Provincial and District Superiors Gather in the General House

Year XII - Number 567 | 5 MARCH 2019 MARISTNEWS MARISTS OF CHAMPAGNAT I GENERAL HOUSE I ROME I WWW.CHAMPAGNAT.ORG

Called to live out “prophetic and servant leadership” co-responsibly and interdependently Provincial and District Superiors gather in the General House

he Meeting of Provincials and Dis- the Institute" and "our response to the During the course of the meeting it trict Superiors takes place in the crises generated by situations of sexual will be hoped to create an active and TGeneral House from the 4th to the abuse". experiential dynamic that favours 12th of March, with the motto "Called maximum exchange. And, also, to to live out “prophetic and servant find a time for a personal meeting leadership” co-responsibly and inter- with the Superior General or Vicar dependently ". Present at the meeting General and also the link-councillors are members of the General Council, and the directors of the secretari- the Brother Provincials and the District ats and departments of the General Superiors. Administration. The objective of this large meeting is, above all, to strengthen the sense of Marist Global Family through the meeting of the Provincials, District Superiors, the General Council and other members of the General Administration. Another objective is the strengthening of what it means to live "a prophetic leadership of service" in corresponsi- bility. And also to share the Strategic Planning of the General Administration as a means of putting into practice the XXII General Chapter. In the same way, it is intended to reflect on two specific topics: the international "projects of

Changes in Marist News a more effective way of tracking our users. It also allows us ■ This week we inaugurate a new stage of our MARIST to preserve the traditional version in PDF, that can be down- NEWS, marked by a new layout and a new distribution meth- loaded from the site and through a link in the e-mail you will od. The new design integrates the logo of the General Admin- receive. To continue receiving the Marist News every week, istration. Also, the distribution, now through the MailChimp please register in the new platform, in this link: platform, facilitates immediate presentation of the news and http://www.champagnat.org/500.php?a=7l marist news 567

Filippine: Family spirit among Marist School Biennial High School Marist Meet

ith the theme “Weave and live life in the spirit of faith and Wsportsmanship”, the biennial High School Marist Meet in the Philip- pines was hosted this year by the Notre Dame of Kidapawan College on January 29 - 31, 2019 and was participated by seven schools; Marist School of Marik- ina, Notre Dame of Cotabato (NDC), Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) Espina and Lagao Campuses, Notre Dame of Jolo – Kasulutan (NDJ), ic, socio-cultural and sports competi- of St. Marcellin Champagnat of making Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) tions. every school as a center of faith and and Notre Dame of Kidapawan College life, the Marist Meet is committed to (NDKC). The meet ended with the Awarding Cer- build character by providing the venue emony and Solidarity Night that evidently for students to practice the values of Br. Lindley H. Sionosa, FMS, the Marist have shown the camaraderie and family sportsmanship and family spirit among East Asia Vice Provincial and Philippine spirit among the participants. Marist School in the Philippines; hone Sector Coordinator graced the occasion competence by promoting the develop- as the Guest Speaker while Br. Manuel The next Marist Meet will be held in ment of proficiencies and capabilities for V. de Leon, FMS, the College President 2021 and will be hosted by the Notre the advancement and development of welcomed the participants to NDKC and Dame of Marbel University – IBED in persons and the society as a whole; and Kidapawan City. Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philip- enhance cultureby guiding the students pines. to actualize the Marist core values and The gathering featured various academ- Inspired by the pedagogical approach the demand for excellence.

2 5 I MARCH I 2019 marist news 567

■ India Australia: Marist Volunteers The Brothers had two days of recollection, on 16th and 17th February 2019, The Programme Bridge Builders at Amalasharam. Fr. John Antony made the presentation. All the Brothers partic- supports Marist collaboration ipated and the candidates to the Marist life also attended the recollection.

■ Christian Life Group

A group of 40 young catechists, animat- news in brief ing Christian life, from the Marist School of Jaén, Andalusia (Spain), visited the General House on March 1, with the ob- ject of finding the heart of the Marist life.

