Clarifying Identity and Shaping the Future Together
Day 3 of the Arco Norte Regional Assembly centered on a key question guiding the work of the Assembly:As the Arco Norte region, what future do we want? Through shared reflection, regional insight, and collaborative dialogue, participants continued the work of defining both who we are and who we are called to become.
The day began with a moment of spirituality led by the United States Province, grounding the Assembly in prayer and inviting participants to enter the day with openness and attentiveness.
This was followed by an illuminating presentation from Br. Horacio Bustos on the Region of South America, offering both inspiration and perspective for the work of Arco Norte.
The South America Region was presented as a vibrant and collaborative network serving hundreds of thousands of young people across multiple countries through schools, social works, and ministries.
Particular attention was given to the region’s model of governance, which is rooted in collaboration, shared responsibility, and consensus rather than hierarchy. This approach reflects a way of living the Marist charism that prioritizes trust, dialogue, and co-responsibility.
At the same time, the presentation acknowledged the real challenges that come with this model, including navigating cultural diversity, aligning regional priorities with local realities, and sustaining shared momentum across contexts.
For participants, this moment served as both affirmation and invitation, offering a concrete example of what it means to live as one Marist family across borders.
Building on this broader perspective, the Assembly turned to one of its central tasks: clarifying the mission and vision of the Arco Norte region. Rooted in the words of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, “to make Jesus Christ known and loved,” participants were invited to reflect on two essential questions:
The session highlighted the distinction between mission and vision:
Through small group dialogue, participants reflected on:
These conversations revealed both a strong common foundation and a desire to grow in clarity, integration, and shared responsibility.
Participants also considered how other religious congregations have organized themselves regionally to respond to global realities. Examples from the Jesuits, De La Salle Brothers, and Salesians highlighted the importance of strong collaboration, clear structures, and a shared sense of identity across diverse contexts. These reflections helped situate the Arco Norte journey within a broader movement in the Church toward greater unity and coordination in mission.
Throughout the day, a clear theme emerged. There is a deep desire to move forward together, not as separate Provinces, but as one Marist family, united in mission and committed to young people. Participants engaged not only in reflection, but in the first steps of shaping a shared understanding of identity that can guide the region into the future. Day 3 made clear that the future of Arco Norte will be shaped through listening, collaboration, and a willingness to respond together to the needs of today’s world.
