CHRISTIAN BROTHERS • LATIN AMERICAN REGION DECEMBER • 2014 EDITION LATAM

ERI 5 BROTHERS LATIN AMERICA RENEWED CHIMBOTE VOWS

30 MISIONERS,OMAS 3 SCHOOLS, 3 CONTRIES AND A TOWN

December 2014 Latin American Newsletter 1 LIMA IMMERSION GROUPS - 2015

Feb 11 – 17 Hendricken High School, Rhode Island Mar 09 – 13 CLT, Rome Mar 25 – 31 Iona Prep, New Rochelle Apr 01 – 07 O´Dea High School, Seattle Apr 18 – 23 Catholic Memorial, Boston Apr 24 – 02M Cardinal Newman, Buenos Aires – Alumnos May 08 – 16 Cardinal Newman, Buenos Aires – Alumnos May 22 – 30 Cardinal Newman, Buenos Aires - Madres Jun 04 – 10 St. Laurence High School, Chicago Jun 12 – 17 Brother Rice High School, Michigan Jun 19 – 26 Palma High School, Salinas Jun 29 – 08J St. Thomas More Collegiate, Vancouver Jul 09 – 15 Iona Prep, New Rochelle, Fathers and sons Jul 20 – 28 Pilgrims in Peru, North America Aug 07 - 15 Cardinal Newman, Buenos Aires – Ex alumnos Sep 21 – 29 Stella Maris, Montevideo Oct 02 – 10 Cardinal Newman, Buenos Aires – Profesores Nov 06 - 14 Cardinal Newman, Buenos Aires - Padres Nov 27 – 04D Bergen Catholic High School, New Jersey (To be confirmed)

2 Latin American Newsletter December 2014 CONTENTS DECEMBER 2014

04|End of term 11|Sexual and 16|Mission in Omas Activities of end of reproductive Group of missioners the year in Colegio health in Fe y went to Omas for Stella Maris Alegría a week of intense By Jim Glos mission

05|Immersion Cardenal group in 12| 18|Human Rights Newman School Edmund Rice Cochabamba Activities and Stella Maris International, celebrations Chimbote

07|Christmas is sharing 14|Some changes 19|Last activities of Mundo Mejor, Chimbote Community the year Chimbote - Perú Canto Grande Community

09|Immersion 15|Activities in group from CEHM Bergen Catholic Cochabamba Casa Hendricken Community

December 2014 Latin American Newsletter 3 END OF TERM Primary students Stella Maris School performing for Christmas

he students, along with their tea- stage in their lives. Then we had dinner. chers in primary, invited their VISIT OF BR. RENATO. In October we Tfamilies to celebrate the completion had a visit from Bro. Renato Llerena, coordi- of the courses. Through various activities, the nator of Edmund Rice International - ERI - in boys and girls were able to show the content of Latin America, to advise and discuss our work their projects and the skills learned throughout here in Montevideo. During his visit we had the year. All areas involved in the formation several meetings with different members of of our children worked jointly transmitting our Network: faculty, staff, social work group, their achievements. We share with you some of immersion group, etc. In this way, we promote these moments. the work of ERI and try to share the initiatives that are already taking place. STAFF MASS. On December 12th all of We also met with a representative of Fran- us who work in the college shared in a Mass ciscans International in Uruguay, who traveled to end the year. We celebrated this Eucharist to Geneva to present a report to the Universal together to thank God for all that we lived and Periodic Review – UPR – of the United Nations shared in this 2014. As Christians, we reflec- on human rights in our country, Uruguay, and ted that the Lord is our Shepherd and we are he had the opportunity to work with Brothers always cared for. Goodbye to several colleagues Moy and Brian in our office there . We hope to who are retiring, wishing them well at this new continue strengthening ties and begin to work

4 Latin American Newsletter December 2014 together. WORKSHOP MEETING WITH side by side. We were experimenting In our school we have many pro- STUDENTS OF “Nuestro Camino” and challenging our fears with joy, jects related to the values of ERI, as Since early this year the students play and laughter. We encouraged Action, MUN (Model United Nations) of 1st and 2nd year secondary here in each other to find God in every glance meetings, workshops, academic and Stella Maris College accompany the and smile and at the end of this little curricular projects, among others. At work done by the boys of Our Way, an journey without losing sight of the this stage we try to integrate the work institution that is dedicated to wor- process, we could conclude that the of ERI in the three areas defined in the king with children and youth with difference unites us. 2014 meeting in Cochabamba: Mother disabilities. Throughout the year we We said goodbye to the year with a Earth, Eco spirituality and Human were learning and discovering that nice round of games, dances and snac- Rights. Gonzalo Irigoyen. from the differences we may grow ks ... Sofía Cristina.

