Year XII - Number 573 | 16 APRIL 2019 MARISTNEWS MARISTS OF CHAMPAGNAT I GENERAL HOUSE I ROME I WWW.CHAMPAGNAT.ORG

20 years since his Marcellin Champagnat "A heart that knows no bounds"

wenty years ago, on the 18th canonized in the Vatican. “Dear pagnat, I encourage you to remain of April 1999, San Marcellin young people who have come to faithful in the path to which you are Champagnat, founder of the express your devotion to the spirit called by God”, Pope John Paul II TInstitute of the , was of education given by Fr Cham- said, in his welcoming speech to >> After three days he will rise again “Now we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man is about to be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the gentiles, who will mock him and spit at him and scourge him and put him to death; and after three days he will rise again” Mark 10,33-34 marist news 573

the pilgrims of different parts of the Brother Heriberto recovered and that such a cure was scientifically world, assembling in Rome for the felt better. The miracle happened inexplicable. canonization of Father Champagnat. on 26th July 1976: the x-rays and One year later, on 20th February The Marist family experienced the medical analysis demonstrated that 1998, the Commission of Theolo- canonization as a special occasion, the illness had disappeared. gians of the Congregation for Holy under the slogan “A heart that Before the miracle, Brothers Agustín Causes, recognized the cure of knows no bounds”. For the Marists Carazo postulated the cause in Brother Heriberto Weber as some- of Champagnat, the canonization of 1985. On 26th June 1997, the thing preternatural and it attributed Father Champagnat it to the intercession was “the official rec- of Blessed Marcellin ognition of the Church Champagnat. The Or- that our Founder was dinary Congregation a Saint, raised up by of Eminent Cardinals the Holy Spirit to help and Bishops ex- all those following in pressed unanimously, his footsteps on the on 2nd June 1998, road to sanctity. Also, that it was an authen- he can be recognised tic miracle, and it was as a reference point decreed as such, by for our own lives, as a the Pope John Paul II, sure intercessor with on July 3rd 1998. God”, just as Brother Months later, the Gabriele Andreucci, Pontiff would deter- General Postulator, mine 18th April 1999 mentioned at that as the date for the time. canonization of Mar- cellin Champagnat. The miracle The much sought-af- of Father ter day had arrived! Champagnat The Marist Saint, Pope John Paul II raised to the altar af- invites us to give ter the recognition of thanks to God a miracle: the inexpli- “We can give thanks cable cure of Brother for the numerous Heriberto Weber, disciples of Fr Cham- whom the doctors, in pagnat who faithfully May of 1976, diag- fulfilled their mission nosed “ with an early, (...) I cordially grant unknown growth my Apostolic Blessing which was transfer- to all the faithful here ring to the lungs”, and and to all the Marist which they declared incurable. experts, medical members of Brothers of the world, to those who At that time, on hearing the news, the Consultation considered that work with them in the educational the Brothers and students of the Brother Heriberto’s illness was field and to all the young people province of Uruguay - where the due “to serious pulmonary af- who benefit from their apostolate”, sick Brother resided - began a fection characterized by bilateral the Pope expressed, two decades novena to ask for the intercession nodular dissemination leading to ago, in St. Peter’s Square, when of Blessed Champagnat. When marked insufficiency in breathing canonizing the father founder of the the devout Brothers and students with serious consequences for his Marists: Blessed and Saint Marcellin finished their period of prayers, general health”, and they concluded Champagnat.

2 16 I APRIL I 2019 marist news 573

The Role of the Youths in the Church Marist Province of Nigeria celebrated Marist Youth Festival

he Marist Province of Nigeria cele- brated a one-day Youth Festival on T24th March 2019 at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Iva Valley, Enugu, Nigeria.

The festival was organised by Marist Youth Committee, Province of Nigeria in collaboration with the Catholic Youth Or- ganisation of Our Lady of Mercy parish, Iva Valley, Enugu. The event started with Eucharist celebration said by Rev. Fr. Wilifred Chiwetalu, CScR at 8:30 am.

