The International Assembly constitutes a new stage in the
life of the Marist Institute, which offers the brothers
and laypeople the opportunity to reflect together, on equal
terms, concerning the mission of the Institute at the present
time and for the future, as well as on each one’s
identity.
It will be an opportunity for strengthening the process
of restructuring and internationalisation that the Provinces
are experiencing at the start of the 21st Century, promoting
dialogue between brothers and laypeople about what it is
that motivates them and concerns them in their service to
children and young people.
The process designed to prepare and bring about this Assembly
will provide the opportunity to reflect on our own life
of service to the Marist mission, the convictions that sustain
it, as well as our dedication to it through our vocation.
It will motivate us to take a new look at the text “In
the Footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat: A Vision for Marist
Education Today” and deepen our understanding of the
calls of the 20th General Chapter.
Finally, the suggestions and the recommendations that
come from the International Assembly will be able to be
studied by the participants of the 21st General Chapter
(2009), if they decide to do so, and contribute to the process
of outlining future directions for the Marist world.