Celebration of end of the year with students of Nuestro Camino.

December 2014 Latin American Newsletter 5 IMMERSION GROUP IN COCHABAMBA Stella Maris School

n September, a group of 10 virtues and defects but all trying to sed appreciation for the mere fact of members of the College com- give of one´s best. our approaching them, sharing a game Imunity, had the opportunity to Seven days of “community living”, with them, helping with homework, “live” the experience of being close to sharing every minute, from Morning giving them our love ... the Brothers and their mission work in Prayer, breakfast, the day with the They were seven days where the Cochabamba, Bolivia, for a week. kids, preparing dinner, sharing the brothers with their gestures and choi- There were four brothers: Eduar- night table until prayer and songs ce of words, prayer and action, showed do, Dermot, Saul and Francisco. The before bedtime. They were seven us how the charism of Edmund Rice first two Irish-born, the second two, days accompanying the children and lives. They are true instruments of Peruvians, each with their characte- adolescents attending Centro Her- God in the service of others. Their ristics and particular gifts but cer- tainly, all transmitters of the charism Seven days of “community living”, sharing every of Edmund Rice. This house was our minute, from Morning Prayer; breakfast, the day home during those seven days and we were made feel very much at home. with the kids, preparing dinner, sharing the night Our Uruguayan bustling and cheerful table until prayer and songs before bedtime. banter invaded the house which surely must have been amusing to them. mano Manolo, the girls who live in work is quiet and respectful, conduc- This missionary experience in the home of Mary Help of Christians, ted with humility and generosity, with another country, another reality, a visiting the homes and families of determination, commitment and wi- different culture to ours, was certainly children living in the hills in the llingness, cheerful, warm and bearers very rich and will be forever in our southern part of the city, contact with of hope. It is a task that involves every hearts, an experience that included all children, women and men who work one of them, a constant and tireless our senses and moved us into action. in the market, motivated us to give, to effort, following and accompanying They were seven days where our want to reach out, to smile, to offer a children on their way to succeed in families were away, but present in word. Seven days where the children life, to defend their right to a better each of us; where we felt part of a through their expressions, faces, eyes, life through study and approaching community with our differences, our hugs, smiles and a few words, expres- God.

6 Latin American Newsletter December 2014 CHRISTMAS IS SHARING By Rusbeld Chero

tudents of the graduating than material things to them, sharing class of 2014 of Mundo Mejor the joy of salvation, the value of life Loneliness SHigh School finished their and hope for a world better. does not come pastoral service in different institu- “True Christmas is sharing” is our tions, having donated their time and motto and is the meaning of advent from Christ, service to support children, young and of the Christmas celebrations, people, the elderly, the disabled and helping our brothers live moments of but disappears families in extreme poverty. Christ joy. Loneliness does not come from with each hand was present in many of the faces we Christ, but disappears with each hand served. extended and ready to serve, such as extended and It was fun to celebrate Christmas we have been taught by Blessed Ed- with our new friends, bringing more mund Rice. ready to serve.

December 2014 Latin American Newsletter 7 HENDRICKEN HOUSE Immersion group from By Paul Keohane Bergen Catholic

