courses of spiritual renewal

A discussion took place concerning the courses of ongoing formation(spirituality, third age) that are usually carried out in Manziana and inEl Escorial, for the English, Spanish and Portuguese languages and, dur-ing 2005, in French. The Brothers Provincial said that these courses are

impacting in a very positive way on the partici-pants, as much for the opportunity for personalrenewal as for the experience of an internationalcommunity that favours the exchange and thewidening of horizons.

Courses for community animators

There was a discussion about the courses thatwere recently organized in answer to the XXGeneral Chapter asking us to facilitate and es-tablish a formation programme of animation (cfMessage, 48.3). Forty-seven Brothers participat-ed, coming from almost all of the AdministrativeUnits. Sixteen attended the course in Nemi(English), fifteen attended the first one carriedout in El Escorial and sixteen a second (both inSpanish-Portuguese). The courses were dedicat-ed to Brothers who would collaborate with theBrother Provincial in the task of animation ofthe local Superiors, creating support pro-grammes for that purpose. The Brothers Provin-cial and District Superiors pointed out the posi-

tive impact of these courses and how they are carrying out the conti-nuity of favouring the formation of the local community animators.

Course for Formation of those in charge of formation, Nairobi 2005-2006, and “Building the future together” The Commission spoke of the course for those in charge of forma-tion that is being carried out in Nairobi, with the object of sup-porting the area of initial formation. They wished to give to the



I believe that a favourablelook at the on-going

formation questions presented at theGeneral Conference can help us to solveproblems that appear in our lives. If each of us resolutely seeks that whichcontributes to the fostering of personalgrowth and to helping others, we will be more faithful and our vitalitywill increase. We will feel happier and that will be like a flash of light that strengthens our own beautifulMarist vocation.

Br. João GutembergDistrict Superior of Amazônia

December 2005 49

course a participatory and practical focus thatwill allow each Brother to grow as a personand interiorize Jesus' centrality in their life,and it will facilitate practical resources for hisfuture task of being in charge of formation.The basic ideas are studied on Marist forma-tion according to the Constitutions and theFormation Guide, with a style adapted for ourtime. Seventeen Brothers from different Ad-ministrative Units are taking part.

Animation of Spirituality

Networks of Marist Apostolic Spirituality. Dur-ing the Conference, a dialogue took place onthe topic of animation of Marist ApostolicSpirituality. It shared the experiences in thedifferent regions and offered some hints forthe future. We realise that we are presentedwith the challenge of implementing together(the Administrative Units, the General Council,the Commission) the most appropriate meansto continue encouraging the area of MaristApostolic Spirituality in the Institute, lookingfor the best adaptation to the reality of eachRegion. On another occasion, a session wasdevoted to demonstrating the advances madein the production of the Document on Spiritu-ality requested by the General Chapter andwhich is being worked on by an internationalgroup for two years. A first draft will be pro-duced in 2006.

Programmes of Ongoing Formation in the Administrative UnitsWe also took time to share the experiences ofOngoing Formation that are carried out in theProvinces and Districts in an ordinary way.There was a brief sharing on some programmesthat are being carried out and also on the im-portance of favouring the “ordinary means” offormation (cf. C 110).

ConclusionThe invitation of the XX General Chapter to centreour life in Jesus, living in continuous human growthand conversion is a daily process which touches thedepth of our religious consecration. Formation, bothInitial and Ongoing, plays a major part in thisprocess. Starting from the dialogues held during theGeneral Conference, the Religious Life Commissionwill continue looking for the appropriate means tosupport the Provinces and Districts in the service ofanimation of the consecrated life of the Brothersand communities. The reflection and sharing on thetopic of Formation, at differentlevels of the Province – Provin-cial Council, formators, commu-nities - will continue favouringthe advancement of the Insti-tute in its constant commit-ment to adaptation and itsfidelity to the charism,which we have inheritedas a gift..

I am happy that a particular attention isreserved for the objective to be attainedand which can be applied to all the stagesof formation: “the solid formation of aMarist apostle who will also be a goodeducator” (Formation Guide 296).Accompaniment remains an importantelement, especially for the young brotherswho need an older brother who loves themand walks with them. A challenge remains

however: how do we helpbrothers who have seriouspersonality problems, who suffer from alcoholismor other pathologies?

Br. Eugène KabangukaProvincial of East Central Africa

We bear a responsibility for stewarding our resources for the sakeof mission. (Seán Sammon, Life-giving Leadership, p. 17)

December 2005 51

It was in the afternoon of20 September 2005, fol-lowing the presentation ofthe finances of the Insti-tute that the session de-voted to the start in theProvinces of the Plan ofDiscernment on the Evan-gelical use of goods tookplace.

Half of the Administrative Units…After briefly recalling the work of the commission and the drawingup of the Plan of Discernment, the commission apprised the groupof where the start of the plan in the Provinces stood. About half ofthe Administrative Units have begun some part of the Plan, but inrather different degrees ranging from the simple communication ofthe document in part or in full to a complete appropriation. In thelatter case some provinces have changed the plan to adapt it totheir situation, proposing a specific undertaking as well as a datefor the three levels considered: the Province, the apostolates, andthe communities. Three Provincials were asked to give their ideas onthe start of the Plan of Discernment in their particular provinces:Brother Claudio Falchetto from Brasil Centro-Norte on communities,Brother Primitivo Mendoza of Compostela on the works and BrotherChristian Mbam of Nigeria on the Provincial Administration.

Br. Maurice Berquet

Gen

eral

Cou

ncil

Evangelical Use of Goods Commision

Evangelical use

of goods

I n presenting the theme ofthe Evangelical use of

goods at the beginning of2004, the commission incharge of this subject hadfixed the General Confer-ence as the first step forevaluation.

Excerpts from the statement of Brother Claudio Falchettofrom the standpoint of the communitiesThe Province of Brasil Centro-Norte numbers 32 communities,many of which have only two or three Brothers. Most of the com-munities working apostolically to animate a school or social workwere, until 2003, integrated in the administration, accounting,and current expenses of these works. The Brothers, therefore, knew very little about the expenses theywere incurring in the following areas: use of water and electrici-ty, telephone, maintenance of automobiles, etc. Everything waspart of the school accounts.Studying this situation made us realize that the first step to takehad to be separating out those accounts and knowing exactly theexpenses of the Brothers. We therefore asked each community to work out a detailed annualbudget. Once this budget has been set, the Provincial Administra-tion checks it every two weeks.We came to this decision after a study before the ProvincialCouncil which recognized its ignorance of the actual accounts ofthe communities, for lack of concrete data. This situation was communicated at a Provincial meeting to thecommunity animators with whom the budget for each community

was worked out. This step of the processwas realized in March 2005.One perceptible consequence is the freedomwhich many Brothers are taking to talkopenly of certain abuses tied to a con-sumerist society, to the type of lodgings andmeals, to decisions concerning construction,cars, trips, and personal possessions. The next meeting of the community anima-tors in October will evaluate the budget setand followed, as well as its impact on thelife of the Brothers. The Commission on On-going Formation will

then accompany the proposals for reflection on and applicationof the use of goods.

A few difficulties appeared immediately:

■ The first was to motivate the animators to get them to communi-cate all this work of reflection to their communities. In certaincommunities, the measures proposed were considered bureaucrat-ic, imposed, useless, or of little interest.


Br. Maurice BerquetEvangelical Use of Goods Commission

December 2005 53

■ The second difficulty was to give the commu-nities a juridical character, to separate themfrom the schools or works by having themconsidered as distinct units both subject tolegal requirements.

■ The third difficulty was to work out the bud-get itself. Due to lack of habit, lack of knowl-edge, and a certain comfort in staying tied tothe school, a few Brothers resisted thechanges.

Following the budget and seeing it through re-quires constant attention on the part of the lo-cal economes and the community sharing, at theend of each month, in order to keep within theestablished limits. This means, also, an increaseof work for the Provincial Administration. The budget initiative provoked various reactionsand had visible consequences. Communitieswhich follow it seriously realize thus the Broth-ers’ level of life and can compare it with the lev-el of life of most people. They note that manyexpenses are superfluous, that the use of cellphones is exaggerated, that there would be otherways of using cars, that certain trips could bedone in other ways, etc.

Excerpts from the statementof Brother Primitivo from the standpoint of the worksThe Province of Compostela set its programmeand adapted the Institute Plan to its particu-lar situation. The launching phase started with a commen-tary f rom Brother Provincial dur ing theProvince retreats, then in September 2004with a personal letter from Brother Provincialto the various groups and stages of reflectionon the Plan; finally, the Plan was presented atthe meetings of those responsible (Superiors,Directors, Leadership Teams).

The programme foresees the number of meet-ings for each stage:

SEE (1-2) + JUdge (1) +

DECIDE (1) + EVALUATE (1 at the end of the school year)

The questionnaire was revised and some comple-mentary data added. For instance, for the firststage SEE:

■ 1st meeting:“What the institution (school or work) has, “In-stitutional resources” and “services given to thepoorest” (data, questionnaire, reactions).

■ 2nd meeting:“What we see all around the institution (school,work): (indications and avenues for gathering da-ta and dialoguing).

From the standpoint of starting practically, theProvince divided the Provincial Economy intoblocks: works, communities, other services,Province. It then established criteria for the oper-ation and the solidarity of each of these blocks.

The things that an institution possesses torealise its objectives form what we call itsgoods: buildings, furniture, equipment,money etc. The goods have a triple functionfor us: the life and formation of the brothers, the mission, and solidarity “ad intra” and “ad extra”.These goods must be used according toevangelical criteria: simplicity in our personallifestyle, community life and works. We arethus prophets facing the consummation,

installation and attachment togoods, and the accumulationof wealth. The Institute will thus produce more life.

Br. Roque Ari SaletProvincial of Rio Grande do Sul

Concerning the schools, primary and secondary, the following recom-mendations were made: For future procedures and actions tend asmuch as possible towards economic autonomy. Continue to separatethe finances of the communities from those of the schools… Tend to-wards establishing a climate of interscholastic solidarity, that is tosay that the surplus of certain schools cover the needs of other poor-er schools. That this block have a fund (for extraordinary invest-ments, closing undertakings…)Furthermore, the Province decided to create a fund for solidaritywhose income would come from the community block surplus, setaside for sharing and solidarity. To that would be added 15% of thesales and 10% of the financial income.

Excerpts from the statementof Brother Christianfrom the standpoint of the ProvinceThe Province of Nigeria organized a seminar on this matter inSeptember 2004. Brother Dominick Pujia, Director of BIS andmember of the commission on the use of goods was invited tolead the stages JUDGE and ACT. In this framework the Province

seriously studied its revenues and expensesfor the three years 2001-2003. It studiedequally our lifestyle and the nature of our re-lations to material goods.

1. In the Province spending for solidaritywill account for 20% of the total expenses

of the Province. Needy children are accepted in-to our schools with partial or total scholar-ships. This advantage is also extended to thechildren of our employees. When the SuperiorGeneral was invited to come to the help of theTsunami victims in Sri Lanka, the Provincecalled on all our schools and the Brothers ofthe Province to undertake projects… Their re-sponse allowed us to make a donation of$15,000.In the same line of thought the Provincethought that it would be a practical applicationof the Evangelical Use of Goods to make a con-tribution to the fund of the XXth General Chap-ter, even if we did it as sharing rather than ashanding over a surplus. On the other hand, theProvince receives part of the contributions ofthe Institute and help for our Formation needs.



The evangelical use of goodshas an impact on the religious

life and personal conversion that demandsmore audacity. Zachariah, touched by Jesus,distributed half of his goods to the poor andgave back four times the amount he hadstolen. The rich young man does not followJesus because he has too many goods. Whatsigns of conversion do we give? Thechallenge is to live with simplicity and insolidarity with the people and to put ourgoods at the service of the Kingdom, of thepoor and of just causes. The search foreconomic security can be a subtle temptation.

Br. Pedro MarcosProvincial of Santa María de los Andes

December 2005 55

2. The Province created a Commission onJustice and Solidarity in order to be sure

that we are acting for justice and to promotejustice in the country. It will be the conscience of the Province, be-ing assured that the salary paid our employ-ees, their work conditions and social securityare just. It also is responsible for sensitizingthe Brothers of the Province to the problemsof solidarity and justice in the society. In the same spirit it has the mandate to studythe possibility for the Province to createsomething for street children and AIDS victimsin the country.

3. Respect for nature and the environmentis one of the values underlined by the

workshop on the use of goods. Until now wehave been considering nature and its re-sources as a free gift. We live so close to na-ture that we no longer see its beauty and itslimitations. Our Brothers give little or no thought to na-ture and its system. The 5th Provincial Chap-ter, following the inspirations of the workshopon Goods, has forbidden the Brothers to felltrees without thinking. Before chopping down

any tree belonging to the community, everyBrother must get the authorization of the lo-cal Superior.