■ Response by Brothers

The Province of Australia is launching to series entitled Marist Brothers ridge Builders programme of the secretariat Collaboration for mission, Talking Heads hosted on its Vocations Province of Australia promotes international (Cmi), I still have useful Vimeo Page. People were asked ‘if you Bnational and international collab- international connections. The Provincial could ask to Brother anything what oration and volunteerism. This project is has created a desk for me to manage would it be? ‘ Conor Ashleigh put to open to young people, adults or retirees, this, named Collaboration and Volunteer- short list of questions received before who identify with the Marist mission and ing", says Br. Chris Wills, who worked at some of Brothers, and this is what has wish to join the work, for short or long. the General House and is now promoting there is made. Each video goes for this project in Australia. 1.30-2.00mins and is meant to be to To apply, the volunteer aspirant - with a down to earth response by Brothers to teacher's degree and any other profes- Bridge Builders is a service to the four the questions. Here you can see the sion - has to present his application to the Marist ministries, Marist Schools Aus- trailer and to new episode will be post Bridge Builders program tralia, Marist Youth Ministry, each Tuesday evening. of Australia, and once Australian Marist Soli- accepted, he will darity and Marist180 ■ Catholic University of Paraná be sent an invita- and, and, through tion from one of the Association of The Observatory of Youth of PUCPR is the places with Saint Marcellin now part of the programme Cátedras a Marist pres- Champagnat, also Scholas de la Organización Pontífica ence that needs to all Marists. Scholas Occurrentes. In June, the collaborators. Assistant Rector, Brother Rogério Ma- The work of the teucci will represent PUCPR at the Vth Among the com- Province of Australia Congress of Cátedras Scholas, in New munities requiring refers to the performance York. Cátedras Scholas is recognized volunteers are: the "Fratelli Project" in that – on the Institute level – is devel- for promoting education with sense Lebanon; "Lavalla200>", present in oped by the department of Collaboration through art, sport and technology. Brazil, Cuba, the United States, Romania, for Mission, International (Cmi). That De- Italy, South Africa and Australia. And partment works with the General Council ■ East Timor "New Horizons”, in Vietnam. in the development and accompaniment of projects and initiatives which respond On March 4, the Marist family of the “There are many opportunities to be to the calls of the General Chapter ap- country welcomed 12 aspirants to involved in Marist mission nationally or pealing to global availability, intercultural Marist religious life. internationally. After recently complet- living, and collaboration at all levels of ing seven years as the director of the the Institute.

5 I MARCH I 2019 3 marist news 567

One team, one house, one program Ongoing formation team and community at Manziana

he 2017 General Chapter called Marists to be conscious in being a global charismatic family. Two years later, the Ttwo ongoing formation teams of El Escorial and Manziana have awakened this call by forming one international formation community in Manziana, 50 mins from Rome. For the past 26 years, Manziana has been the ongoing formation house for the English- speaking brothers. The Spanish Medina (Brothers Today Secretariat), Antonio Peralta (Santa speaking brothers went to El Escorial, Spain. However, with María de los Andes), Joaquim Sperandio (Brasil Centro Sul), Joe recent successful intercultural programs in Rome (Gier-2015, Walton (Southern Africa), Teofilo Minga (Compostela). Vocation Animators-2016, Current Formators-2018), the Gen- Since their arrival on 10 January, these brothers have worked eral Administration began to explore the possibility of having hard in preparing the huge 30 bed-room house for the first one main house of international ongoing formation for brothers intercultural group of Mid Life brothers (40 years +) who will so that they can have a truly intercultural experience as a global begin 21 March. However, more importantly, this group of Marist family. brothers have formed a community who will welcome many This new community consists of 5 brothers with extensive more future groups into their home, a house of light and a experiences in formation in each of their own provinces: Ángel place of brotherhood. One team, one house, one program. marist world United States Belgium Spain Marist Youth - Marist Family Taize Prayer Genval VII Social Marist Forum Ibérica