n immersion group from Three past pupils from Newman the three Lima communities to dine in Hendricken High School College and three past pupils from a restaurant, a gesture that was appre- Aspent a week with us at the Stella Maris College were invited to ciated by us all. We wish him a good start of December. Ten senior students participate in the Fe y Alegría mission rest with his brothers in Chile. came accompanied by two brothers, in Omas, in the mountains near Lima The three communities had Christ- Brian Walsh and Chris Hall. They and they spent a few days in our house mas supper in our house. We ate a constructed a pre fabricated house on before and after the mission. They succulent turkey and finished the cele- the hill near Canto Grande and they visited families on the hill near our bration on our flat roof looking at the worked with the women peeling broad school with Pablo. They worked with fireworks at midnight. beans. They enjoyed their visits to the the women and in the evenings they Diego returned from Arequipa homes in Vila El Salvador and they worked very well with the children in Brother Al Cussen spent a few days a nursery. They had an unwelcome ex- perience when their flight out of Lima with us on his way to Chile. He invited was cancelled and they had to return the brothers from the three Lima to our house at 04:00 am y wait for a flight programmed for the following communities to dine in a restaurant. night. The associates from Canto Grande carried the heavy bags of beans and having spent two weeks there working made their promises in the Hendric- loaded them on the truck. on his educational projects. ken House on Sunday 7th of Decem- Brother Al Cussen spent a few days The students from Bergen wrote ber. Brothers Michael and Javier parti- with us on his way to Chile to visit his their reflections every night and we cipated with Pablo in the ceremony. family. He invited the brothers from present here some of their thoughts.

8 Latin American Newsletter December 2014 One can leave a very poor neighbor- hood and in an hour´s journey in a bus arrive in a wealthy neighborhood. The poor and the rich live a few miles apart but their living conditions give the impression that they live in diffe- rent worlds. ------When I started peeling broad beans it seemed very easy. Two hours later I had blisters on my thumbs. It upset me to think that a woman who peels beans for Br. Michael O’Donnell, Br. ten hours a day only gets $6. The woman Al Cussen and Br. Jim Glos. also has to carry 40 kilo bags down to the bean collection point. On leaving I had great respect for a woman who does this every day to buy food for her four children. ------This week made a strong impact on my attitudes and conduct. I have learnt to appreciate all that I have and to be less egoistic. The woman peeling the beans made the strongest impact on me. She does so much to get very little and I do very little and I have a lot. She has inspired me to put more effort into everything I do. ------It is difficult to express in words what my experience in Peru has been. I came here to get through a week here but I leave a changed person. I will not forget the experience that inspired me to live a better life. ------I have spent hours carrying tim- ber panels, building a house, painting a house, peeling beans, dancing with senior citizens and chatting to pupils of Fe y Alegría. I have had pains in my back, in my legs and in my feet. The experience had great value for me and it has not finished. I have a lot to do in my life to close the gap that exists between Br. Paul with Newman’s the poor and us who have everything. former students

December 2014 Latin American Newsletter 9 SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN FE Y ALEGRIA Student sketches By Jim Glos about being in love

n November and December Brother Glos shared their ideas on the getting “involved” with older men is a Karina Andrade and Brother Jim respective topics. dangerous way to go. IGlos did workshops with the sixth Among the suggestions given by the The workshop with the secondary grade primary students and the second animators, there were three that were students was on falling in Love. The grade secondary students in the Fe y Ale- most emphasized: masturbation, porno- students, divided into five groups, studied gria 26 school in Lima. The theme of the graphy and falling in love. It is normal specific variations of the theme. The first workshops with the primary students was for adolescents, both male and female, case was of a high school girl in love with the physical and psychological changes to masturbate, it is part of leaning about a 21-year-old male who was constantly as- experienced at the beginning of adoles- their sexuality. However, constant and king her to “prove” her love by having in- cence. prolonged masturbation is not a posi- timate sexual relations. The second case To begin the session Karina placed tive manner to live out one’s sexuality. was of a young girl in love whose mother on the front board outlines of male and Pornography, which is so common in forbad her to be with him. The third was female adolescent bodies. The students our times, both in magazines, on TV and about a high school girl in love with a boy were then asked to paste a small card easily downloaded from Internet, is a very who was not in love with her. She felt with a check mark on the areas in which unhealthy way to learn about sexuality jealous of him when he was socializing the puberty changes occur (genital area, and can foment exaggerated masturba- with other girls. The fourth case was of throat, etc.). As can be imagined there tion. Finally, young girls need to be very a young male student who as yet did not was much movement and laughter among conscious that they will be approached have a girl friend and felt that something the students as they placed the cards in by males older than they in order to begin was wrong with him. The final case was the respective parts of the figures. sentimental relationships. Teenage girls that of a male student who felt little or no The second part was an interesting that become pregnant almost always have attraction toward girls and preferred to and well-done DVD presentation of the coital relationships with males much hang around with a close male friend. physical changes that young adolescents older than they. After studying its respective case experience as they begin puberty, that It may seem strange that we speak so each group prepared a short sketch with had the students enthralled. frankly about certain topics of sexuality was presented before the entire class. In the third and final part of the wor- with these students that are only 10 or 11 After each sketch the animator used the kshop the students were asked to answer years old. However, we have discovered experience to draw out important lessons a number of questions about puberty that even at this age they have been expo- about being in love as a teenager. supposedly sent to a radio station by sed to aspects of sexuality that need to be In the final part of the workshop adolescents. The topics of these questions talked about openly with them to correct a DVD presentation called “NO TE were various: menstruation, masturba- false ideas that they may have. Also, they ENAMORES DE MÍ” (“DON´T FALL IN tion, hygiene, wet dreams, relative size of are about to begin falling in love, if they LOVE WITH ME”) was shown, which sexual organs, acne, etc. After hearing the have not already done so, and they need served to reinforce the themes previously answers of the students, both Karina and to be forewarned from the beginning that discussed.