4. Another good point which surfaced: Berealistic in starting a project. This deci-

s ion was inspired by the history of theProvince projects which failed in the past. The cause of these failures came from the factthat there had not been enough study beforeapproving and starting them.

Being realistic can also mean that we have todiscern on the number of projects which theProvince can undertake and on their durationbefore we start them or even assign Brotherscertain tasks.The Province sets up a transparent financialsystem. Every Brother in the Province knowsour sources of revenue and their utilization.Thus, our Brothers support the system moreand regain enthusiasm for the apostolate.That way our goods can be directed towardsthe apostolate. The Commission on “Mission”in the Province has already asked us to takeon a new mission outside Nigeria. And there is no doubt that there are manyBrothers who wil l opt for that when theProvince decides for it.

Reflections of the regional groups To advance step by step towards a common vi-sion on the use of goods, the Brothers Provin-cials regrouped into regions. The commissionasked them to answer this question:

According to you, what should we stressmore particularly in the course of thefour years ahead in order to take up thechallenge to vitality in the area of the useof goods?

The sharing was centered on the tenvalues developed in the plan for discernment, each group havingto present two. Here are the proposals which were shared in fullassembly:

➣ GROUP AFRICALiving simply and solidarity with the poor.

➣ GROUP ASIATrust in Providence, all the while being realistic and living simply.

➣ GROUP BRAZIL AND CONO SULOur goods at the service of the Kingdom and living simply.

➣ GROUP EUROPELiving simply and promoting justice.

➣ GROUP NORTH AMERICA AND ARCO NORTELiving simply as persons and communities. Solidarity with the poor (our goods at their service).

➣ GROUP PACIFICLiving simply and working hard, detachment from goods.

The simplicity of life is thevalue that appears in all theproposals. This tendency hasbeen confirmed by the finalsondage of the Conference. Tothe question: Do you want theGeneral Council to put the em-phasis on this value through-out the next few years, in thesetting of evangelical use ofgoods? The result was the fol-lowing: 87% for YES, 10%

without an opinion, 3%for NO.


Reflection of the Commission after the General ConferenceIt is certain that the subject was taken very seriously by a good number ofProvinces. The benefit they can gain from it for vitality can incite others totake the same road. Furthermore, there is an almost unanimous realizationthat we must centre our efforts on simplicity of life.We are convinced that it is impossible to wait for progress in this difficultand indispensable domain without a strong commitment from the Provinceleadership. There is still much to do to put the Plan of discernment into practice in theentire Institute, even if several Provinces have shown their intention to bepart of this dynamic, as a result of the General Conference. The commissionforesees making available on a web site at the beginning of 2006 all thetools and experiments done in the Provinces.

“Justice demands also that each of us has a change of heart. Thus, you and I can ask ourselves these questions every day: What am I doing. What decisions am I taking, what are the attitudes I adopt which keep poverty going? And we have to ask these questions as a community,a Province/District, and in the whole Institute…”

Brother Seán, SGForeword to the Plan of Discerment

December 2005 57

The true challenge of leadership today is to become, withall its messiness and risk, a more loving man.

(Seán Sammon, Life-giving Leadership, p. 28)

December 2005 59

Context: The 5th callof the General ChapterWe are half-way towardsthe next General Chapter,that collective discern-ment of the future of ourlife and mission. Beyond

being simply a date on an eight-year calendar, the General Con-ference is a valuable opportunity for the Institute’s leadershipto reflect together on the discernment made at the previousGeneral Chapters, especially in their decision for renewal of ouradministrative structures. We are gathering considerable experi-ence about restructuring. The General Conference was an opportunity to synthesise thatexperience and learn from it. But reflection on restructuringwas within a wider reflection: the 5th Call of the General Chap-ter: to create structures of animation and government that willfoster the vitality of the Institute.

Three “moments” of reflectionWithin the total Conference process there were three “moments” forreflecting on leadership and restructuring. The first was the pre-Conference questionnaire sent to each Provincial and District Supe-rior. It was a simple means of reflecting on the 5 Calls of the XXthGeneral Chapter in the light of four years of experience.

Br. Peter Rodney

Gen

eral

Cou

ncil

Government Commission

Life-giving leadership

Reflections on leadership and Restructuring

For many Brothersaround the Inst i tute ,

“restructuring” is yester-day’s news. Other issuesnow are the focus of atten-tion and energy. Even so,the challenge of achievingthe full potential of restruc-turing remains.

During the Conference itself, there was one full day devoted toreflection on leadership, structures of government, and restruc-turing. The process used during this day, was for Provincials to share ex-perience with other Provincials. Thirdly, the month-long Conference provided many occasions forinformal discussion.

Subsidiarity and co-responsibilityThere are now fewer Administrative Units inthe Institute (Provinces: from 44 to 26; Dis-tricts: from 13 to 5), and therefore thesefewer Administrative Units are larger, andfrequently more complex: a larger number ofBrothers, a larger number of ministries. Thereflection during the Conference demonstrat-ed that these new Provinces cannot functioneffectively by using expectations and struc-tures from a previous century. It is almost asif restructuring, de facto, has forced us toactually live out the twin principles of sub-sidiarity and co-responsibility. How has thishappened?Provinces which formally might have beensomewhat hierarchical and centralised, withmost things in the hands of the Provincial,have been forced to look at different struc-tures. The Provincial now no longer has thetime to do all that was previously expectedof him. If the key role, the key desire of theProvincial, is for him to know well his Broth-ers and to care for them (this was both thehope and a challenge, raised again and againby Provincials during the Conference), thenhe has to let go of other responsibilities,and to place these in other hands. Whilewithin our Constitutions he ultimately re-tains both responsibility and authority, someaspects of the role can be delegated. Eachleader faces critical decisions: with the lim-ited time that each day gives me, how can Ibest use that time? What roles must I retain


Br. Peter RodneyGovernment Commission

At the Conference we could see that we are

on the right pathway because in all the Provinces we have takeninteresting initiatives that allow us to see the future with hope. Thanks to God, the brothers were well disposed and the animators haveshown themselves to be solid andcreative. I am convinced thatrestructuring is a blessing for theInstitute and the Provinces. We should all continue to support this.

Br. Demetrio EspinosaProvincial of Cruz del Sur

Nairobi

December 2005 61

to myself; what can I prudently and effective-ly delegate to others? Some Provinces are us-ing pastoral planning or strategic planning, toanswer these vital questions. The General Conference was an opportune mo-ment to hear from Provincials who are usingvarious models of shared leadership (eg VicarProvincials, Delegates), ad experimentum.

Trends of subsidiarityA critical characteristic of effective leader-ship is to know oneself well; especially one’sskills and limitations; then, to exercise one’sskills, and seek the assistance of others tomake up what one lacks. Restructuring is forcing Community Leaders totake up the role, as envisioned for them inour Constitutions. They have both a responsi-bility and authority. Though at times manyBrothers, doing the best they can, feel theburden of the first, and the lack of the sec-ond. What formerly might have been passedto the Provincial, must of necessity be han-dled by the community and its leader. Not for a moment, is this challenge seen aseasy. Skills and experience to match the re-sponsibilities do not come quickly. Yet theConference was a moment to share what vari-ous Provinces are doing to strengthen com-munity life, and the leadership and animationof it. A number of Provinces have impressive,well-organised programs for skilling theircommunity leaders.Due to the number and complexity of theministries of many Provinces, effective anima-

tion requires, not one person (eg the Provin-cial), but a team approach. Pastoral planningfrequently leads to the establishment ofProvince Commissions. Some Provinces estab-lish three key Commissions (eg Ministry, For-mation (both Brothers and Lay), Spirituality)or a larger number of very specialised com-missions with interlocking membership. SomeProvinces now have Lay Marists on everyProvince Commission, contributing from theirskills, passion for our spirituality and mis-sion, and from the richness of their life expe-rience.

Cochabamba

Mittagong

Extended General Council meetings during the visits of the General Council throughout the Marist world.

General Councillors who act as link Councillorsfor each region of the Institute.

How to make co-responsibility workLeadership structures “at the service of life” simply do not hap-pen. We are seeing that to enable co-responsibility to work effec-

tively a number of things are necessary.Firstly, the roles of various leaders need tobe defined clearly, and communicated effec-tively and often. For example, what is thedifference between a Provincial and a VicarProvincial? Having defined the roles, thenthey need to be respected, which means thatone only does what is within one’s designat-ed role, and not “stray” into responsibilitiesthat belong with others. In sett ing up Province Commissions orTeams, we have seen that considerable at-tention has to be given to their formation.It is especially necessary so that the mem-bers who are Lay Marists can take up a fullrole. The Commissions need to be given au-thority to make decisions and act. It is encouraging to see the different struc-tures emerging in many Provinces which areaddressing the challenge: what decisionsmust be made by a Provincial and Council?Which decisions can best be delegated toother groups within the Province? Even thevery process of Provincial Council meetingsis being re-examined.

The“windowof opportunity” for restructuringThe General Conference, was also a timely re-minder of the challenge from the XXth Gen-eral Chapter:“The challenge of vitality is at the heart ofrestructur ing. We have created newProvinces. Now we need to set about creat-ing “renewed” Provinces.” A timely reminder that changing our admin-istrative structures was not an end in itself,but a means to enhance the vitality of ourlife and mission. We live with the challenge,that restructuring does not bring new life,


Br. Peter RodneyGovernment Commission

The Brothers who had attended

the XXth General Chapter in Rome(2001) certainly noticed one immediateimpact of Restructuring across the Institute when they assembled for the 7th General Conference in Sri Lanka,four years later; there are nowsignificantly less Provincials and District Leaders. The Brothers’ presentations clearlyshowed how many Marist networks arenow expanded in a variety of ministries,formation programs, lay partnershipinitiatives and solidarity projects. Their willingness to share resources and expertise is already quite evident.

Br. Paul GilchristProvincial of Melbourne, Australia

Guatemala

December 2005 63

we br ing about new l i fe. For each newProvince, the core question is: what is our vi-sion for our mission: to whom shall we minis-ter? How best to do that? What structureswill best serve us to bring the Good News toyoung people; done in the way of Mary? Re-structuring gives us a ‘window of opportunity’to achieve this renewed vision. We have theopportune moment to let go of what no longerserves our life and mission well.Are we achieving the potential that the mo-ment of restructuring offers us? Might themost challenging questions remain, yet to befaced? It would be truly dispiriting if this mo-ment of grace, and potential for blessing, wasallowed to pass us by.As Br. Seán said in his closing address at theGeneral Conference: “restructuring entails con-siderable extra work, but the opportunities fora renewed sense of life are also significantlymore abundant”.

ConclusionThe days together at the General Conference,participating together in a range of activitiesand processes, was for each of us a momentof hope and encouragement. We know thechallenges, and as well we know that amongus there is a union of vision. The internation-ality of the Institute is increasingly more evi-dent, every time we gather together. Thisstretches our thinking. The richness of the di-versity is real. The theme for the Conference was: Life-givingLeadership. The sharing that occurred duringthe General Conference encouraged us. In theday-to-day actions of leadership, and in therenewed Provinces that are emerging, the vi-sion is to give “life”, to give encouragementand hope, to all those who participate inMarist life and mission. Personally I find it encouraging that the 5thCall of the Chapter, towards animation at theservice of the vitality of the Institute, waspreceded by the 1st Call: to centre our lives

Madrid

Hong-Kong

Maryknoll

on Jesus. At the heart of what we do, and atthe centre of what we hope to achieve, is toshare that personal relationship with Jesuswhich encourages and challenges. As leaders, ultimately, this is the source ofthe life that we give.

The foundation of partnership between Marist laymen and women and Marcellin’s brothers, then, lies in the common mission and prophetic call that we shareas a result of the sacrament of baptism.

(Seán Sammon, Reclaim the Spirit of the Hermitage, p. 33)

December 2005 65

More than one Provincialtook account of the rec-ommendation to bring tothe Conference the re-flection of brothers andlaypeople in his Province,as was suggested in theletter Life-giving Leader-ship. The subject of the laitywas treated during theConference as a rich expe-rience, experienced at dif-ferent levels of develop-ment in the Institute, butstudied everywhere withinterest and attention; we

were all ready to listen to each other and to learn from each other.The text that follows summarises our work dynamic: the presen-tations given, the information gathered during work in commonand the consultation sheet completed by each Provincial. Thiswork was done at two different times: the first for becomingaware of where we are in the development of the accompani-ment of Marist laity, the second for indicating where we wish togo in future years.

Br. Pedro Herreros

Gen

eral

Cou

ncil

Laity Commission

Helping the dawnto be born...