Youth representatives at the event were drawn from the 50 parishes in Enugu Deanery of Catholic Diocese of Enugu.

The theme of the youth festival was: ‘’The Role of the Youths in the Church,’’ active participation in liturgical activities children and young people living on the and was delivered by the guest speak- and parish affairs draws the youth closer margins of life.’’ er, Sir Chris Ejiogu, the registrar of the to the things of God, thus increases their Marist Polytechnic, Emene, Enugu, Ni- quest for positive pursuit.’’ Highlights of the occasion included paper geria. He stated that ‘’young people are presentation, group discussion, match vulnerable to numerous challenges. They The objective of the youth festival was past, cultural dance, drama and much should be assisted in making proper to reach out to young people outside more. moral judgment through the knowledge Marist institution, thereby responding of certain principles that guide our acts, to the call of the 9th Provincial Chapter The youth thanked the Marist Brothers motives and circumstances. Hence, ‘’to intensify Marist Youth Ministry in for organizing the event and for giving the Province...’’ and also to respond to them the opportunity to interact, share the XXII General Chapter’s invitation to and enrich one another. The event was be bridge-builders and to journey with indeed a huge success.

Do not be amazed! Jesus has been raised. Mark 16,6

Happy and holy Easter to all the Marists of Champagnat! May the risen Christ help us to walk as a global family.

16 I APRIL I 2019 3 marist news 573 marist world Greece: The European Council of the Marist Malawi: Brothers Óscar and Ken with Postulants Puerto Rico Mission in Athens in Mtendere Marist College El Salvador - Manati

Syria: Aleppo Marists - Participants of the Lebanon : Champagnat Movement of the Marist "Think twice" workshop Centre Socioéducatif Fratelli - Rmeileh Family, Natal

Marcellin Champagnat and the Holy Week

he mystery of redemption was another of the special objects of TFather Champagnat’s devotion. He spent the whole of Lent meditating on the sufferings of the divine Saviour; and, con- vinced that such a subject was adequate to occupy the Brothers and to nourish their piety, he gave them no other for their meditations, their spiritual reading and often, for the reading during meals. Holy Week was even more specially given over to contemplating that ineffable mystery of God’s immense love for men; he spent it with the greatest recollection, as it were in a kind of retreat. During the last three days, the liturgical ceremonies were carried out in full with all possible devotion and solemnity. For many years the Founder himself fasted on Good >>

