The Brothers were initially alone in the places of foundation. They rely very quickly on the dynamics of a community to bear together the mission. And gradually, some lay collaborators, men and women have been called to participate in the care of the children and of the young people in schools and educational centres. The Brothers, consecrated, are helped little by little by teams of teachers and non teaching staffs to found, organise, and develop.
In 1982 for the first time, the General Chapter, a decision-making Assembly of the Brothers, speaks about the shared Mission with associate members. From 1984, initiatives set off in several countries. In 1989, the first associated members publicly make a commitment in Canada, then others follow in France, in particular. Documents, initiatives and events will accelerate the process . Thus, the European Congress of the shared Mission of Bilbao, Spain, in 2004.
It is the international Assembly held from 18 till 24 August 2008 with 80 delegates from 24 countries where Brothers and laymen are at work, that is the founding event. The Mennaisian Family was born and called to increase.
1st international Assembly of the Mennaisian Family, Ploërmel, France, 2008.
| Laity, men and women | A Family . . . Mennaisian | “I was invited and welcomed” | To form a group | Young People | International Commission of the Mennaisian Family | Publications |