Brazil Paraguay Sri Lanka: Meeting of the animation group for Community of Cemadipe Alejo García School – Horqueta community life of the Asian Region

4 5 I MARCH I 2019 marist news 567

The Pope's Call to Protect Minors in the Church Prevent children from becoming victims of any psychological and physical abuse

make a heartfelt appeal for sue unstintingly a path of purification, application of parameters that serve as an all-out battle against the questioning how best to protect children, rules and not simply indications. Rules,

“I abuse of minors both sexually to avoid these tragedies, to bring healing not simply indications.”. and in other areas, on the part of all and restoration to the victims, and to During his speech, the Vicar of Christ authorities and individuals, for we improve the training imparted in semi- said that “The Church’s aim will thus be are dealing with abominable crimes ,, to hear, watch over, protect and care for that must be erased from the face of abused, exploited and forgotten children, the earth: this is demanded by all the wherever they are. To achieve that goal, many victims hidden in families and in The Church’s aim will the Church must rise above the ideolog- the various settings of our societies”. ical disputes and journalistic practices That was the call of Pope Francis, in thus be to hear, watch that often exploit, for various interests, his speech at the end of the Eucharis- over, protect and care the very tragedy experienced by the little tic celebration, during the meeting on for abused, exploited ones”. the Protection of minors in the church and forgotten children, At the conclusion of his speech, the held at the Vatican from 21 to 24 Pontiff thanked “to all those priests and February 2019. wherever they are. consecrated persons who serve the Lord “Brothers and Sisters: in people’s faithfully and totally, and who feel them- justified anger, the Church sees the ,, selves dishonoured and discredited by reflection of the wrath of God, betrayed the shameful conduct of some of their and insulted by these deceitful conse- naries, requiring criteria for the selection confreres” and stressed “the important crated persons”, exclaimed the Pope, and training of candidates to the priest- need to turn this evil into an opportunity on Sunday, February 24, last day of hood”. And likewise, “Accompaniment of for purification”. the meeting, that was attended by 190 those who have been abused, reaffirming Read the full speech: English | Español | participants, among them the Superior the need for bishops to be united in the Français | Português General, Br. Ernesto Sánchez, member of the executive of the Union of Superior Generals of Men Religious (USG) and Br Emili Turú, current General Secretary of this body. Pope Francis affirmed that “The time has come, then, to work together to eradicate this evil from the body of our humanity by adopting every necessary measure already in force on the international level and ecclesial levels”, And in that sense affirmed that “the Church will spare no effort to do all that is necessary to bring to justice whosoever has committed such crimes”. In this context, he stressed the need “to protect the little ones and prevent them from falling victim to any form of psychological and physical abuse”. In addition, he reiterated that “the Church thus restates her firm resolve to pur-

5 I MARCH I 2019 5 marist news 567

Brother Emili Turú talks about the meeting held in the Vatican on the protection of children

Br. Emili Turú, Former Superior General of the Institute, took part in the Meeting held in the Vatican, from the 21st to the 24th of February, concerning the protection of children. He was invited in his capacity as general secretary of the Union of General Superiors, together with a number of Superiors and General Superiors, representing more than 800.000 nuns and religious from all over the world. At the end of the convocation in the Vatican, Brother Emili shares his impressions with us.

