SHARING WITH LAY PEOPLE

A group of 14 lay men and women from different parts in the world were invited by Brother Charles Howard, Superior General. They stayed at the General House for almost two weeks of the Chapter. They shared with the capitulants during some of the plenary commissions and in a special commission, as well. Marist spirituality and apostolate, Marist education and community life were some of the themes of these fraternal sharings.

In relation to the theme of solidarity of the Brothers with the laity, the XIX General Chapter approved these two proposals:

1.         The XIX General Chapter reaffirms the determination of the

capitulants to share, ever more and more, their spirituality and their mission with lay people.

The Chapter requests the Brother Superior General and his Council to invite the Brothers and communities of the Institute to travel further along this path of communion.

2.         The XIX General Chapter recognises that the Champagnat  Movement Guidelines offer a sure path for lay people who are seeking to live a Marist spirituality.

The Chapter asks the Brother Superior General and his Council to assist the consolidation and the autonomy of the Movement, particularly by encouraging the formation of its members and communication among the Groups.