W hen th e Super i o rGeneral wrote the

letter of Convocation tothe General Conference2005, he indicated thatone of the f ive signs ofthe times that we shouldconsider is “as brothersand lay Marist partnerswe are moving into a newmoment in the history ofour Institute and its mis-sion”, which requires newstructures and a new vo-cabulary.

Summary of responses to the 2004 questionnaireThe Laity Commission sent a questionnaire to the Provincials inMarch 2004; it included five topics: formation programmes for thelaity, the Champagnat Movement and other groups, the participa-tion of laypeople in the Province and its works, the type of associa-tion and of link, and the identity of the lay Marist. Finally, thequestionnaire posed questions on the next stages in the Province,the expectations regarding the Laity Commission and a possible ac-

tion plan for the Commission. The report wassent to the Provincials at the beginning of Ju-ly 2005 and its summary was presented at theConference.In the twenty-seven Administrative Units thatresponded to the questionnaire, there areeighty-one formation programmes for laypeo-ple and brothers; they vary according to theirduration, objectives and those to whom theyare addressed. There are 257 fraternities of theChampagnat Movement in the world, of which75% are located in America, especially inLatin America. All the fraternities are develop-ing a spiritual and community dimension. Twothirds are engaged in solidarity works withpeople in need. There are also other Maristgroups associated with the brothers and linkedto the charism of Father Champagnat withoutbelonging to the Champagnat Movement.The participation of laypeople is rather impor-tant in the various Administrative Units: eitherat the level of schools or other works (in 89%)

of the Provinces, or at the level of Provincial Commissions (in 81%).The members affiliated to the Institute have had a long historysince their institution in 1932. They are found especially today inAmerica and Europe. Many Administrative Units (59%) indicate thatthey are interested in seeking new ways for the laity to belong tothe Institute.Finally, 70% of Administration Units would like the identity of thelay Marist to be clarified. The questionnaire with its responses allowed us to have a first con-tact with the Provinces, with those people and teams responsible


Br. Pedro HerrerosLaity Commission

The International MaristMission Assembly

that we will celebrate in September 2007with One heart, one mission as mottorealises the Chapter message of choosinglife; we are passing from “enlarging our tent” to “a new moment in the historyof our Institute and of its mission, more universal, more shared and more resolute regarding children andyoung people who are the most neglected.”

Br. Ángel MedinaDistrict Superior of Paraguay

1. Where we are?

December 2005 67

for the animation of thelaity. It gave us a per-spective as to how “to in-crease the space of ourtent” according to the in-vitation of the XX GeneralChapter. It also allowedus to see the tasks thatthe Commission must ac-complish in the future.

Life-giving forces and paralysing forcesDuring the General Conference, the Provincialsshared their personal experience on this sub-ject in inter-regional groups: “In your Province,what helps you to move ahead or slows youdown on the pathway of Marist laity?” Despite the great diversity of situations, it ispossible to see that the journey of the Churchsince the II Vatican Council has helped us tomove ahead in this domain. The accent put onthe universal call to holiness and the esteemgiven to the lay vocation have produced a re-markable flourishing of lay movements up untilthe present time. In this context, it seems thatthe principal force that will lead the develop-ment of Marist laity in the Provinces will de-pend if the brothers and laypeople undertakeformation processes together. This is especially true if these programmes ex-plore a common Marist identity. Another ener-gising factor is the attraction of the figure ofSaint Marcellin, our Founder, and his passionfor Jesus Christ that we must announce toyoung people, especially those most in need.The celebration of his canonisation gave us anew impetus. Also mentioned is the search forspirituality among the laity. In sharing our mission of Christian instructionof young people, laypeople discover the Maristspirit and appropriate it. They live Marist spiri-tuality in a growing commitment and they feelproud to be lay Marists. “An impressive numberof brothers and laypersons are enthusiastically

committed to our Marist educational mission,in schools and in new projects with the mostneglected.” (Choose life, 10) Finally, another force that has advanced theMarist laity is the participation of laypeople inassemblies and chapters, in Provincial Commis-sions of animation and in posts of responsibili-ty for mission. At the same time and at various degrees ac-cording to the Provinces, there are forces thathinder this development. People mention thelack of clarity and of reflection on the natureof the lay Marist, on the specific identity of layMarists, on the terminology to use to speakabout this adequately without reductionism.Also mentioned is the mentality of some broth-ers who resist this new type of relationshipwhen laypeople are assuming positions of re-sponsibility and taking part in decision making.“Now that their traditional roles have been tak-en over by others, a number of brothers arequestioning the meaning of their vocation, andeven doubting the choice they made to bebrothers.” (Choose life 11). Another factor mentioned relates to money. Onone hand, there are Provinces who lack suffi-cient resources to invest in formation pro-grammes or to remunerate pastoral animators.On the other hand, other Provinces mistrustlaypeople when it concerns administering mon-ey or when laypeople choose jobs that are bet-ter paid. There are finally other Provinces thatnote that they lack brothers who are trained toanimate programmes of formation and accom-paniment of laypeople.

The voice of the Provincials

At the end of the session, the Provincials had the chance to expressthemselves in writing on the topic of the laity. Here is a summary oftheir responses at three levels:

1. At the Province level:Even though the challenges are different, it isremarkable that in all the regions there are for-mation programmes for laypeople and brothersas the next stage in Europe, Oceania and inAmerica and it is just starting in Africa and inAsia. The Provincials speak of the need ofteams or of Provincial commissions of laypeo-ple; these would need to be created in Asia andCono Sur and strengthened as an animationtask in Europe, Oceania and in the Arco Norte.In Brasil, it is a matter of improving the co-or-dination of the Champagnat Movement of theMarist Family.

2. At the interprovincial level:There is unanimity in all the regions as to thedesire for greater communication for sharinginitiatives, processes and material betweenProvinces of a large region. In a few cases, it isdesirable that formal networks or regional teamsbe constituted (Arco Norte, Oceania, Europe).

3. At the Laity Commission level:In nearly all the regions, people expect theCommission to prepare a document on the iden-tity of the lay Marist and they mentioned theneed for the Commission to share informationon the processes and the experiences which arebeing realised in the Marist world, as well asvarious types of material of animation used. Inthe regions where the laity is less developed, asin Africa and in Asia, it is hoped that the Com-mission be in closer contact with each Provinceand accompany it more closely.


Br. Pedro HerrerosLaity Commission

2. Where do we go?

The topic of “Laity”generated much interest

and enthusiasm among the participants ofthe 7th General Conference. It was seen as a very clear sign of our time. We must befaithful to the Spirit who speaks through the Church to us. The gift to MarcellinChampagnat was gift for the whole Churchand as such must be shared by those whoare attracted and called to it. The Institute,participants believe, should nurture this giftamong the laity and let it bloom in its owntime. This could be facilitated in sharing programmes and resources.

Br. Christian MbamProvincial of Nigeria

December 2005 69

The Commission proposals

For its part, the Laity Commission presented afew proposals which matured during the Confer-ence. The Provincials had the chance to expressan opinion on them, under the form of agree-ments in principle.

1. Document on “The vocation of a lay Marist”:this document would express the characteris-tics of the identity of the layperson andwould propose models of association. Nearlyall the Provincials gave a positive opinion tothis proposal. Several Provinces have pro-duced documents on the identity of the layMarist. The task requires organising a gather-ing of brothers and laypeople who can con-tribute to the writing of such a document.

2. Meeting of those responsible for formation: theimmense variety and diversity of programmes offormation for brothers and laypeople that havebeen developed in the Institute (81), as well asthe continued interest in these initiatives, sug-gest to us that it is opportune to bring togetherthose responsible for formation to exchangetheir activities and to propose common direc-

tions. The proposal of a single meeting for allthe regions, which would permit an interculturalpollination, was supported by half of the Provin-cials. On the other hand, many others would pre-fer having meetings at the regional level. TheCommission will study the direction to be takenin this regard.

3. Continental meetings of the Champagnat Move-ment: the preparation of the American meeting(where 75% of the fraternities are located) hadalready started when the idea was presented tothe Provincials. In general, the suggestion waswell received. There was some concern that insome regions the movement does not exist orhas a very limited development.

4. Courses for brothers and laypeople: it is a mat-ter of exploring new ways of being Marist andof creating together new modes of communitylife. Their duration would be for four to fiveweeks. The subjects would include charism,spirituality, association and belonging. Theidea has matured with the team from El Escori-al. The Provincials shared their opinions as tothis initiative and the Commission will contin-ue to reflect on how to develop it.

ConclusionThe Laity Commission also announced to theProvincials that it would continue to communi-cate during the coming years the initiatives andprocesses that are developed in the Institute bypublishing the magazine FMS Echo and by usingthe website www.champagnat.org. In concluding this report, I would like to expressmy joy in having collaborated in the animationof the Marist laity for the General Council. I be-lieve that the Spirit has blessed us in arousing inthe hearts of laypeople the desire to be Maristsin the Church. We welcome with joy this new budrich with fertility in the charism of Saint Mar-cellin Champagnat for the 21st century. In ac-companying closely this manifestation of Maristvitality, we learn to discern its present and to

catch a glimpse of its future. May Mary, the GoodMother, who kept all these things and ponderedthem in her heart (Lk 2, 19) inspire and sustainour journey.

Partnership runs much deeper than participating in a common work; it is about the sharing of faith, being in love with Jesus Christ, and the collective experienceof having Marcellin Champagnat capture your heart and seize your imagination.


December 2005 71

The work plans of theGeneral Council’s Missionand Laity Commissionsincluded among the ac-tivities the celebration ofan International MaristMission Assembly andsuggested 2007 as thedate for its realisation. The Mission Commissionsent a questionnaire tothe Provinces and Dis-tricts, and to some broth-ers, concerning the pro-posed plan of action. Thisquestionnaire included

questions on the possible celebration of the Assembly. The re-sponses received were in the majority favourable to the celebra-tion and gave many suggestions concerning methodology, themes,participants…In June 2004 the General Council approved the celebration of theAssembly in September 2007 and in August 2004 appointed a Com-mission entrusted with the task of preparing it. This Commissionheld its first meeting in December 2004. In January 2005, the Gen-eral Council approved the work proposals developed in this meeting. The Commission met for a second time in July 2005, outlining thepreparation of the event. The General Council approved betweenJune and July 2005 that the Assembly take place in Mendes (Brazil)from the 3rd to the 12th September 2007. In September 2005, the whole project was presented to the VII

Br. Juan Miguel Anaya Torres

Miss

ion C

omm

ission

Mission Commission

I InternationalMarist

Mission Assembly

T he XX General Chaptera sked the Genera l

Council “to create supportstructures they judge to beneeded for the shared mis-sion of Brothers and Laityin their educational andevangelising work amongthe poorest and most mar-g ina l i s ed ch i ldren andyouth… setting up inter-national forums on aspectsof Marist mission”

(Choose life 48.6).

General Conference, being very well received on the part of theBrothers Provincial and District Superiors.

Who are the members of the Preparatory Commission?It was intended that the Commission have representatives from all thegeographical areas of the Marist world, with a presence of the variouslinguistic groups, and laypeople sharing in our Marist mission. The members of the Commission are: Alphonse Balombe fms (R. D.Congo); Chema Pérez Soba (Spain); Dilma Alves Rodrigues (Brazil);Erica Pegorer (Australia); John Y Tan fms (Philippines); Juan MiguelAnaya fms, Michael Flanigan fms, Pedro Herreros fms and Emili Turúfms (General Administration).

Why an International Assembly?During the last fifteen years it has been usual, in the Provinces and inthe Institute, to invite various laypeople to our consultative or legisla-tive assemblies. However, the presence of these people as invitedguests in our canonical institutions has not been totally satisfactory,because the condition of being invited temporarily limits their presence

as it is not possible to grant them voting rights in de-termining issues; this is because they are not represent-ing anybody and have normally been chosen by their re-spective Councillors or Superiors at the General orProvincial level. The situation has been different whenit has been a matter of structures more directly relatedto Mission. More and more director generals are laypeo-ple. More and more laypeople are being integrated inthe Provincial Commissions or in other organisationswhere they make important decisions. The InternationalAssembly constitutes a new stage in the life of theMarist Institute, which we believe will offer brothersand laypeople the opportunity to reflect together, onequal terms, concerning the mission of the Institute at

the present time and in the future, as well as on their own identity.As well, the Assembly will be an occasion:1. To strengthen the processes of restructuring and internationalisa-

tion that the Provinces have been experiencing from the begin-ning of the XXI century, by dialoguing between brothers andlaypeople about the things that move them and concern them intheir service of children and young people.

2. To wonder about their own experience of service to the Maristmission and the convictions that are nourished, as well as the vo-


Br. Juan Miguel AnayaMission Commission

December 2005 73

cations to which they consecrate themselves,motivating a new look at the text “In thefootsteps of Marcellin Champagnat – A Visionfor Marist Education Today” and deepeningtheir understanding of the XX General Chapter.

