The 2nd Global Champagnat Meeting kicked off on Friday 7 March at the Hermitage (France). Around 140 participants from all corners of the world had the opportunity to meet in one of the most special places for our Institution.
The Meeting has been prepared by Br. José Sánchez Bravo and Br. Niño Mayor Pizarro, directors of the Secretariat of Education and Evangelisation, as well as by the team of Champagnat Global: Javier Llamas, executive secretary of the network; Luis Pérez, digital volunteer and Cristina Plaza, head of communication and marketing.
The main aim of this meeting is to deepen the knowledge of and adherence to Champagnat Global on the part of the directors of Marist schools, who play a fundamental role in the promotion and involvement of educational communities in the development of the network.
It will also be very important to:
- Celebrate our vocation as followers of Jesus in the manner of Mary, following in the footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat.
- Fostering the experience of being a global family among the participants.
- Delving deeper into the roots that underpin the educational values of the Marist Mission.
- Sharing and collaborating in the Marist response of the school to the challenges facing the future of the planet and humanity.
- Continuing to develop the Champagnat Global itinerary collaboratively.
The community of brothers of Notre Dame de L’Hermitage welcomed the attendees, introducing each member residing in the house and extending a warm welcome to ‘Champagnat’s house’. In addition, Brother Gabriel Villa-Real, Provincial of the Hermitage, addressed a few words of welcome to the attendees. Next, Brother Ben Consigli, General Councillor, explained the importance of networking for schools, among other things. Finally, Brother Ernesto Sánchez, Superior General, addressed a few words to those present, emphasising the invitation of the Jubilee Year 2025 to ‘be pilgrims of hope’, the invitation to ‘look beyond’ and he introduced the next General Chapter to be held during the month of September in the Philippines: ‘The solidity of the rock: from the new La Valla to the new Hermitage’. Brother Ernesto also explained some of the most relevant points that were presented at the 2024 Synod of which he was a part.
The morning also centred on presentations by region from each of the people attending the meeting, as well as on the explanation of some of the participants’ experiences at a regional level with Champagnat Global.
During the afternoon, the community of brothers residing at the Hermitage organised a tour of every corner of the house. Attendees had the opportunity to visit places such as Champagnat’s room, the chapel where Marcellin’s remains are kept and the museum dedicated to the founder.