4 16 I APRIL I 2019 marist news 573

Marist European Conference Meeting of the CEM in Alcalá of Henares

n 2 and 3 of April, in Alcalá de Henares, a OMeeting of the Marist European Conference took place. The time was spent in sharing with the coordinators of the European teams and the steps to be taken in the task of building the Marist European Region. The Council for the Mission, coordinated by Brother Mar- ciano. Guzmán, learned from the Assembly which took place in the month of January, the importance of formation, and the need to join forces, so that what is happening corresponds to a better Marist Europe. sisting of meetings, assemblies or retreats to be organized to Brother Aureliano García, coordinator of the Team of Brothers facilitate mutual knowledge. Today, set forward the plan of action for the triennium con- The coordinator of the Team Brothers and Lay Marists (Joseba Louzao) presented the actions already programmed and ex- plained the efforts being carried out for the sharing, reflection and installation of the document Being a Lay Marist. Ángel Muñoz in charge ofthe economic team, , presented the Friday on bread and water and had the community do balance already carried out and some indications to be kept likewise. There was no recreation taken that day after in mind to prepare future budgets, because the teams and the midday meal, and deep silence reigned throughout actions are increasing in Marist Europe. the house; the whole day was passed either attending Also at the meeting was Gabriel Bernardo da Silva, lay the ceremonies, reading spiritual works or meditating on member of the community Lavalla200> of Syracuse. He the sufferings of Jesus Christ. made a presentation at the CIAO in the course of these The pious Founder turned Holy Week into a time of months; showing the faces of the volunteers and of the users renewal in piety and fervour both for himself and his and put figures to all their work from the end of January: 55 Brothers. Many of the Brothers in the establishment, immigrants participating in workshops, 15 volunteers, 80 spent this holy time with him; he saw them all privately people assisting in the providing juridical advice, 120 hours to encourage them and to rekindle the spirit of their of shared Italian classes. state; and in between the ceremonies, he conducted The members of the team participating in the meeting of CEM: lectures and discussions on Christ’s passion or on the Moisés Alonso, Alejandro Mena Goldáraz (Iberia); Brendan duties of the religious life. Geary, Gerard de Haan, Robert Thunus (West Central Europe); It can be said, then, that the week was indeed a holy Tomás Briongos Rica, António Leal (Compostela); Pere Ferré, one, as its name suggests; he dedicated it entirely to Mateos Levantinos (Hermitage); Juan Carlos Fuertes, Damiano prayer, to his own sanctification and that of his Brothers. Forlani (Mediterránea). Jean-Baptiste Furet, Brother João Carlos do Prado, General Councillor, was present Life of Blessed Marcellin on behalf of the General Administration. The translators were Joseph Champagnat – II,6 Fabricio Galiana Martínez and Arsacio Soladana; Angela Sestri- ni is the technical secretary of CEM.

16 I APRIL I 2019 5 marist news 573

Marist Pastoral work in Seoul Around 7000 people benefit annually from the Marist Educational Centre

very year In the Marist The activities and the groups Educational Centre of using our centre are truly Ethe community of Seoul very varied and of all sizes, (Korea) different activities are from groups of just some 10 carried out, and many groups people to others of 150. The make use of the centre to busiest months provide for develop their programmes: groups during the schools catechists of diverse parish vacations (December-Jan- and diocesan groups; young uary-February and July-Au- people belonging to parochial gust). During other months of groups; children of catechet- the year, the activities dimin- ical groups from different parishes; groups of altar servers; ish and tend to take place on the weekends (Thursday or Friday students from Catholic universities who come to make retreats to Sunday). As the Centre has 3 floors and several large rooms or some other type of programme; nursing students or profes- for meetings, when the size of the groups allows it, several sional nurses; parochial groups (Legion of Mary, Third Order of groups use the building simultaneously without any problem. Franciscans, etc.) who come to follow a day's retreat or some This allows the approximate number of people who make use other programme; groups of no-violent communication who of the Centre in one year to reach around 7000. Each group is carry out some of their programmes here; groups of postulants different, and there are also different programmes varying in or novices following programmes of formation; children's and duration, from 1 to 6 days. This entire activity is the respon- youth orchestral groups which follow seminars in preparation sibility of two Brothers, Timothy Song and Dámaso Jeon who for concerts here; associations that follow several days of diet not only welcome and assist, but on occasions, direct these to promote health and to fight obesity; reading seminars for groups. They also look after the cleaning and maintenance of children; seminars for support groups and unions of diverse the place. And when it is necessary, some other Brothers resid- types, and so on. ing in Seoul help with the maintenance of the Centre.