The suggestions and recommendations that comefrom the International Assembly, will be able tobe studied by the participants in the XXI GeneralChapter (2009), if they so decide, and contributeto outlining future directions for the Marist world.

What objective are we seeking with this 1st Assembly?To foster, in the entire Institute, processes fordialogue and commitment between the partici-pants in the Marist Mission, in such a way thatthey contribute to:1. A revision of the Marist Mission from thepoint of view of the entire life of Champagnat:

– in his passion for announcing the Good News;– in his desire to send us to be among young

people, especially those most in need; – in his attitude of constant discernment, so

that he could adapt to the changing needs ofthe times.

2. The clarification and deepening of our under-standing of “Marist vocation”: what is individualand common for a brother and a layperson, etc.

3. The promotion of a greater co-responsibilitybetween those who share the Marist Mission,especially by offering structures, models, etc.that encourage this.

4. A greater understanding and appreciation ofthe diversity of expressions in which theMarist Mission is incarnated in the world oftoday, as well as in its internationality, as aforce that is to be used to our advantage.

How will it take place?We cannot think of an Assembly that excessive-ly surpasses one hundred members if we wantall the members to have the opportunity to feelthat they are protagonists in the assembly inthe first person. Human groups are progressive-ly more difficult to co-ordinate as their size in-creases. There are more than 50,000 brothersand laypeople involved in the Marist Mission.It is a matter, therefore, of designing a processof participation that permits the involvementof the greatest number possible of people andwhich, in turn, serves to choose representa-tives of the various groups who can bring themultiple experience and the fruits of the dia-logue to the Assembly. We think that it is moreimportant to travel the pathway of preparationwell than to have a final meeting with onehundred people.We have thought, then, of a process in threephases, which can be increased to four in someplaces. We want to assure in all parts a localphase, another Provincial (or District) phaseand the Assembly in Mendes. In some places,they will be able to have as well a regionalphase (grouping various Provinces of the sameregion) if they so decide.¿

WHAT IS THE CALENDAR PLANNED FOR ALL OF THIS?

2006 2007❑ JANUARY: ❑ JANUARY TO AUGUST:Start of the local and provincial phases. ➣ Possible regional activity.❑ DECEMBER: ➣ Preparation by the participants.

End of the provincial phase:➣ A synthesis is sent to Rome. ❑ SEPTEMBER, 3 to 12:➣ Election of representatives of each Province. INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY

The dimension of solidarity involves a deliberate choice on yourpart or mine to enter in some degree into the world of thosewho live on the margins of our society and to share in theirexperience of being maltreated, by-passed, or left helpless.


December 2005 75

Since its establishmentin 1995, the Bureau ofInternational Solidarityhas grown to be the In-stitute ’s internationaloffice for education, ad-vocacy, project coordina-tion, and networking forjustice, peace, and soli-darity especially in thoseareas affecting childrenand young people. This new work for childrights, about to begin inGeneva, is a step forwardin BIS’s mandate to bean advocate for justcauses and br ings i tcloser to its founding vi-

sion: to assist all levels of the Institute to live “more auda-ciously” their call to be in solidarity with the poor.In moving in this direction, there is a keen awareness that thiswork in Geneva is not a new mission. It is the same missiongiven to us by our founder. We are in Geneva because of ourconcern for children and young people, especially those whoare most vulnerable. It is the same mission our brothers are in-volved in everyday in schools, centers, and social works aroundthe world. What we will do in Geneva, namely try to effect structuralchange for children who are victims of injustice through war,

Br. Dominick Pujia

Bur

eau

of In

tern

atio

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olid

arity

General Administration

BIS – The Bureau of International

Solidarity –in Geneva

B IS ha s t a k en on anew initiative in the

name o f t h e I n s t i t u t e .With the partnership re-cently signed with Fran-ciscans International, theMarist Brothers have nowentered the internationaldiplomatic arena of chil-dren’s human rights be-fore the United Nations inGeneva. In doing so, BISenters a new phase of itsgrowth and service to theInstitute.

abuse, sickness, lack of education, is meant to complement whatMarist Brothers and their lay colleagues do every day. Geneva isa new venue for us, a new ministry within a much larger missionthat goes back to the time of Fr. Champagnat.

Why the United Nations? Some would question the credibility of this all too imperfectbody of nations, all of whom put their own national interestsfirst. Over the years we have witnessed its inability to be deci-sive and to accomplish the high ideals for which it was foundedand to which all member states have given their assent. Yet,without the UN, what other international body of world leaders

would there be to discuss or act upon thebigger issues of justice: peace and war, ex-treme poverty, world hunger, health, devel-opment, human rights? As flawed as it is, itis still the best place to discuss and try tocorrect the world’s problems.

Why Geneva? Geneva is home to several UN offices includ-ing the High Commissioner for Human Rightsand the High Commissioner for Refugees. Itis also home to several specialized agencieslike the World Trade Organization and theInternational Labor Organization, whichform the UN system. It is home to all butone of the seven human rights treaty bodiesand special mechanisms designed to monitortreaty obligations. The Committee for the Rights of the Child,the international monitoring body estab-lished by the Convention on the Rights ofthe Child, the international treaty signed byall but two member states is an example ofjust one of those treaty bodies. Along with these, there are hundreds ofNGOs (non-governmental organizations) andagencies focused on human rights issuesthat have offices in Geneva. Where NewYork is seen as the center to discuss and acton security issues, Geneva is seen as thecenter for setting international standards forhuman rights, intellectual properties, worldhealth, and communications to name but a


Br. Dominick PujiaGeneral Administration

The General Conferencemade us reflect on

the great challenges of the future. Today, more than ever, creativity will allow us to journey with a commonvision, to deepen our identity so that itmay be visible, to live a spirituality thatexpresses fraternity in community life anda passion for announcing Jesus. Let us pass on life to the many neglectedchildren and young people.

Br. Fernando Mejía Provincial of México Central

December 2005 77

few. If we want to contribute to the discus-sion on standard setting for children’s rights,including the right to education, then Genevais where we choose to be.

Why a partnership with Franciscans International? Franciscans International is an NGO withECOSOC “general consultative status” at theUnited Nations. Sponsored by the Conferenceof the Franciscan Family in Rome, FranciscansInternational brings a Franciscan voice to theUN agenda focusing its attention on peace-making, accompanying the poor in theirstruggles and working for the respect for cre-ation. Franciscans International opened itsNew York office in 1989. Eight years ago, in1997, it opened an office in Geneva to becloser to United Nations human rights mech-

A great union of the Leaders of theInstitute to reflect on our life seriously! Itwas a moment to look back over a periodof four years and to evaluate how wehave been progressing addressing the20th General Chapter mandate. Theexperience of this internationalcommunity living together was anencouraging experience to revitalize ourvocation as Brothers. The exposure to

multi-ethnic, religiouscustoms and cultures hasbeen an inspiration. Ourencounters with variousgroups in the country have been enlightening.

Br. Michael De WaasProvincial of Sri Lanka and Pakistán

anisms and to work more collaboratively with the many humanrights NGOs that call Geneva home.The partnership, which went into effect at the end of March2005, is good for the Marist Brothers. According to its terms,the Marist Brothers will benefit in many ways, including officespace in Geneva, access to support services, assistance with lob-

bying and advocacy activities, access toGeneva based human rights mechanisms forchildren and young people, and assistanceand guidance in securing our own ECCOSOCaccreditation, a process that can take up tothree years. Franciscans International will also benefitfrom the partnership. They now have a willing partner and collab-orator who will help them monitor and ef-fect children’s rights issues and assist withoffice expenses.As part of the overall plan to have an effec-tive Marist presence and voice at the UnitedNations in Geneva, the General Council ap-pointed a brother to join the Bureau of In-ternational Solidarity staff as the AdvocacyOfficer for Child Rights. Initially working out of Rome and then latertaking up residence in a new communityplanned to be formed in Geneva in 2007,this brother will be the Institute’s point ofreference for children’s rights at FranciscansInternational. While working in Geneva, itis understood that this person, in order tobe effective, would also work to animatebrothers and their lay colleagues in the ad-ministrative units to become involved in na-tional and regional networks for childrenand young people.

Br. CesarIn October, Br. Cesar Henriquez, from theProvince of Central America (El Salvador)joined the BIS team as the newly appointedAdvocacy Officer for Child Rights. Br. Cesar comes to the position with a pas-sion for children’s rights. For the past three years, he has been in-volved, along with other Marist Brothers in


Br. Dominick PujiaGeneral Administration

Here is, in four key words,the heart of my experience

during the General Conference:A passion, from that of Jesus Christ to the audacity to promote mission “ad gentes” in Asia and in several otherrestructured Provinces.A compassion towards the poor, the small, the young: to love them, listen to them and evangelise them.An experience of exceptional unity in our very international group whichcould only be the spirit of Jesus present amongst us.A fraternity that was so rich and so deeply felt, that I particularlyexperienced upon the death of my fatherat the start of the Conference.

Br. Réal CloutierProvincial of Canada

December 2005 79

pastoral work at Casa Alianza, Guatemala, anNGO dedicated to the care and rehabilitationof street children and youth at social risk.His work included activities in values forma-tion, counseling and guidance, and the orga-nization of youth meetings and retreats. “At Casa Alianza I saw first hand the conse-quences that boys and girls suffer when theirrights are denied,” says Br. Cesar. “Theirdreams of a happy and fulfilled life are frus-trated because they are denied the opportu-nity to fully develop as people.”Br. Cesar goes on to say, “We were born froman experience of solidarity: Marcellin wasvery sensitive to the reality of the youth ofhis time especially those who were lackingopportunities and lacking God. Like Marcellin, our hearts ache when we see

young lives being destroyed by violence,abuse, sexual exploitation, poor educationalopportunities, poor living conditions, anddisrespect. Evangelization today must also include a pro-motion of human rights. This is especiallytrue with respect to children and young peo-ple. Many young people look to us to betheir voice in societies and forums that havea direct effect on the social and political lifeof their countries.” The work Br. Cesar has embarked on is daunt-ing, but he does not go alone. As a MaristBrother in Geneva, he goes with the supportand encouragement of the entire Institute.His work, along with the help of the staff ofFranciscans International and the many othercoalitions that work in Geneva, will focus onadvocacy for children and young people, es-pecially those who are most at risk due tostructural injustices. Like all Marists and their lay colleagues, Br.Cesar is working to make the world a betterplace for children to grow and to develop as“a good citizen and a good Christian.”

The Conference helped me to open my eyes to the world and the mission ad gentes. The visit and the stay in Indiaand Sri Lanka showed me a Maristreality of which I was unaware: “My Province is the Institute” requiresfrom me a great availability for the mission and requires from eachProvince the availability to share itsstrengths, vitality and goods. If restructuring helped us to cross close

borders, the Conferencenow invites us to crossdistant borders also.

Br. Laurentino AlbaláProvincial

of Norandina

Br. César Henríquez

ALBUM OF MEMORIESof the VII General Conference 1

2

3

4

5

6

7 8

9

1. Voices of Asia at the Conference. 2. Brother Sunanda Alwis, Director of Maris Stella College. 3. Birthdays of Brothers X. Barceló, F. Galiana and J.Scholte. 4. Thanks from India to the Brothers Provincial of Australia. 5. Musicians for Mexico during its fiesta. 6. The Episcopal Conference of Sri Lankawith the brothers of the General Council. 7. In the parish of Duwa. 8. Teachers. 9. Affiliated members.

10

11

1213

14 15

1617

10. General Group. 11. General Group with the brothers from Sri Lanka. 12. Provincials. 13. General Council. 14. District Superiors. 15. Auxiliaries.16. Invited guests. 17. Translators.

18. Visit to the Maris Stella College at Negombo. 19. Elephants bathing in the Katugastata River. 20. Staff from the Goldi Sands Hotel. 21. Inter-religious meeting. 22. Fire-works at the end of the celebration offered by the directors of the Hotel. 23. Survivors of the tsunami speak about their experience. 24. Sri Lankan folklore dancing. 25.Meeting with the Marist communities of Sri Lanka. 26. Father Joaquín Fernández, former Superior General of the Marist Fathers, Chaplain for the VII General Conference.

1819

21

22

23 24

25

26

20

27. Working in groups. 28. Evaluative synthesis of the Conference. 29. Prayer in community. 30. In the Buddhist temple at Kandy. 31. Greeting the brothers and communi-ties of Sri Lanka. 32. Sharing on Marist Africa. 33. Gift to the General Councillors. 34. The friendly squirrel that arrived punctually each day at morning tea time. 35. Incul-turation of the General Council 36. Meeting with the students of Sri Lanka 37. Brothers from the former House of Formation at Bairo, present at the General Conference.