First impressions? of the victims and survivors. Their voices expect much from the meeting, say that he meeting was very well prepared, were listened to throughout the meet- it has exceeded their expectations. with very high-quality interventions. ing, someon tape, others in person. The TThe people who were invited to tragedy through which they have lived And what do you think of the meeting? share their thoughts came from every reminds us, unequivocally, that always I believe that it addressed the objec- continent and, the great majority, were of and in every case, they must have prior- tives that had been suggested from the a critical mindset. In the Synod room we ity, and not the person or the institution beginning. It is a further step, neither the heard very strong and brave interventions. involved in abuse. first nor the last, in the battle to eradicate I remember that in 2009 I took part in Their voices called out, somehow, saying sexual abuse, to use the strength and a meeting organized by the Gregorian "never again" and claiming safe spaces for knowledge of the Church, and to commit University together with the Holy See and the children, beginning with the Church. ourselves in the defence of the rights of to which were invited a good number children. of bishops from all over the world. 10 Some people who suffered abuse The reality of the Church is very diverse, years later I believe that things have were very disappointed by the as I have been able to see in the working improved: it has gained much in sensi- meeting... groups. And if promoting a culture change bility, in understanding the extent of the They have every reason to demand that in any human group is an enormous task, phenomenon of sexual abuse, as well the hierarchy of the Church should take it is the same with the Church. The bigger as in transparency and in establishing this topic seriously and that it should and more diverse the group, the more mechanisms of accountability. act with decision and with very concrete complicated the culture change. measures. And I understand that some And also, I clearly saw that the Pope Something in particular that caught people had expectations that have not wants to use all the means within his your attention? been met. Others, however, maybe reach, in order that change is carried I am always greatly moved by the stories because at the beginning they did not out, and soon. And he has wanted to

6 5 I MARCH I 2019

marist news 567 do it in a collegial way, calling on the ,, time to discover all the consequences presidents of the Episcopal Conferences of the three words centring on the and religious representatives. meeting: responsibility, accountability Some people said that this meeting has Always and in every and transparency, but I did see the will meant a point of no return on how to case the victims to move forward, beginning with the prevent and to treat the topic of abuse must have priority Pope. in the Church. I believe that this was ,, already undertaken some years ago and And the religious? this meeting is a confirmation of it. At the end of May, in the next Assembly plement every possible means to prevent of the Union of General Superiors, we Do you believe that there is still and to either solve in a fair way cases will deal with this topic, following on some resistance? of the past or situations that could take this meeting which has just finished, to I believe that some bishops - it seems place at the present time. continue walking together, as we said to me a very few - reflect, in a dogmatic In principle, then, strong agreements. But in our recent Declaration, and to make way on what happens in their cultures then, when we move on to the concrete, our contribution to the eradication of this of origin, either denying that the abuse this is where I still find that there is some social plague. of children takes place in their countries resistance. For example, on the topic of I believe that many Congregations have or thinking that "their dirty linen should transparency, when Cardinal Marx or the had their protection protocols and cam- be washed at home". But I find that journalist Valentina Alazraki spoke,they paigns of prevention for years, but we the great majority are acutely aware of seemed to hesitate... want to study what type of answer we the problem as a social and universal There is resistance, often unconscious, can give to the strong call of the Pope as problem, and that it is necessary to im- but progress is being made. It will take he concluded the meeting.

Awaken in ourselves and those around us an ecological awareness Message of the Holy Father Francisco for Lent 2019

nless we tend constantly towards Easter, towards “when we fail to the horizon of the Resurrection, the mentality live as children of "Uexpressed in the slogans ‘I want it all and I want it God, we often be- now!’ and ‘Too much is never enough’, gains the upper hand”, have in a destruc- “Sin leads man to consider himself the god of creation”, exhorts tive way towards Pope Francis in his message for this year’s Lent, with the title our neighbours and “the creation waits with eager longing other creatures. for the revealing of the children of God” (Rm 8: 19) Intemperance then In his message, the Pontiff highlights that “Creation urgently takes the upper needs the revelation of the children of God, who have been hand: we start to live a life that exceeds those limits imposed made a new creation”. In this regard, he indicates that “When by our human condition and nature itself”. we live as children of God”, “and capable of acknowledging and With respect to “the destructive power of sin”, Pope Fran- obeying God’s law, beginning with the law written on our hearts cis mentions that “rupture of communion with God likewise and in nature, we also benefit creation by cooperating in its undermines our harmonious relationship with the environment redemption”. in which we are called to live, so that the garden has become a In this way, also the fifth call of the XXII General Chapter, wilderness”. encourages to the reflection when it asks “awaken in ourselves In relation to “The healing power of repentance and forgive- and those around us an ecological awareness that engages ness”, the Pope reminds us that “The path to Easter demands us in caring for ‘our common home’”, in response to emerging that we renew our faces and hearts as Christians through needs. repentance, conversion and forgiveness, so as to live fully the During his reflection for Lent, Pope Francis expresses that abundant grace of the paschal mystery”. >>

