On December 13, the Marist postulants from around the Arco Norte region met, to continue to build a sense of fraternity and to strengthen our identity as a global Marist family. After re-introducing ourselves to the group, we were led in a prayer service that was in both English and Spanish and which was centered on the image of our Lady of Guadalupe. A song was used to help the set the tone for our opening prayer and time together.
Afterwards, we had time to share what we have enjoyed the most during our time in the postulancy. Some aspects that were appreciated were community life, weekend retreats, manual work, times for individual and community prayer and reflection. In addition, some used the time to learn to cook and develop other talents. All were valuable aspects that we have felt during this stage of formation.
At the conclusion of the first round of sharing, Brother Javier led the applicants in a short dance. Javier does not teach the movements and the words of the song. There was a lot of laughter and we had a lot of fun with this activity.
The second round of questions focused on the challenges we experienced during our postulancy. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic was a common source of frustration, but besides that the postulants discussed some of the growing pains of community life and the difficulties that can be encountered with introspection and personal reflection. The postulants were asked to make suggestions for improving the program. Several of the postulants mentioned that it would be better to bring more people into the formation experience. Some possibilities that were shared were working with other Marists from across the region, interacting with other religious congregations, and connecting with lay Marist groups.
Finally, each member was asked to bring an object that symbolized their postulancy experience. It was a fun and reflective ending to a great gathering!
Fraternally,
Robert Dittus and Moisés González.
Coordinators of the Postulants of Arco Norte