27

28

29

31

32

33

34

35 36

37

30

their simple style of living, asin our origins; simple instructures, in style of life, in means. The commondenominator was love. All of this generates the hopethat Marist life has a futureand sufficient vitality to be

T he brothers work in Indiain two schools; there are

twenty-seven brothers andthey live a simple life and arefriendly and welcoming. Thiswas a real example of thesong that says that whereverthere is a brother there is ahome for me. We stayed inthe formation house with thepostulants and aspirants. Atthe present time there arethree postulants and nineaspirants. They are a simple,close, and kind group with agreat dream for everythingMarist, prepared to dowhatever is needed to becomeMarist. They made us feel athome despite the languagedifficulties. We were able tovisit all the communities andin all of them we appreciated

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ÁLBUM OF VISITS • ÁLBUM OF VISITS • ÁLBUM OF VISITS • ÁLBUM OF VISITS • ÁLBUM OF V

India: experience of encounter and fraternity that generates hope

Br. Adolfo Cermeño, Provincial of América Central

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Didascalia della foto da inserire qui della lunghezza diquattro o cinque righe, grazie.Didascalia della foto da inserire qui della lunghezza diquattro o cinque righe.

December 2005 85

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part of the Church buildingthe Kingdom, giving reasonsfor hope to children andyoung people of whom there are so many. We were able to visit theplaces affected by thetsunami. We met people whohad lost so much. The brothers have aprogramme for the childrenwho suffered during thecatastrophe and they helpthem to know how to survivegiving them alternativesthrough group therapy andcomputing skills. Variousbrothers spend the week atthese places which are 160 kilometres away fromwhere they live. There are always two whoremain during the week.Thank you to the brothers ofIndia for all they did for uswhen we stayed with themand for having shared with ustheir simplicity and theirpoverty during these days.

The brothers’ school.

Some students.

Aspirants, postulants and formators.


M y option for visiting East Timor, besides

the knowledge of the historyand of the reality of thatyoung country, had as anobjective to meet withBrother Raimundo Barbosaand the five laypeople sentby my Province for a periodof volunteer work andsolidarity in this country. The Province of Brasil Centro-Norte decided to sendthose volunteers as an answer to the appeals of the Australian brothers

EAST TIMORBr. Claudino Falchetto

Provincial of Brasil Centro-Norte

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December 2005 87


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who have been there for five years running aTeachers’ College. The area of teaching in East Timor is in a dramatic situation. Most of the teachers at the time of independencewere Indonesian and so they left East Timorto return to their owncountry. This left an illiteracy rate of45% of school aged children. As well, the facilities and school resources hadbecome precarious andinsufficient. The situation is even worsewhen we take into accountthat most of the children donot have Portuguese, which is the declared official language, as their mother tongue.The Brazilian volunteers all have pedagogical and educational experienceand will be able tocontribute to the formationof teachers and students. Having noted theenthusiastic response given to the preparation of the beginning of the academic year and to the learning of the national language, I can verify that the fruit of this work will beabundant. The presence of thesevolunteers is an example of interprovincial co-operation, making way for new

vocations ad gentes, as much among the brothersas among committedlaypeople.

Brother Claudino with Brother Raimundo and the co-workersfrom Brasil Centro Norte.


respected and admired in myheart. Meeting the brothers of thetwo communities that wevisited, one in Petaling Jayaand the other in Malacca wasfor me an encounter withfaithful people who love theirpeople and the Church deeplyand who, despite their age,continue to bear fruit in theirapostolate, in their prayer lifeand in their being Marist intheir service to the youngpeople in the school and in theparish.I perceived in Malaysia amulticolour society in race,culture and creed. TheCatholics are a minority in thissociety (3 to 4 %) but live in aprofound sense of respect,tolerance and peace. TheChurch is young, attractive,familial and hopeful of a futurethat is guiding its people toidentify themselves as peopleof God on the move. I have notexperienced Eucharisticcelebrations and exposition ofthe Blessed Sacramentcelebrated with such joy, songsand youthful dreams that weredeeply spiritual and alive. Withsuch youthful liveliness andcloseness to the Church, Ithought deeply about theMarist future in this land ofMalaysia and about the hopefor Marist vocations.

T he encounter with thismarvellous Asian culture

opened my heart to a newinternational, intercultural,inter-religious and inter-fraternal reality. The values ofhospitality, delicateness, deepspirituality, love of FatherChampagnat and simple,evangelical living challengedmy western mind and made me

feel the richnessof the pluralityand the greathuman andreligious valuethat theinternationality ofour Institutesupposes, arainbow of Maristlife that washidden from myeyes, though

TO NEGOMBOBY PASSING THROUGH MALAYSIA

Br. Samuel Holguín, Provincial of Ibérica

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John Chin, Théoneste Kalisa, RobertTeoh, Samuel in Kualala Lumpur.

December 2005 89

PAKISTANBr. Manuel Jorques Bru,

Provincial of Mediterránea


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T ogether with Brother PedroHerreros, whom I hardly

knew, and who was my firstgift in this apostolicexperience, I started my visitto the communities ofPakistan. What treasures did Idiscover?1. The human, fraternal andspiritual richness of thebrothers living their Maristvocation in simplicity, joy andausterity. A serene rhythm ofwork, without haste, withclearer and more resoluteoptions. A great concern forVocation Ministry and theaccompaniment of thepostulants.2. The respectful and friendlyrelationships betweenteachers and brothers. Peopleconscious of theirresponsibility, workers, whofeel loved, supported andanimated. “The brothers valueus and love us as people”. Agreat respect for religious life. 3. The happiness, closenessand welcome of the studentswhom we were able to visit intheir classes and share withthem in their free time. Theyfelt at home and wereavailable for any need in thecollege: cleaning, moving ofseats, flower decorations etc. 4. The delicacy and multitudeof small details that made youfeel part of a family, loved


and welcomed. You couldnot feel like a stranger ora foreigner here.5. The faith celebratedand shared with greatrespect, a deep spiritualmeaning that embracesall of life andencompasses you.Praying, keeping silentand addressing God asthough it was as normalas breathing.Congratulations to thebrothers ofPakistan for theirvaliant andpreferred optionfor the poor andthose in need,because in thepassion of heartsmoved by the loveof Jesus and of children andyoung people they encounter your strength,energy and courage.

Students and teachers in Sarghoda

Brother Pedro with the postulants in Faisalabad

Brothers Pedro and Gregory surrounded

by Marist aspirants


was right for our meeting. Wespoke, we shared the eveningmeal, we shared some photosand… we sang the SalveRegina. The emotion of thisnight is still with me today.After two days in Beijing weundertook a journey to the cityof Zangye. This was anothertwo days with the two brothersare live here. Again we felt theMarist family spirit and theirkindness and attention to usare hard to describe. Wevisited the houses in whichthey live and we spoketogether at length – with loveand affection – about theirconcerns and their work.Today I am participating in theVII General Conference butstill my eyes can see thoselandscapes, my heart is filledwith the Marist family and Iam in still in awe of what Iexperienced in my wonderfultrip to China. I have felt moreMarist and more brother afterthis experience. I have betterunderstood and admired morethe life of the brothers and Iwill remember for a long timethe example that they havegiven us. I pray to God thatwe may be able to help themso that Marist workflourishes in that beautifulland of China where the seedof Saint MarcellinChampagnat is still alive.

Ortega y Gasset – Spanishphilosopher – said that “to

be surprised and to be in aweof something is to start tounderstand”. There could be no

better words todescribe my visit tothe Marist Brothers inChina because mymind was continuallysurprised wherever Iwent and my heartwas in awe of thingstrying to appreciateall that wasexperienced so quicklywithout stopping ineach moment, in each

visit, in the face of eachbrother, in the people that wemet face to face.On the first day – at dusk – wehad the chance to meet thefive brothers who live inBeijing. A small, simple butvastly welcoming apartment

China:a visit that included things thatwere surprising, different and enchanting

Br. Primitivo Mendoza, Provincial of Compostela

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On the plaque is written:

Historical site of the city of Beijing.

The first Marist francophone school

in China was in this building

Zhangye: Brothers Demetrio Espinosa,Emili Turú and Primitivo Mendoza,

visiting together with Tom Chin, John Lek and Rosendo Yee

A VISIT TO JAPAN

Br. Lawrence Ndawala, Provincial of Southern Africa

December 2005 91


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I was invited to visit theBrothers in Japan as part of

the pre-visits before theGeneral Conference in SriLanka. My companion was Br.Réal Cloutier, the Provincial ofCanada. I did my visit from the26th to 2nd September 2005.The Marist school in Kobe wasfirst considered in 1937 butthe idea finally materializedfourteen years later followingthe closure of foreign schoolsin China by the newCommunist government. The community is composed oftwo Brothers, both of themover seventy, Br. Ramon,Spanish and Br. Joseph, nativeJapanese. There is oneJapanese Brother working withthe Brothers in Australia, 65years of age. Since our arrival in Suma, Kobeit was clear that the Brothersstrongly desire to keep the‘presence’ of the Brothers inthe school. They are lookingfor ‘young blood’ to supportthem from any part of theMarist world. These Brothers,‘the young blood’, will beinvolved in the following:1. Working with youngBrazilian and Peruvianimmigrants who are in Japan. 2. The church work with alarge community of Philippinomigrant workers who seem notto have organized shepherds

due to shortage of priests orreligious. 3. To support the presence ofthe minority church in thispart of the world.

What are the challenges?1. Japan is the one of the firstworld countries. It is evidentwhen one sees the organizationof social services. It is amaterialistic society.2. The culture is thebiggest challenge inJapan. One cannot dowithout enculturation.It is oriental and amulti-religious countrywhere religions co-exist.3. The language isanother challenge thatone needs more timeto learn.



activities to help the poor,for example the “ChampagnatCommunity ExtensionServices”. It is a programmeto help the indigenous peopleto escape from their poverty.This can be assistance for starting and managing afarm or an agriculture field;to construct houses or to build wells. I was impressed by thecommunity of brothers atBuda which is in amountainous region separatedfrom the towns. It is still deprived ofelectricity and phoneservices. On the contrary they haveplenty of water. The brotherslead a very simple life, as dothe people of the village:they content themselves witha wood cabin. They areworking with the bishop ofthe diocese and the parishpriest: animation of youngpeople, supervision of schoolactivities, formation of basiccommunity animators, etc.The brothers in thePhilippines give us a goodexample of mission withchildren and young people.They live in solidarity with the poor and help them to improve their lifethrough different programmesof assistance.

T he Marist Province of the Philippines consists

of forty-nine brothers intwelve communities. Their mission is mainlyworking in schools; they offer a good academicformation and also a Christian education.In some schools, the brothersoffer poor young people

the chance to pursuetheir studies by the system“Working student”,that is to say, that they studywithout paying buton free days orholidays they work forthe school.Similarly, certaincommunities have

VISIT TO THE PHILIPPINES

Br. Sylvain RamandimbiarisoaProvincial of Madagascar

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T his was for me an immersionexperience in a culture that

is totally different to mine. Ifelt called to go out of myselfand walk with the people of SriLanka. The brothers live in asimple and austere manner asto their housing, their means oftransport, their clothing andtheir food. The Colleges of theProvince are also very simpleand accessible to all becausethe government subsidises 60%of the salaries of the teachers.The parents pay the other 40%and the maintenance of thebuildings is done by thestudents themselves. The people also live in asimple and austere manner.I perceived a great esteem andappreciation for the culture ofthe country, from the esteemand respect for diversity. In the Marist schools, I noted the culture of popularmusic, folk dances and other traditional cultures.Despite current and pasttensions, there seems to be agood relationship between thereligions. In this country, thelarge religions of Buddhism,Hinduism, Islamism andCatholicism co-exist. Catholicsare only 7% of the population.Due to their being a minority,the people are mainlycommitted practisingCatholics.

The Tudella novitiate is aconcrete example of inter-culturalism. The Master ofNovices is Australian andthe novices come fromPakistan, India and SriLanka. The Pakistanis andIndians are Tamils and theSri Lankans are Singhalese.Catholics are a minoritygroup in the threecountries. I noticed a lot of discipline inour colleges during recreationtime, when entering class, inthe rooms and in the student-teacher relationships.According to my culture itseemed to be excessive but atthe same time it seemed to benormal here in Sri Lanka; the people are thus very ordered and disciplined.

