Prophets In A New Land

Our General Chapter in 2010 called all Marists to "go with haste to a new land," that is to move quickly into new ways of living and spreading our charism, to move beyond the status quo into new ministries, now involvement of lay collaborators, a renewed simplicity of life based on our humble beginnings, and definitely, a new fervor in our communal and prayer lives. It is encouraging four years later to see the progress that has been made and the new horizons opening up. In three years, we will be celebrating our Bicentennial, and work is in progress not only to mark our first 200 years with meaningful celebrations, but to incorporate changes in our constitutions which reflect our prophetic mission. Our Pope Francis is showing us how to live the Gospel simply, directly, with compassion and inclusion of all. We are not elitists, but brothers to everyone. No task, no place is too "low" for us. In Cambodia our brothers and lay people are slowly upgrading our school with computers and toilets. Toilets! Doesn't everyone have a toilet? Running water, which we take so much for granted, is an upgrade in this poor country, but not too below the dignity of the brothers to make sure it is part of their school. It was the same in Rwanda a few years ago when we upgraded our outhouses with running water. From these basics to the more elevated adventures of Marist lay/brother communities in South America to our own "intentional" community in the Bronx, where a radical simplicity and observance of our constitutions are paving the way to this "new land." We honor St. John Bosco, founder of the Salesians today, a man who took radical steps to reach the street kids of Italy in the late 19th century as did St. Marcellin in the earlier part of the same century. Under their inspiration, may we continue to take radical steps to renew ourselves and remain prophetic and vibrant.
Bro. Rene