From the Marist Asia Pacific Center in the Philippines the Provisional Committee has begun its work to organize the opening days of the General Chapter, set to commence on September 8 in Tagaytay. These initial days set the stage for global reflection, shared decision-making, and the future of our Marist mission. 🔹 We invite all members of the Marist community to follow the process, reflect, and contribute to the conversation. #MaristasChapter2025

Como parte del Proceso Preparatorio, Hermanos y colaboradores de la Administración General se reunieron en Roma para un encuentro formativo, centrado en los próximos pasos hacia el XXIII Capítulo General. El H. Luis Daniel Herrera - Secretario General, subrayó la importancia de este momento de preparación y la necesidad de mantenerse alineados con los objetivos del Instituto. Posteriormente, el H. Pere Ferré - Secretariado Hermanos Hoy, presentó los temas esenciales que guiarán el Capítulo, destacando la representación e identidad del Logo. La jornada concluyó con un espacio para el intercambio de ideas y perspectivas entre los miembros de la Administración, fomentando una mayor unidad y claridad de propósito en este proceso.

The journey towards the 2025 General Chapter continues. We are now in the third phase of the process, a key moment of listening, discernment, and prayer to identify God’s call for the future of the Marist Institute. Br. Ken McDonald, Vicar General and Coordinator of the Preparatory Commission, invites us to fully embrace this phase through the synodal method of "Conversations in the Spirit", where: 🔹 We reflect on what others are sharing. 🔹 We listen with an open heart. 🔹 We allow our ideas to be shaped by the community. 👉 More details here #MaristasChapter2025

On Sunday, January 26, the Provincial Council of the USA Province had a pre-Chapter “Conversation in the Spirit” with eight laypeople in Lawrence, MA. Most were formally committed Lay Marists of Champagnat, and most were also present or former colleagues at our school in the local area. The following are significant outcomes that emerged: *The communion of Marist Brothers and Lay Marists together as Marists of Champagnat has become an essential and significant aspect of our Province identity and a major force in shaping future directions. It has renewed us as a Province and given new life to individual Brothers in particular who have found new energy and purpose in accompanying Lay Marist adults. This has been the result of an intentional commitment which needs to continue. *There is great richness in the present opportunities for people to continue their growth in the charism throughout different life stages from Marist Youth to Marist Young Adult to Marist Young Professional, etc. with support structures to help people engage with Marist community at each stage. *The charism has become more inclusive over the years; even considering when many of our ministries went from single-sex to co-ed; it is clear that in our religious experience as Marists there is no room to exclude anybody. *We are being called to be a Marian Church, to see the world with Mary’s heart. This is attractive to many people who long for closeness to God but cannot find a comfortable home within the institutional Church that typically presents itself. Mary is both our focus but also our guide. *More and more, we are seeing our Marist community and presence expand beyond our schools and into how people choose to live their daily lives as they follow Christ in the world. *Many people, especially young people, are hungering for connection. That is one opportunity that many find with us. People desire to be respected for who they are. *There has been an evolution of our consciousness from “Marist Brothers Schools” to Marist Schools” in a way that continues to grow inclusivity.

On Saturday, January 25, the Provincial Council of the USA Province had a pre-Chapter “Conversation in the Spirit” with the four Marist Brothers living in our community in Lawrence, MA. The following are significant outcomes that emerged: *The reality of Brothers and Lay Marists sharing mission and spirituality in communion has been a genuine source of renewal and vitality in our Province — a true gift. *Some Brothers expressed the great joy that has come with meaningful ministry experiences, both past and present. *There was much gratitude for the past, present, and the future which seems hopeful to us. There was a great sense of both hope and faith. *Some Brothers remarked on the powerful and sometimes unexpected graces that have emerged after saying “yes” in obedience, even to things that seemed intimidating or unattractive at first — some of these experiences have transformed us as individuals. *Brothers testified to the true importance of engaging in a ministry of prayer, how this can be both a help to others as well as give the praying brother a new sense of purpose and ability to contribute even in old age or retirement.