SRI LANKA

Br. Tercílio Sevegnani, Provincial of Brasil Centro-Sul


are running a hostel for boys with intellectuallimitations. Many of them have beenvirtually abandoned by theirparents. Many of the brothershave Degrees in social workand they use their knowledgeand skills in ways that arevery much in the spirit ofChampagnat. The boys clearly love thebrothers and that relationshipis the fruit of the brothers’patient and loving care of them. The younger boys go out for their schooling while the older ones areinvolved in commerciallyproductive tasks in theworkshops on the property.Lunch at the Novitiate gave us the chance to meetthe 3 novices. There is a prospect of up to10 aspirants for next year. In the land where the Church celebrates 103canonised martyrs the faithseems strong and despite thepower of the consumeroriented society theattraction of the Brothers’simple lifestyle is still havingits impact.We left Korea deeply gratefulfor Marist hospitality Korean style and for the careby Br. John Vianney.

T ouching down at Incheon International

Airport is the first step into a very affluent Korea.The affluence shows in many

ways but moreobviously in theinfrastructure. It is an attractivelyprogressive countryand the very warmwelcome by theBrothers added tothat attractiveness.The Brothers of theKorean District havenot been involved inrunning schoolsalthough there is one of the 27Brothers who isteaching in aGovernment school.District Leader,Brother John VianneyKim told us that oneof their biggestchallenges is findingapostolic works that are in harmony

with the dream of Marcellin. Visiting with me were Br Paul Gilchrist (Melbourne)and Br John Thompson(Sydney). The high point of our visitwas when we stayed with the community at Marist Home Choong-ju where the Brothers

VISIT TO KOREABr. Carl Tapp

Provincial of New Zeland

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Brothers Paul Gilchrist, John Thompson, Carl Tapp and Jacob with boys at Choong-ju

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Novitiate group. Standing: Brothers Paul, Carl and Damaso (N)

Alfredo Below: Br John Yang,Francisco (N), Canudo (N),

Brothers John Thompson, John Oh.

December 2005 95



CAMBODIA

Br. John ThompsonProvincial of Sydney

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N othing can prepare the visitor for

the welcome they receive fromthe physically disabledstudents at LaValla School.They come in wheelchair,skateboard or crutch with the most overwhelmingsmiles, hands joined inrespectful greeting. Brother Darryl emerges fromthe garden as the 90 studentsreturn to their activities and games.LaValla School has grownsignificantly from its humblebeginnings in rented premisesin downtown Phnom Penh in 1998. Purpose built accommodationand facilities for boys and girls were constructed in2000 and 2005 with attractiveclassrooms and workshops, an aqua therapy facility,recreational areas and adeveloping farm making upthe complex. The project is financed by the Sydney Province, NGOsand private donations.It is accepted that this is anextraordinary school. Thesestudents would not normallyreceive an education and herethey are so well taught by awonderful team of (physicallydisabled) teachers that manymake quick progress throughthe Primary years.

Graduates are completingHigh School (previouslyunheard of for the physicallydisabled) and a hostel wherestudents can jobskill has been set up by LaValla’sfinancial administrator (Ouch Nimel) in Phom Penh. Bishop Emile visited for lunch and a discussion. His relationship with the Brothers, Buddhist staff and childrenwas warm and appreciative. His comment on the questionof evangelization said it all“You give them hope(Cambodia’s most vulnerablechildren), you bring them joy,you prepare them for a better life. What more could God ask of you. Surely the Spirit will do the rest”.

VISIT TO SINGAPORE

Br. Maurice Berquet, General Councillor

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at the kindergarten everyoneprays the Our Father… !I had the pleasure of meetingthe two Marist fraternities inSingapore. One of themembers is the world vice-president of Saint Vincent dePaul. When I questioned himon the absence of visiblepoverty in Singapore, he saidto me, “Besides the fact thatbegging is an offence, why doyou think Mother Teresaestablished one of hercommunities here?” Two other meetings gave methe chance to dialogue withthe teachers of our schoolsand with the parish priest. I noted that the Catholicschool in Singapore is in aprivileged place ofevangelisation for thechildren and also for theparents. I also heard the wishof a number of lay teachersthat there be more brothersto work closely with theyoung people and to continueto show them what a Marist Brother is.I am very grateful to BrothersPaul, Joseph and Anthonywho welcomed me andorganised the variousmeetings for me. And I send my best wishes for a recovery or improvementin health for BrothersNoël and Kevin.

F ollowing several changesof programme, I finally

visited the brothers inSingapore on my own. This visit took place from the 30th August to the 3rdSeptember. They are membersof the Marist Province ofChina whose Provincial Houseis in Malaysia, a neighbouring country. There are currently fivebrothers in Singapore, two of whom are in nursinghomes. The only community is situated beside akindergarten, one of the twoMarist works in Singaporewith the other being the largeMaris Stella High School.The Church has one solediocese and is in a minoritysituation with only 4.7% of4.5 million inhabitants beingCatholic. This situation isreflected in our schools where

the Catholicteachers andstudents arethemselves inthe minority.This apparentlydoes not poseany problemsfor the parentsor for theteachers ofother religions.During themorning prayer

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With the kindergarten teachers.

With some staff members of Maris Stella

The custom of gathering a significant group ofbrothers in order to look at important mattersof the Institute was one of the practices intro-duced by Marcellin to encourage the unity ofthe brothers. The origin of this structure atthe service of the general government, as suchas we know today, started to take shape anddefine its function as a form of a renewedstyle of government of religious institutes ascalled for by Vatican II. The Seventh Commis-sion of the XV General Chapter, to which was

entrusted the study of the welfare of the brothers and the care of the older brothers, pre-sented the following desideratum: “That, on the occasion of the annual retreat, there beorganised, in the General House, sessions for the Brothers Provincial in order to study to-gether, under the direction of the Brother Superior General and his Council, the best waysof confronting the problems of the moment. The Chapter took up this desideratum and de-cided that the General Council should fix the time for these sessions (each three or fouryears)” (Circulars, XXII, p. 281)Brother Charles Raphaël put this resolution of the XV General Chapter into practice, convok-ing the “General meeting of the Brothers Provincial” on two occasions (5th – 16th October1961 and 4th – 12th May 1965). The XVI General Chapter established in the Directory (177)that the General Conference “is to be convoked twice in the course of time from one GeneralChapter to another”, this period being nine years, thus adapting the nomenclature and thestructures of the Institute to those used in the Church that had just given a renewed impor-tance to the traditional Episcopal Conferences that existed in various countries. The General Conference is a consultative assembly and itsfunction differs from that of the General Chapter. The latterhas full autonomy regarding the General Council and consti-tutes the supreme extraordinary authority of the Institute.On the contrary, the organisation of the General Conference,its programme, its daily agenda and its duration are subjectto the wishes of the Superior General and his Council. TheChapters generally resolve all the affairs by voting and pre-sent documents to the Institute. In the Conferences, thereis no voting on decisions, but consensus is sought on theaspects that are to be encouraged in the Provinces or in theInstitute, without expressing them in documents or officialstatements. These differences explain why there is a differ-ent way of working, of pursuing distinct objectives andadopting other means of attaining them.

December 2005 97

T he Marist Constitutionsdescribe the General

Conference as a consultativeassembly that has two objec-tives: to strengthen the unityof the Institute and to studyquestions of general con-cern and to propose waysof answering them.

WHAT is it

c


YEAR SUPERIOR DATE PLACE TOPIC

1. 1971 Br. Basilio Rueda 28.04 to Rome Meditation aloud of15.05.1971 (Italy) a Superior General before

his Brothers Provincial.

2. 1974 Br. Basilio Rueda 07.04 to Roma Preparation of21.05.1974 (Italy) the XVII General Chapter.

3. 1979 Br. Basilio Rueda 01. 10 to Rome Consecrated Life,14.10.1979 (Italy) Project of

Community Life Poverty and Justice... The Marist Family,Marist Patrimony.

4. 1982 Br. Basilio Rueda 03.10 to Rome To evaluate the progress 17.10.1982 (Italy) of renewal in the

Institute and to prepare the writing of the Constitutions and Statutes.

5. 1989 Br. Charles Howard 21.09 to Veranópolis The Marist Brother and15.10.1989 (Brazil) his mission for the future.

A group of young brothers was invited.

6. 1997 Br. Benito Arbués 12.09 to Rome Refoundation of the Institute.04.10.1997 (Italy) Eight young brothers and eight

lay people were invited.

7. 2005 Br. Seán Sammon 05.09 to Negombo Fostering vitality30.09.2005 (Sri Lanka) in Marist Life

and ministry today.

XVI General Chapter 1967

HISTORY OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCES

XVII General Chapter 1976

XVIII General Chapter 1985

XIX General Chapter 1993

XX General Chapter 2001

XXI General Chapter...

c

December 2005 99

PROGRAMME OF THE VII GENERAL CONFERENCE

■ Monday 5th September

Welcome to Sri Lanka. Inaugural Mass.Reflection and sharing on the visits to Asia

■ Tuesday, 6th September

An expert and a panel: Church and Asia.

■ Wednesday, 7th September

Opening address given by Brother Seán. A time for decision making! Reflection on vitality from the point of view of the five calls

■ Thursday, 8th September

Reflection on vitality from the point of view of the five calls

■ Friday, 9th September

The Marist Brothers and the arrival of the Church for the evangelisation of Asia

■ Saturday, 10th September

Time of assimilationCultural eveningMeeting with the Brothers from Sri Lanka

■ Sunday, 11th September

Free

■ Monday, 12th September

Animation and Government. Restructuring.


Vocation Ministry


Initial Formation


Initial Formation


On-going formation


Cultural and religious visit


Cultural and religious visit


Second round of visits by the General Council


Finances and the evangelical use of goods

■ Wednesday, 21st September

Plan for remodelling the Hermitage

■ Thursday, 22nd September

Mission

■ Friday, 23rd September

Laity. Procurator General


Time for interiorisation


Mass in the parish of Duwa


The General Council’s calendar for 2005 – 2009. XXI General Chapter


Formation of Provincial Secretaries Marist Apostolic Spirituality Document


The communications of the Institute and the webpageVisit to the Maris Stella College, NegomboCauses of the Saints, International College,General House


Agreement on some basic guidelines


Evaluation of the General ConferenceClosing address. Final celebration


I arrived at Negombo when thepreparations for welcoming the

brothers to the Conference werebeing finalised. The people werebusying themselves here andthere. The Goldi Sands Hotel wasgoing to become a Marist housefor a month. Little by little theplaces were adopting thenecessary characteristics. Thehotel’s hall was a privileged placefor Marcellin and Mary who weregreeting us with open arms.Posters, pictures and decorationsgave a particular Marist feel.On arrival on this beautifulisland, we received a memorablewelcome. At Maris Stella College,the words of a song composed bya brother expressed it well: “Wewelcome you, dear friends, on theland of this great continentwhich has seen the four great

rivers of religion born, which flowtowards the four corners of theearth. With affection and an openheart, we welcome you, dearbrothers, on the land where thefour doctrines that give spiritualcomfort to humanity aredeveloped with enthusiasm, onthe land three times blessed bythe feet of the Lord Buddha, inthe resplendent paradise of SriLanka. We share the love of Godwith his sons spread throughoutthe world. Welcome, sons ofMarcellin! Welcome to Asia!Welcome to Sri Lanka!”The main picture in the meetingroom of the Conference attractedmy attention. The sailing boat ofthe Institute is sailing on anopen sea, its sails at full bloomon the seas of Asia. The workersare busying themselves giving the

Departure from Negombo

A Parable for the ConferenceBr. AMEstaún

December 2005 101

last strikes of a hammer to fixthe sign: VII General Conference,5th to 30th September, Negombo– Sri Lanka. In the place that willserve as a chapel, someone hasput a border around a whitecanvas where an artist hasoutlined a picture. You couldalready guess the form ofMarcellin surrounded by children,still unfinished and without anycolour. On the contrary, in thedining room, a picture colouredwith simple but bright linesoccupies a place of honour. Thereis a Marcellin in a brown tintsurrounded by children withattractive faces. It expresses thedaily activity in a college, givingpraise to Marist education.Comparing the two pictures, Isaw that one was finished andthe other was not. I thought thatthey had not given enough timeto the artist to finish it, but asthe end sometimes explains thestart, I understood that thiscanvas and this finished picturewere like a parable for theConference.I know neither the author of thesketch, nor the subject that hewants to develop, but I believe itcan be entitled “The MaristMission in Asia”. That could bethe motive of the unfinishedpicture which presided over allthe liturgical celebrations in theimprovised chapel of the hotel.The most defined lines are thoseof Champagnat. One can alsorecognise the lines of boys full ofactivity. But all is scarcelyoutlined in a few pencil lines.The canvas stayed thus for thewhole Conference, waiting for thefinal touches that would give itlife and colour. Was this theintention of the artist? I asked at

the start of the Conference ifsomeone would come to finishthe picture. Are we going to leaveit like this? I heard a voicebehind me: “And why not?” I hadposed the question because I liketo finish what I have started

without too much delay. But onreflecting a bit, I agreed with thevoice behind me. Why must worksof art be finished and perfect?Art is like life taking form day byday. Each moment it leaves itsreflection and shadow.