10 Latin American Newsletter December 2014 CARDENAL NEWMAN SCHOOL By Pastoral Team

RADUATION MASS. The in the school’s pastoral activities: wor- us to reflect on how all together we sixth-year students had their ks of solidarity, the summer mission form the Newman community. Gtraditional graduation mass and other special events, showed In the second moment we filled in in which they bade farewell to the much enthusiasm to begin this new the leaves of the bush with the res- years they spent in school, looking stage in life, remembering with much pective virtues that each of us bring ahead to the adventures to be lived in affection that which they leave behind to our community. Finally, in the third new experiences to which they bring in this special space which was their moment, in the context of prayer, we the fruit of what they have learned. second home for many years. By José expressed in writing the sentiments The evening graduation ceremony Santamarina we experience of how the practice was held in the campus square and of our virtues fills our lives with fire was accompanied by fine weather. The END OF YEAR RETREAT FOR and light. The finished product of this mass was celebrated by Jaime Morea, PERSONNEL. On Friday, December retreat was centered around the image a past-student of the school, who en- 19, about sixty members of the school of the “burning bush”, sketched on the couraged the graduates to be thankful faculty had a spiritual encounter in floor of the retreat center and circled for their days at Newman. Present at the retreat center Monseñor Aguirre by lit candles, in which we gave thanks the ceremony were the students’ fa- to bring to a close the present school in community prayer for the gift of our mily and faculty members, who heard year in a special manner. faith. It was a very beautiful way to the words of Alberto Olivero, Marité Inspired by the theme of the Chris- end the school year. By Camilo Gay Martin and Fernando Lasala, all three tian Brothers’ Congregation Chapter of which were the school’s principals in Nairobi, 2014, “Attracted by mystery, WORKSHOP ON S.E.R AND during recent years. destined for life”, the retreat was divi- BOARD. On Tuesday, December 16, After the ceremonies all present ded in three parts. In the first moment, we had a work session in which the shared a meal in the school Cafeteria using pieces of a puzzle each of which following groups participated: Pasto- to commemorate the last school year represented the respective retreat par- ral Team, members of SER (Solidarity of these students. Many of these young ticipants, we put together the figure Edmund Rice) and the board members men, who will continue to participate of a “burning bush”: roots, trunk and of Colegio Cardenal Newman. branches, an activity which motivated

December 2014 Latin American Newsletter 11 The purpose of this meeting was to plan activities which unite us in the spirit of the Chapter theme: “Attrac- ted by mystery, destined for life.”, and thus to coordinate and amplify our intentions to live our lives connected to the spirit of the Congregation. We shared our personal experiences of the school year discovering how we were connected with the God that attracts us. We finished the morning’s reflections representing our shared sentiments in a crealinas which we than incorporated in the Congregation logo. It was a delightful experience to share with others that with whom I do not have daily contact, but who are also connected to me as part of the school. I felt emotionally involved in Burning bush activity this activity in which I readily partici- during retreat pated. I find much joy in being part of the Edmund Rice Network. By Agustín gratitude and closure. After the meal of 2014. Also present were husbands Pereyra Iraola there was time for music and dancing. and wives of the school personnel, Present at the celebration were the which gave us the opportunity to END OF YEAR DINNER. After the Primary and Secondary teachers, the express our gratitude for their moral end-of-year retreat all the Newman administration staff, the non-teaching support for our work in the school. We personnel celebrated the year’s ending personnel, the Brothers and the mem- look forward to a continued growth with a dinner in the school Cafeteria, bers of the Board. It was a wonderful in community spirit in the school year during which Alberto spoke words of way to celebrate the education work 2015. By José Santamarina

Retreat of end of the year.

