“The Brothers here would have a lot to share after living these days of the Chapter with you. A very big thank you to you who have been here since March 1st, 2016 as members of the International Commission.
You came to Rome. It was necessary to get to know each other, to listen to each other, but the heart was there, sharing, listening, with the aim of building something new for the Mennaisian family.
You are six. You should be eleven, in keeping with the number of provinces and districts.
I encourage you to move in this direction so that the international commission can grow and become eleven lay people from all provinces and districts.
The Chapter is still in its infancy, but it is significant that it started with you.
We must take additional steps. (…)
It will take time. This allows you to work in the long term without being obsessed with immediate results. It’s about getting started. That’s what we did together. This is what we must continue to do.
The important thing is not to stop but to continue the journey. We are very aware of this. In the heart, we are all convinced that we must move forward.The next council and the next commission will work on it. (…)
I thank you for being examples for the Brothers. You are for us examples of faith, charity, free gift, and hope. From this experience lived together, the Mennaisian Family is growing stronger. A new page opens.
We perceive a deeply united family following Christ who calls us, who leads us and sends us on a mission of education and evangelization, especially to the poor.
I repeat this Word of Father de La Mennais: “May the Lord deign to make you men and women according to his heart, devoted to his Church, detached from themselves, ready to undertake anything and to suffer everything in order to spread his word, to extend his kingdom and kindle in the world that divine fire that Jesus came to bring. You have been called to something great. Therefore, have before your eyes this lofty vocation so that you may try to be worthy of it.