During the morning quiet timeduring the Conference, weremained silent for a long time inthe chapel. This was like a“desert” day, as is proposedduring recollection days orretreats. To transfer yourselfphysically or spiritually to adesert, as someone who flies overthe Arabic peninsula from Amanto Rome, is to be placed likeJesus before the temptation thatpresent the challenges of thefuture. Do I run the risk of sayingyes to God or do I falter? Thesilence envelops thecontemplation. We search for itas it gives birth to thought,intuition. A word will express itlater… when the word is still in the silence and enriched with life.After a long moment ofcontemplative silence thebrothers were invited to write aword on the canvas, a significantphrase which summarised theConference. The word is bornfrom this silence which bathedthe soul of the Conference. And in the silence there was the Word.They asked for a word, a briefexpression which summarised thesentiment that the work and theencounter of the Conferencewould leave in the heart. Thewords that the brothers wrote in

their spelling and their languageswere like the tongues of fire ofPentecost. The brothers wererepresenting seventy-sevencountries: China, Pakistan, Korea,Argentina, Canada, Philippines,Rwanda, Madagascar, Spain, theNetherlands, etc. All animated byone spirit, they expressedthemselves in their ownlanguages and were understoodby all. These desires, these cries,these challenges, these promisesand these sentiments completedthe canvas: emarara, fogo,chiyembekezo, esperanza,kabataan, paga-sa ng vayan! ,mipela amamasin yu, etc.The VII Conference is finished.The picture stayed there with itscanvas nearly white, anunfinished story but also animportant step forward. Negomboprolongated Veranópolis and thetwo last General Chapters, byopening the Institute to theuniversal to which it had alwaysaspired. This internationality thatChampagnat and his brothers hadstarted one day at the Hermitagewith the desire to go to newdioceses.At Negombo, the picture ofChampagnat expresses the newspirit that matured the VIIGeneral Conference. Anunfinished picture, but one whichoffers a programme! In each

Province of the Institute one willadd the appropriate, typical,incultured lines. Each region willbring its own tonality andbrilliance. The shadows will alsobe present; we need to count onthem to emphasise the contrasts.Touch by touch, with red to bringout love, the large green lines ofhope, the monotone ochre of theindispensable shadows or thewhite of the alleluias. The life ofour Institute will form the baseof this painting during the nextfour years. Negombo will be anew reference point on ourjourney. The sailboat, with itssquare and universal sail, haspresided at the opening of theworks of the Conference byindicating the direction of Asia.Today the Institute deploys itssails before the gusts of wind ofthe Spirit with the desire that ittakes us to a good port, guidedby the Virgin of Good Voyage who has presided at thedepartures of each of thebrothers from the church atDuwa: Our Lady of Good Voyage.Goodbye Negombo and Colombo,we remember the magnificentwelcome that they reserved forthe brothers. In leaving Sri Lankawe carry in our hearts the task ofopening further the frontiers ofthe Institute ad gentes and togive a place to the laity in themission, to consolidate the Marist journey towards Godwith a solid spirituality, sharing in solidarity what wehave experienced with thebrothers and those in need. All of this should form thebeautiful multicoloured picturethat we will realise togetheraround Champagnat in the spiritof the Hermitage.

December 2005 103

P R O V I N C E SNOVICES BROTHERS LOSSES PROFS

1st 2nd TOT Temp Perp TOT Dec Dep TOT 1st Prof PPerp

1. AFRIQUE CENTRE EST 9 3 12 30 53 83 0 1 1 8 02. AMÉRICA CENTRAL 0 0 0 14 119 133 3 1 4 0 33. BRASIL CENTRO-NORTE 2 0 2 38 106 144 2 11 13 7 44. BRASIL CENTRO-SUL 12 0 12 34 109 143 7 2 9 8 25. CANADA 0 0 0 3 185 188 9 0 9 0 06. CHINA 0 0 0 0 35 35 1 0 1 0 07. COMPOSTELA 0 0 0 2 276 278 6 2 8 0 18. CRUZ DEL SUR 3 3 6 12 159 171 6 2 8 5 19. EUROPE CENTRE-OUEST 0 0 0 0 192 192 11 0 11 0 0

10. IBÉRICA 0 0 0 2 218 220 2 0 2 0 111. L'HERMITAGE 0 1 1 3 472 475 12 4 16 0 312. MADAGASCAR 0 0 0 8 52 60 0 1 1 0 013. MEDITERRÁNEA 4 2 6 32 294 326 7 5 12 1 314. MELBOURNE 2 2 4 16 105 121 2 1 3 4 115. MÉXICO CENTRAL 1 0 1 26 123 149 4 1 5 3 016. MÉXICO OCCIDENTAL 0 0 0 7 138 145 2 2 4 1 217. NEW-ZEALAND 2 0 2 6 118 124 5 2 7 0 018. NIGERIA 2 1 3 18 68 86 1 0 1 7 419. NORANDINA 6 0 6 16 137 153 4 3 7 2 120. PHILIPPINES 4 2 6 15 36 51 0 1 1 4 221. RIO GRANDE DO SUL 8 2 10 46 183 229 7 5 12 7 322. Sª. MARÍA DE LOS ANDES 0 2 2 2 128 130 4 3 7 0 223. SOUTHERN AFRICA 11 12 23 47 72 119 0 0 0 12 124. SRI LANKA AND PAKISTAN 2 0 2 1 36 37 0 0 0 0 125. SYDNEY 4 1 5 36 225 261 2 5 7 5 126. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 0 0 0 2 212 214 2 2 4 0 0

TOTAL 72 31 103 416 3851 4267 99 54 153 74 36

* Note: The Provinces are those that have finished restructuring (January 2005)

BASED ON DATA RECEIVED BY THE REGISTRY AND STATISTICAL SERVICE OF THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT

GENERAL STATISTICS OF THE INSTITUTE TO 31 DECEMBER 2004*


FIRST PROFESSIONS 2004


FAMILY NAME FIRST NAME PROVINCE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN DATE

1. Kalendelo Valerian Afrique Centre-Est Tanzanie 2004-07-032. Ally Hussein Pascal Afrique Centre-Est Congo R.D. 2004-06-203. Bulume Shamabale Désiré Afrique Centre-Est Congo R.D. 2004-06-204. Khakula Benard Newton Shamaia Afrique Centre-Est Kenya 2004-07-035. Kabwika Richard Afrique Centre-Est Congo R.D. 2004-06-206. Ntabala Ndege Théodore Afrique Centre-Est Congo R.D. 2004-06-207. Muke Kianosok Herman Afrique Centre-Est Congo R.D. 2004-06-208. Ganazoui Ouessewane Bérénil Jacques Afrique Centre-Est Centrafrique 2004-06-209. Neves Santos Ronilton Brasil Centro-Norte Bresil 2004-12-26

10. Duarte De Souza Hyndson Gray Brasil Centro-Norte Brésil 2004-12-2611. Da Silva Carlos Henrique Brasil Centro-Norte Brésil 2004-12-2612. Mangueira Lima Acleto Brasil Centro-Norte Brésil 2004-12-2613. Oliveira Bernardo Tiago Brasil Centro-Norte Brésil 2004-12-2614. Panceri Montebeler Rodrigo Brasil Centro-Norte Brésil 2004-07-3115. De Brito Silva Marciano Brasil Centro-Norte Brésil 2004-12-2616. Santana Finamor Alvanei Aparecido Brasil Centro-Sul Brésil 2004-12-0817. Janovski Adilson José Brasil Centro-Sul Brésil 2004-12-0818. Santos Carlos César dos Brasil Centro-Sul Brésil 2004-12-0819. Kuhn Vanderlei Antônio Brasil Centro-Sul Brésil 2004-12-0820. Rottava Dayan Luiz Brasil Centro-Sul Brésil 2004-12-0821. Uberti Cassiano Brasil Centro-Sul Brésil 2004-12-0822. Serena Marcos Brasil Centro-Sul Brésil 2004-12-0823. Santorum Darlan Brasil Centro-Sul Brésil 2004-12-0824. Bernal Castello Juan José Cruz del Sur Argentine 2004-02-0825. Chimeno Jáuregui Pedro Cruz del Sur Argentine 2004-02-0826. Borja Bogado César Concepción Cruz del Sur Paraguay 2004-01-0427. Flecha Benitez Marciano Cruz del Sur Paraguay 2004-02-1428. Santiago Coca Fernado Diego Cruz del Sur Argentine 2004-02-0829. Ntoban Humphery Yufenyu Mediterránea Cameroun 2004-06-1930. Sowrimuthu Saul Placious Melbourne Indes 2004-02-2131. Chinnappan Arul Rozario Melbourne Indes 2004-02-2132. Masilamani Anantha Raj Melbourne Indes 2004-02-2133. Durai Suresh Durai Melbourne Indes 2004-02-2134. Kim Anselmo (Dong-ryol) KIM México Central Corée 2004-06-0635. Castillo Garcia Jaime México Central Mexique 2004-06-1236. Lee Raphael (Myung-ho) México Central Corée 2004-06-0637. Uribe López Alejandro México Occidental Mexique 2004-06-1238. Odo Nathaniel Uchenna Nigeria Nigeria 2004-06-1939. Angulu Paul Edward Nigeria Nigeria 2004-06-1940. Uzor Henry Chidi Nigeria Nigeria 2004-06-1941. Abiaka Donatus Uzoma Nigeria Nigeria 2004-06-1942. Onwuanaku Sylvanus Nigeria Nigeria 2004-06-1943. Iheme Joseph Nigeria Nigeria 2004-06-1944. Mate Philip Olugbenga Nigeria Nigeria 2004-06-1945. Delgado Narvaez Hermes Arbey Norandina Colombie 2004-12-1546. Regalado Piedra Carlos Eduardo Norandina Equateur 2004-12-0747. Suarez Niño Mark John Philippines Philippines 2004-05-2048. Andoloy Ramil Philippines Philippines 2004-05-2049. Antiquisa Jeff Rhey Philippines Philippines 2004-05-2050. Muñoz Albert Philippines Philippines 2004-05-2051. Both Ronaldo Rio Grande do Sul Bresil 2004-12-0852. Jetelina Douglas Rio Grande do Sul Bresil 2004-12-0853. Lunkes Diego Rio Grande do Sul Brésil 2004-12-0854. Quadros Claudinei Henrique Junnior de Rio Grande do Sul Brésil 2004-12-0855. Rocha João Batista Machado da Rio Grande do Sul Brésil 2004-12-0856. Tenedini Vinícius Domingos Rio Grande do Sul Brésil 2004-12-0857. Schons Joel Pedro Rio Grande do Sul Brésil 2004-12-0858. Kasirayi Garikayi Gabriel Southern Africa Zimbabwe 2004-07-0359. Muteveri Ebel Southern Africa Zimbabwe 2004-07-0360. Halle Vicente Southern Africa Mozambique 2004-07-03

December 2005 105


61. Francisco José Hebo Ricardo Southern Africa Angola 2004-07-1762. Fore Blessing Nyarai Southern Africa Zimbabwe 2004-07-0363. Munkhondya Mathias Msango Southern Africa Malawi 2004-07-0364. Mulenga Maximillian Southern Africa Zambie 2004-07-0365. Muchibo Kiven Kuziwa Southern Africa Zimbabwe 2004-07-0366. Matusse Ilidio José Jacinto Southern Africa Mozambique 2004-07-0367. Khambi Ignatius Francisco Southern Africa Malawi 2004-07-0368. Hibajene Maxwell Southern Africa Zambie 2004-07-0369. Nangolo Euclides Cuvalela Southern Africa Angola 2004-07-1770. Kamusap Francis Sydney Papua-N. Guinea 2004-03-2771. Gonko Norman Sydney Papua-N. Guinea 2004-11-2072. Huiruo Noah Sydney Papua-N. Guinea 2004-11-2073. Pekubei Clement Sydney Papua-N. Guinea 2004-11-2074. Ruqegolomo Andrew Sydney Iles Salomon 2004-11-20

PERPETUAL PROFESSIONS 2004



1. Gonzáles Torres César Bernald América Central Nicaragua 2004-12-072. Gonzáles Polanco Mynor Estuardo América Central Guatemala 2004-12-193. Monroy Peinado Carlos Benigno América Central Guatemala 2004-12-194. Lima Manuel da Silva Brasil Centro-Norte Brésil 2004-05-295. Espíndola Cláudio Jairo Gomes Brasil Centro-Norte Brésil 2004-12-236. Lima Iranilson Correia de Brasil Centro-Norte Brésil 2004-12-237. Cruz José Wagner Rodrigues da Brasil Centro-Norte Brésil 2004-12-238. Vogel Paulinho Brasil Centro-Sul Brésil 2004-08-149. Siqueira dos Santos Vanderlei Brasil Centro-Sul Brésil 2004-05-16

