June 11, 2014
Dear Brothers and Fellow Marists,
One of the calls of the XXI General Chapter (2009) invited Marists throughout the world to a “new relationship between Brothers and laity, seeking greater vitality together” as we continue to build our Marist life and mission. The Chapter asked that the Institute organize another Marist International Mission Assembly in the same spirit of the 151 Mission Assembly (2007) which was held in Mendes, Brazil.
In light of this call, Brother Emili Turu and his Council established a Preparatory Commission to work on this 2nd Marist International Mission Assembly. This international assembly is a special moment in the life of the Institute because it offers the opportunity for Brothers and Marist lay men and women to share, reflect, celebrate and build upon our life and mission as we approach the bicentennial of Marcellin‘s vision of “making Jesus Christ known and loved”. It is also a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the international and intercultural dimension of the Marist charism which we all share.
As you know, Ms. Alice Miesnik, Principal of Marist-Bayonne, was appointed as a member of this Preparatory Commission representing the region of Arco Norte, and Brother Joao Carlos do Prado, Director of the Mission Secretariat in Rome, was named coordinator of this commission. The theme of this assembly, “New Marists in Mission~ will focus on three areas of our life and mission: 1) Spirituality,· 2) Brothers-Laity: Vocation and New Relationships,· and 3) Evangelization.
I write to you today to share with you some further information dealing with this Assembly which will be held in Nairobi, Kenya from September 17-27, 2014. Each administrative unit within the Institute was asked to appoint two representatives who would participate in this historic gathering. I am pleased to announce that our Province’s representatives will be Mrs. Maureen Hagan and Brother Steve Milan.
Maureen has served for years as a teacher and Campus Minister at Roselle Catholic High School in Roselle, New Jersey. She also serves as a member of the Province’s Spirit/Life Renewal team which helped coordinate the most recent Province retreat and Directors Workshop and has been a presenter at various evangelization programs and at Marist youth retreats and encounters. In recent years, Steve has served as one of the co-directors of our Marist Evangelization Office which coordinates our various evangelization programs, is a member of our Spirit/Life Renewal team, and spearheads our Marist Young Adult program. I am sure that both Maureen and Steve will represent our Province well and I am grateful to them for their willingness to participate in this Mission Assembly.
Let us continue to keep this Mission Assembly in our prayers in the days ahead.
Fraternally,
Brother Ben Consigli, FMS
Provincial