6 16 I APRIL I 2019 marist news 573

■ Easter in Spain Marist Brothers: 12 aspirants in Baucau 3,000 teenagers and young peo- ple will participate in the Easter The Province of Australia meetings organized by the Marist of Champagnat and Pastoral Teams. inaugurates a new House of formation More than 30 different places will host the celebrations that help to n March 30 in East Timor, in in the future with the school. live the most important event of the city of Baucau, a House of Christianity: the Passion, Death and OFormation has been dedicated to Present at the event there were around Resurrection of Jesus Christ. welcoming the young candidates to the 200 people, amongst whom Brothers of Marist religious life. the community of Baucau, representa- news in brief ■ District of Asia tives of several religious congregations, In March, the brothers in VN, with During the inauguration ceremony, the vice director of the Catholic Institute Br. Juan Castro and lay Marist had together with the local Marist community, for the Formation of Professors (ICFP) the country meeting in Lam Dong were present the Bishop of the Diocese province. During the Eucharist of Baucau, Mons. Basilio; Brother Peter The inauguration of the new formation celebration Br. Bao and Br.Thuan Gerard Carroll, Provincial of Australia; house is a great achievement for the renewed their religious vows for and a representative of the Municipality Brothers of Baucau and for the province one year. of Baucau. in general. The twelve candidates for the Marist religious life who began their pos- ■ Brasil Sul-Amazônia Brother Peter talked about the commit- tulantship in March, are the first ones to On April 11th, a group of 22 Marist ment of the Brothers to the people of carry out their religious formation in this Brothers participated in the Course East Timor, more especially in the district house. Until now, the candidates were in of Certification for the Promotion and of Baucau, and he pointed out that the a rented house. Protection of the Rights of Children opening of this house marks a new chap- and Adolescents in Porto Alegre. It is ter in the Marist presence in the country. This new house is designed to welcome the beginning of a project that aims up to 22 applicants and it will be of great to train the Marists of Champagnat to During the homily, conducted in English benefit for the coming years. dedicate themselves more and more to and then in Tetun, Bishop Basilio shared the integral protection of children and his happiness at having the Marist Broth- On April 7, in Sri Lanka, the first three adolescents. ers in the diocese; first within the school, Brothers of East Timormade their profes- now with the formation programme and sion. ■ United States This summer the Province will be opening a Community of Welcome in Austin, Texas. The community is being established primarily to offer young adults and Brothers the opportunity to share our life of prayer, community, and service. The community is not envisioned as a formation or discernment commu- nity (though both may take place). Five young adults have committed to being part of the first community. Each of them has participated in a Vocation Pilgrimage/Come and See Experience and so are familiar with the Marist Brothers and our com- munity-life.

16 I APRIL I 2019 7 marist news 573

Laudato si’

Awaken in ourselves and those around us an ecological awareness The fifth call of the XXII General Chapter asks “awaken in ourselves and those around us an ecological awareness that engages us in caring for ‘our common home’”, in response to emerging needs. During his reflection for Lent, Pope Francis expresses that “when we fail to live as children of God, we often behave in a destructive way towards our neighbours and other creatures. Intemperance then takes the upper hand: we start to live a life that exceeds those limits imposed by our human condition and nature itself”. What’s our answer?

■ South Asia Marist Lay members and their families in Sri Lanka had their Annual tour from April 6th to 8th. Brother Michael shared the Pope’s views on ecology and spirituality with the group. The group discuss how they might become a nature loving group.

■ District Pacific Kiribati is one of the most remote countries in the world, yet the beaches of South Tarawa are covered in litter due to an overcrowded population and poor waste management. The Marists recently organised a beach clean up to Novitiate of Tudella , Sri Lanka beautify the area and improve knowl- edge about the impact of waste on the environment. ■ Spain ■ Canada The Centro Santa María Maristas Toledo was the school that From 8 to 10 March, “Chad 2019” was held at the Marist won the most prizes in the annual competition on the care camp at Lake Morgan in Rawdon: a meeting to reflect on and responsible use of water, which was held on 21 March climate change and the environment. Under the motto “make at the San Marcos Museum, organised by the Toledo water your voice heard”. Participants from Laval University and Mar- company, Tagus, in collaboration with the city council. The cellin-Champagnat High School met for a weekend to share 5th and 6th grade Primary Ed students received 4 medals and their concerns about climate change. 14 diplomas.

Institute of the Marist Brothers General House Piazzale Marcellino Champagnat, 2 - Rome, Italy - [email protected] Website http://www.champagnat.org YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/champagnatorg Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fmschampagnat Twitter https://twitter.com/fms_champagnat

8 16 I APRIL I 2019