12 Latin American Newsletter December 2014 CHIMBOTE Br. Chuck Fitzsimmons, COMMUNITY Br. Vincent Peragine and By Chuck Fitzsimmons Br. Kevin Bernard

n Saturday, December 13, December 12, Mr. Aníbal Torres said graduation mass in the Cathedral, twelve Associates of Blessed farewell to the community after visi- the farewell luncheon for the 2014 OEdmund Rice made their ting us for five weeks of observation graduating class, and their big dance annual retreat in the afternoon at and participation. two nights later. At the end of the the home of the brothers, and then The Brothers were present in the year luncheon with the Faculty and renewed their promises for a year. Brother Kevin Bernard received their promises, and Brothers Vicente Peragine and Ever Cieza prepared Br. Chuck has been moved to Santa Eli- an elegant lasagna dinner. Brother zabeth Community, while new mem- Ever was in the community for two weeks interviewing students and their bers of the Chimbote Community have families for service in the Monsefu already arrived: Br. Ever and Br. Rafael. Mission in February. Ever was pleased to have invited some fine young men to participate in this annual service in various events of the end of the school parent supporters, the brothers cele- the North. year. At the dinner given by the parent brated and danced, and Brother Carlos Brother Hugo Cáceres visited us for organizers of the school, the parents Fitzsimmons had a chance to thank a few days, convening the Board of Di- thanked Brother Vicente for his strong them all for the year of new life he rectors of Mundo Mejor High School support in preparing and running the experienced here in Chimbote, before and participating in our Christmas high school Olympics and the Mundo he goes on to Lima next year. tree decorating party. The next day, Mejor games. The brothers attended

December 2014 Latin American Newsletter 13 Estudiante explicando la COCHABAMBA dinámica del árbol Br. Francisco, renewing his COMMUNITY vows in a simple ceremony in By Eddie McArdle the graden of the community.

reetings to you all in these Francisco, renewed his vows on La Paz to Cochabamba to be present days when we are about the 8th in a simple ceremony in the at the Academic Ceremony at the Gto celebrate the Divine garden and on the 12th was conferred Catholic University. They got to know Presence among us. It has been a with a Degree in Social Pedagogy got something of the city and witness the demanding time for everyone in Cen- tro Hermano Manolo, lately. On the Francisco renewed his vows on the 8th and on the 12th was 9th - Day of the Child Worker – the conferred with a Degree in Social Pedagogy. His brother Ale- educators accompanied the boys and jandro and his nephew Richard made the long journey from girls to their workplaces to give our Perú to join Francisco. newsletter to the vendors on the same which he really deserved. His brother activity in the CEHM - thank you very site, and thanking them for watching Alejandro and his nephew Richard much for joining us. out for the young workers. The bulle- made the long journey by bus from A very happy Christmas to one and tin emphasized the responsibilities of Apurimac, Cusco, Puno, Desaguadero, all. both groups with their rights. Then they returned to the office for a deli- cious snack. The year came to an end with a visit to the cinema for the smallest workers aged 8 to 12 years, 26 took advantage of the offer. The closure itself consisted of a futsal tournament followed with a Christmas snack and a backpack as a gift for the 44 present with a small Christmas cake, soap, too- thpaste, and several surprises inside. As if that was not enough, the team has spent time polishing and painting the office to have everything ready to resume activities in the New Year. The new director Dermot is currently visiting his fa- of CEHM. mily in his beloved Limerick, Ireland.

