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 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.