5 I MARCH I 2019 7 marist news 567

>> Finally, the Vicar of Christ encourages the faithful “to embody the paschal mystery District of Pacific more deeply and concretely in their personal, family and social lives, above all by fasting, prayer and almsgiving”. First Professions Considering the proposal of the Pope for this Lent and the call of the last General Chapter, it would be interesting to take advantage of this time of preparation for the in Lomeri Easter of the Lord, in order that each Marist institution develops an action that sym- bolizes their will, as institution to take care of our Common House. We will publish on n a beautiful tropical day, a large this website and in our newsletter, the initiatives that you share with us. number of Champagnat Marists, Read the full message of the Pope. Ofamily and friends gathered at the Lomeri noviciate in Fiji to witness the first profession of Brothers Steve Vaea Migration, sexual abuse and the changing climate and Petero Navuku. Br David McDonald, District Leader of the Pacific accepted Institute of Marist Studies (IEM) the vows on behalf of the Brother Supe- rior General. arists and emergent (CIAO) in Italy, the Fratelli Project in The newly professed brothers received needs" was the title of the Lebanon, the Solidarity project for the their soutane and cord from Br Fergus "Mtenth meeting of CaféColo- South of Sudan; the Three2six project in Garrett and Br Sam Eathorne. Br Kees quios organized by the Institute of Marist South Africa, and Heart without Bounds van der Weert, the country coordinator Studies (IEM) of the Papal University of in Colombia. in Fiji presented Steve and Petero with Salamanca, on the 12th and 13th of In connection with the topic of sexual their Marist cross. February, in Santiago de Compostela and abuse of minors, Brother Beto high- The Lomeri Pacific Novitiate was host Salamanca. lighted the participation of 219 Marist on Saturday February 23rd to visitors On this occasion, the guest speaker educators in several countries who have from Suva and other parts of Fiji, as well was Brother Carlos Alberto Rojas Car- taken part in the formation Programme as from Samoa and from New Zealand, vajal, Director of the Secretariat of Ed- on policies of protection carried out by brothers family and friends, who had ucation and Evangelismof the Institute the Papal Gregorian University of Rome, gathered to witness the First Profession of the Marist Brothers. He spoke to the Italy. He also mentioned the work of of Brothers Steve Vaea (Samoa) and Pe- university students on the challenges of the Marist Foundation of International tero Navuku (Fiji). The mass of Profes- the XXII General Chapter of the Marist Solidarity (FMSI). sion was celebrated by Fr Arthur Leger, Brothers and how the Brothers address The Café-Coloquios of the Institute of a Fiji born Jesuit Priest and the choir and respond to the challenges raised. Marist Studies (IEM) is held annually from the Lomeri Mission Compound During his intervention, Brother Beto and deals with themes related to the lead the congregation in the singing of covered the topic of the emergent needs Marist Institute. The initiative is spon- hymns from around the Pacific. and he based his lecture on such as- sored by the Marist pects as migration, sexual abuse, climate Provinces of Com- change and global warning. postela and Medi- When he referred to migration, the terránea, with the religious detailed the projects that the valuable collabora- Brothers carry out at international level tion of the Edelvives to respond to the needs of the refugees Foundation and the and fugitives, as, for example, the Centre Faculty of Education for Intercultural Aid and Counselling of UPSA.

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 5 I MARCH I 2019