14 Latin American Newsletter December 2014 Mundo Mejor High School HUMAN RIGHTS - celebrated first Conference for Human Rights with a march for ERI LATIN AMERICA the defense and promotion of By José Antonio Reyes human rights.

n December 10, Mundo The students toured all the rooms candle-lighting and a prayer to our Mejor High School cele- in the school with their banners Mother Mary in front of the statue of Obrated our first Conference raised, and we culminated the Con- the blessed Edmund Rice. for Human Rights with a march for ference with a pronouncement, a the defense and promotion of human rights. Fifth year students organized the Conference, along with their religious education professor. First, we had a liturgy in the chapel of Our Lady of Good Counsel. Then we carried banners with themes concerning the vulnerability of fundamental rights such as: the disappearance of thes 43 students in Iguala, Ayotzinapa, Mexico, in September. We also ca- rried other banners in the case of the peasant Maxima Acuña in Cajamarca, in dispute with a mining company, Yanacocha, over her lands. Another problem that worries our city and our students is the killings, extortion, organized crime, the co- rruption of the political class in the Fifth year students carried banners Ancash area. Chimbote is considered with themes concerning the to be one of the Peruvian cities with vulnerability of fundamental rights. highest corruption index.

December 2014 Latin American Newsletter 15 MISSION IN OMAS

n Sunday, December 14, 31 folkloric dance, celebrated an ancient “I went to teach, and I returned with members of the Edmund Andean ritual of reverencing Mother the joy of knowing that there are so ORice Family boarded a bus Earth and we feasted on “pachaman- many of us in this ER family…I definitely bound for Omas, a small town in the ca” (food cooked underground on returned having learned a lot.” Cindy Andean foothills located about five heated rocks.) Rosales, Fe y Alegría student. hours from Lima. This was our annual With the community – we spent immersion experience, and it was a a day working in the communal fruit “I liked the prayer services, the work concrete example of the efforts which tree nursery. spent at the tree nursery, the ´pacha- we all have to do in order to streng- This experience forms part of a pro- manca´, and the activities with the chil- then the bonds within the ER Network cess of progressive integration among dren; I´ll miss them all.” José Córdova, in Latin America. Knowing we had all the members of the ER Network (Peru, Fe y Alegría student. been educated in the charism of Ed- Argentina and Uruguay) which we mund Rice facilitated the integration hope will continue to flourish. Three The mission for me was a great expe- of the group and our immersion trip missionaries from Cardenal Newman rience. Everything was new because we to Omas. school (Buenos Aires) and three from had no idea what we were going to find. Following are a few of the mo- Stella Maris (Montevideo) participated I met up with a friendly and warm group ments which we lived and our expe- in the mission. of missioners from Fe y Alegría 26 that rience of being the Good News for made me feel right at home. I went to a all with ourselves – prayers, dialogue, Testimonies from our students: town of hospitable people that opened and living together. With the children “Living with the families made a to us the doors of their homes and lives. and youth – activities based on the strong impression an all of us.This I also felt connected to God in nature, person of Edmund, human rights (life, mission was something new in my life. through the animals, the food and cer- equal rights, education), sports and Thank you, fellow missionaries and tain celebrations that brought me into games. With families – small groups people of Omas.” Romina Rivera. Fe y of our missionaries lived with 10 Omas Alegría student. families for a couple days. With the culture – we presented a Peruvian

Directores de los cuatro colegios de la Región y personal administrativo de Mundo Mejor disfrutan de un presentación del taller de danzas.

16 Latin American Newsletter December 2014 and very special human beings. I wish to make special mention of the children contact with an ecological dimension who every day at three P.M. shared with of mi spirituality. I am thankful to José us their happiness and affection which Santa Cruz for the organization of the filled our hearts with joy. Now back in mission and for inviting me to participa- Buenos Aires I know that I will never te in an experience by which I came to forget what I learned, these simple and know many people that helped me to affectionate people have shown us by enjoy myself and to grow as a person. example a way to be in solidarity with Felipe Lagos, member of the New- our neighbors. I feel much gratitude man Pastoral Team. toward all who, directly or indirectly, have participated in this experience, and The mission to Omas was an expe- I wish to especially thank Brother Pablo rience in which I felt part of the Edmund for making his home open to me. I am Rice Family. The shared spirit which thankful for knowing him and I have united us gave me a strong contact great admiration for all that he does. with nature and with myself, in which I Pío Clusellas, Newman past student. experienced the greatness of God. Felipe Collazo, Newman past stu- dent. We thank the exemplary commit- ment of all the missionaries during the When I was offered this opportuni- immersion experience. ty to mission in Omas, Peru, I had no idea of the experience it was to be. I MISSION COMPLETED! now know that it was more than just a mission, it was also an intercultural encounter with Peruvian people who received us with open arms and made us feel right at home, sharing with us aspects of their very lives, in which we came to know them as simple, humble