10. Cuesta de Diego Pablo Compostela Espagne 2004-10-3111. Romero Méndez Francisco Cruz del Sur Paraguay 2004-02-1412. Mena Goldáraz Alejandro Ibérica Espagne 2004-10-0913. Gual de Miguel Xavier L'hermitage Espagne 2004-10-2314. Collado Sánchez Diego L'Hermitage Espagne 2004-10-2315. Valls Pujol Ismael L'Hermitage Espagne 2004-10-2316. Tekay Washington H Martin Mediterránea Liberia 2004-12-1117. Gragera Fernández-Salguero Francisco Javier Mediterránea Espagne 2004-09-2518. Juárez Moreno Juan Mediterránea Espagne 2004-09-1119. Arockiasamy Henry Alexander Melbourne Indes 2004-07-1020. Acevedo Sánchez Agustín México Occidental Mexique 2004-06-0521. Villarreal Cavazos Guillermo José México Occidental Mexique 2004-06-0522. Abadom Vincent Uchenna Nigeria Nigeria 2004-08-2123. Nze Augustine Nigeria Nigeria 2004-08-2124. Onukwufor Christian Obiom Nigeria Nigeria 2004-08-2125. Okolo Mark Omede Nigeria Nigeria 2004-08-2126. Villareal Riaño Juan Carlos Norandina Colombie 2004-04-0327. Jandic Elmer Erio Philippines Philippines 2004-05-2028. Pizarro Niño Mayor Philippines Philippines 2004-05-2029. Tiecher Claudino Rio Grande do Sul Brésil 2004-11-2730. Allebrand Márcio Luis Rio Grande do Sul Brésil 2004-11-0731. Orlandi Miguel Antônio Rio Grande do Sul Brésil 2004-05-2932. Menacho Suárez Juan Carlos Sª. María de los Andes Bolivie 2004-12-3033. Cornejo Silva Luis Sª. María de los Andes Chili 2004-10-3034. Sikelo Andrew John Southern Africa Malawi 2004-10-0235. Miranda Robert Manuel Jude Sri Lanka and Pakistan Sri Lanka 2004-08-1536. Tukana John Sydney Papua N. Guinea 2004-11-27



FAMILY NAME FIRST NAME NAME IN RELIGION DATE AGE PROVINCE

1. Dalpiva Adelino Silvestro Silverio Bento 2004-01-03 82 Brasil Centro-Sul2. Schmitt Félix Amphiloque 2004-01-05 90 Mediterránea3. Aubut Firmin Firmin Marie 2004-01-07 79 Canada4. Garau Ivo Ivo Marcial 2004-01-08 84 Cruz Del Sur5. Rebollar Campo Antonio Amancio 2004-01-10 85 Compostela6. Kelly Terence Edwin Celestine Terence 2004-01-15 78 New-Zealand7. Connolly Kevin Joseph Norbert Kevin 2004-01-21 78 New-Zealand8. Zanella Pedro Sartori Januário 2004-01-24 91 Brasil Centro-Sul9. Kim (Chang Soo) Bartolomeo 2004-01-26 55 México Central

10. Farrell Keith Boyd Stephen Edan 2004-01-27 82 Sydney11. Santamaría Ibañez Lorenzo Zósimo Benito 2004-01-29 87 Cruz Del Sur12. Klein Jean Paul René 2004-02-01 84 Europe Centre-Ouest13. González Abasolo Alberto Pedro Casiano 2004-02-01 93 Cruz Del Sur14. Guezmes García Julián 2004-02-02 61 América Central15. Santamaría Ibañez Gregorio Valero Germán 2004-02-03 84 Cruz Del Sur16. Smaniotto Alberto Acacio Aleixo 2004-02-04 86 Brasil Centro-Sul17. Mittermeier Seimel Georg Cornelius 2004-02-11 96 Sª. María de los Andes18. Hennessy Edward R. Thomas Edward 2004-02-13 84 United States Of America19. Macho Gómez José Julián Alvaro 2004-02-23 84 Norandina20. Côté André Henri André 2004-02-25 72 Canada21. Navarro Aceves Agustín Narciso Pablo 2004-02-29 79 México Occidental22. Di Pietro Giovanni Alessandro 2004-03-02 96 Mediterránea23. Scannell Desmond Joseph Giles Vincent 2004-03-06 83 New-Zealand24. Poncin Henri Germain Georges Andronic 2004-03-06 90 Europe Centre-Ouest25. García Baños Miguel Cesáreo Miguel Adrian 2004-03-07 95 México Central26. Macneil Donald Cyril Flavian 2004-03-17 81 Europe Centre-Ouest27. Neville Patrick Leo Basil Charles 2004-03-23 85 New-Zealand28. Hilbert Jean Joseph Théophile 2004-04-03 83 Europe Centre-Ouest29. Serneels Augustin Etienne Désiré 2004-04-19 84 Europe Centre-Ouest30. Mata Luis Laureano Pablo 2004-04-19 98 América Central31. Berto Nilo Fulgêncio Raúl 2004-04-22 85 Rio Grande Do Sul32. Gauthier Wilfrid François Marie 2004-04-27 86 Canada33. Mc Garry Thomas Kevin Odran (Kevin) 2004-04-29 77 Europe Centre-Ouest34. Chazal Henri-Jean-Marie Marie Vincent 2004-05-01 82 L'Hermitage35. Silva Reis Manuel Niceto 2004-05-07 94 Compostela36. Souza Eurico De Heriberto Lucio 2004-05-15 81 Brasil Centro-Norte37. Bigotto Giorgio Giorgio Giovanni 2004-05-21 68 Mediterránea38. Flynn Peter Francis Marcellin John 2004-05-22 73 Sydney39. Rada Goñi Benjamín Fermín Santos 2004-05-23 84 L'Hermitage40. Tremblay Charles-Eugène Charles Jérôme 2004-05-24 84 Canada41. Méjean Elie Joseph Honorat 2004-05-24 94 L'Hermitage42. Bussi Orcelet Erminio Ermanno Giuseppe 2004-05-28 86 Sª. María de los Andes43. Rodríguez Rodríguez Antonio Jorge Faustino 2004-06-03 95 Compostela44. Kane Thomas Joseph Terence Mary 2004-06-03 72 Melbourne45. González Gallo Donato Bernardo 2004-06-04 78 Mediterránea46. Empinotti Moacyr Caetano Dionysio Félix 2004-06-13 93 Rio Grande Do Sul47. De Cos González Miguel Mariano Miguel 2004-06-15 88 Sª. María de los Andes48. Agba Sylvester Linus Sylvester 2004-06-20 75 Nigeria49. Fernández Díez Santiago Tadeo Antonio 2004-06-24 78 Compostela50. Goutagny Pierre Marie Claudius 2004-07-01 89 L'Hermitage51. Sheils Patrick Cormac 2004-07-10 77 Europe Centre-Ouest

BROTHERS WHO DIED IN 2004

December 2005 107

FAMILY NAME FIRST NAME NAME IN RELIGION DATE AGE PROVINCE

52. Herrera Hernández Agustín Daniel Agustín 2004-07-16 91 México Central53. Suárez García Esteban José Sebastian 2004-07-17 82 Cruz del Sur54. Acebes Fuentes Tomás Tomás Agustín 2004-07-19 69 Sª. María de los Andes55. Arce Arce Eutiquiano Plácido Benito 2004-07-25 79 Mediterránea56. Nahirniak André Floriano João 2004-07-28 86 Brasil Centro-Sul57. Eguiguren Aizpuru Dionisio Ignacio Agustín 2004-07-29 82 Ibérica58. Roy Daniel 2004-08-08 62 L'Hermitage59. Villarroya Gómez Bernardo Bernardo Ramón 2004-08-09 66 L'Hermitage60. Gómez Galvan Salvador Salvador Gabriel 2004-08-11 72 México Occidental61. O'Halloran Brian Brian 2004-08-12 75 Europe Centre-Ouest62. Tung Tsao Lung Paul Malya Laurent 2004-08-14 91 China63. Dematté Gildo Samuel André 2004-08-21 88 Brasil Centro-Sul64. Bauer Franz Xaver Leo Xaver 2004-08-24 86 Europe Centre-Ouest65. Prelorenzos Jean Jean Emmanuel 2004-08-25 69 L'Hermitage66. Clifford John Patrick Hubert Nicholas 2004-08-27 87 New-Zealand67. Mattuella Rizzieri Romildo María 2004-08-29 74 Rio Grande do Sul68. Ziegler Paul Marie Bertrand 2004-09-06 96 L'Hermitage69. Corriveau Vincent Vincent Arthur 2004-09-07 83 Canada70. García Martínez José Dolores Roque José 2004-09-08 86 América Central71. Lefebvre Marcel Célestius 2004-09-10 89 Canada72. Blanco Blanco Ruperto Ruperto Víctor 2004-09-13 83 Mediterránea73. Ruver José Francisco Adelmo 2004-09-19 85 Brasil Centro-Sul74. Drouard Jean Pierre Michael 2004-09-19 84 L'Hermitage75. Rengifo Reina Félix Esteban Anselmo Félix 2004-09-21 87 Norandina76. Trascasa García Conrado Telmo Conrado 2004-09-23 89 Ibérica77. Lodi Sylvio João Narciso Matías 2004-09-27 82 Rio Grande do Sul78. San Martín Rojo Juan José José Daniel 2004-10-11 73 Compostela79. Barrocas José María Fidel Alipio 2004-10-24 95 Brasil Centro-Norte80. Tisseur Paul-Joannès Paul Dominique 2004-10-27 63 L'Hermitage81. Orcajo Pozo Benedicto Eterio Gregorio 2004-10-29 74 Compostela82. Finkler Pedro Plácido Xavier 2004-11-07 85 Rio Grande do Sul83. Martínez Díaz Manuel Ambrosio Teófilo Antonio 2004-11-07 85 Norandina84. Sheehan Barry William Canute Regis 2004-11-10 79 Melbourne85. Galvez Moreno Modesto Patricio 2004-11-13 41 Norandina86. Appio Antônio Fioravante Florentino Pedro 2004-11-14 81 Rio Grande do Sul87. Iglesias Vera Carlos Carlos Pedro 2004-11-18 64 L'Hermitage88. Caresia Dionísio André Carlos 2004-11-18 79 Brasil Centro-Sul89. Poirier Antonio Raymond Alfred 2004-11-22 88 Canada90. Poitras Gilles Gilles Aimé 2004-11-22 73 Canada91. Van Raemdonck Gérard Gérard Albert 2004-11-23 89 Europe Centre-Ouest92. Criado Martínez Dalmacio Héctor María 2004-12-01 95 Cruz Del Sur93. Flach Ernesto Jorge Flávio Ernesto 2004-12-03 78 Rio Grande do Sul94. Llanillo García Agustín Ramón Vicente 2004-12-06 83 Mediterránea95. Murray John 2004-12-12 55 United States of America96. Ronzon Jean-Baptiste Henri Augustin 2004-12-14 84 L'Hermitage97. Aguirre González Apolinar Apolinar Alejo 2004-12-14 81 México Central98. Proulx Raymond Gilles Raymond 2004-12-24 74 Canada99. Hengeler Hans Ludwig Gandolf 2004-12-27 84 Europe Centre-Ouest

Inspired by the grace of the Holy Spirit.The fountain of all good,To the land of the great continent,That gave birth to the four great rivers of religion,That flow to the four corners of the earth,We welcome you dear friends.

To the land where these four creedsThat bings spiritual solace to all mankind,Thrive most zealously,To the land that was thrice animatedBy the gentle kiss of the feet of Lord BuddhaThe resplendent paradise of Sri LankaWe welcome you dear friends warmly and with open hearts.

With blooming children in the whole worldYou share the love of GodWelcome - welcomeWelcome sons of MarcellinWelcome to Asia,Welcome to Sri Lanka.

Under the guidance of Mother MaryWho was always open to the Spirit Our good patron Saint MarcellinCommitted his life for childrenMay your mission be in his vision.

By the power of the Holy SpiritGoodness of the world,Has spread for ever to every corner

Give us the good that you inheritAnd take from us the good we possessAll good in heritage of the universeBringing animation among mankind.

Fertilizing the earth - embracing hill and daleCo - existence the richly cool confluenceThe ushing world heritageLet’s relish it, let’s share itDear friends, let’s all with the Lord’s breathBe filled, be filledOverflowing with it.

(Br. Nicholas Fernando)

WELCOME SONG

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Documents

general conference page

institute page

maurice berquet page

nicholas fernando page

coverindexsens lamp

sylvain ramandimbiarisoa

claudino falchetto page

samuel holgun page