December 2014 Latin American Newsletter 17 CANTO GRANDE SELFIE: Br. Richie Glatz COMMUNITY with students from Fe y By Hugo Cáceres Alegría

he agitated tiem of a com- Lima (Omas) with 30 other students, te and “panettone” (the Italian Christ- munity dedicated to the teachers and members of the Ed- mas sweet bread) to children and the Tservice od a school is acce- mund Rice schools. Inmediately after elderly. For the graduation ceremony lerated towards the end of the year. difficulties. He finished his job at the of San Pablo’s Prom, Williams prepa- Advent and CHristmas are the frantic school dining room for children (Buen red a beautiful liturgy with the help os time od the year, also the beginning of Gusto) who recieving nutritional the parish choir and several graduates summer. This leads us to appreciate support by a thorough cleaning done who are currently catechists. our time os personal and communal by parents. Huho gave a presentation on The prayer in the earliest and cool hours Javier Sullivan ended his program joy in religious life, a theme derived of the day, because we know that from that helps children with difficulties from the teaching of Pope Francis, 7.30 to 18.30 many students, teachers in reading and Math; after a year, for the Assembly of Major Superiors. and parents will not stop callinf our the boys and girls improved a lot an Thanks to Elser Llanos he could attention: graduation ceremonies, dminished the number of students achieve more interest in the audience holiday parties and end of the year who will repeat the grade. Ricardo by a presentation made in Prezi. meetings to assess progress and Glatz is well busy culminating inven- We attended the graduation of Wi- achievements. These are December tories of our big school. His skills of lliams Cunyas who recieved degrees ordinary tasks in Fe y Alegría-Chris- organization and systematization are as Religion Teacher (Secondary) and tian Brothers. Yet amid this din, in a great help. Christmas celebrations Professor of Primary Education by December 8 Williams Cunyas, Rafael scheduled by two banks in the school Marcelino Champagnat University. Inga and Elser Llanos (Community required more of his attention and Both studies (simultaneously!) have of St. Elizabeth) renewed their yearly coordination. been culminated successfully and Wi- vows in the presence of the two com- Williams Cunyas has coordinated lliams and his companions had a mass munities and Brother Paul Keohane on several Christmas parties for the poor and warm reception. behalf of the RLT. The renovation was who live in the hills of Canto Grande. The last Sunday of Advent, Br. followed by a special breakfast. With the help pf young catechists and Al Cussen (Iona College) invited to We missed Rafael Inga who was a the gifts of his school students, they lunch at the three communities of week of mission in the mountains of have brought music, drinking chocola- Lima in a local restaurant. It was a real

18 Latin American Newsletter December 2014 pre-Christmas party. Thanks, Alberto, ferred to the Community of Chim- have been part od the countless pre- for keeping your ties to the Region. He bote, the musicians from the school’s sentations os the band acknowledged was on his way to visit his relatives in band, that Rafa for so many years has his help and unconditional support to Santiago de Chile. directed, offered him a farewell party. the mission os the Brothers in Canto Because Rafael Inga has been trans- Parents, alumni and students who Grande. LIMA

From left to right. Rafael, Alberto, Tony, Miguel, Pablo, Ricardo, Williams, Javier, Jorge, Elser; reunidos en la Comunidad Santa Elizabeth, after renewal of vows of Rafael, Williams and Elser.

BUENOS AIRES

From left to right: Patricio, Tomás, Stan, Renato, Hugo, Eduardo, Jaime, Juancito and Miguel; gathered in Newman Community during renewal of vows of Renato.

December 2014 Latin American Newsletter 19 Br. Francisco and his Memebers of the community brother Alejandro service program of Mundo Mejor

Immersion group from Stella Sixth grade students identify Maris in Cochabamba physical changes in puberty

Sofía (Stella Maris) in Canto Grande, Peru Mission in Omas

20 Latin American Newsletter December 2014 Br. Rafael with students and members Olivier (member of Pastoral Team, of the Network in Mission Omas Stella Maris) in Mission Omas LATAM NEWSLETTER

Latin American Region ©2014 Congregation of Christian Brothers. Latin American Region. Latin American Newsletter. December 2014 Latin American Newsletter 21