From July 27-31,  2015, thirty Assumptionist religious are meeting at the shrine of Lourdes here in Santiago and reflecting on the theme, "Consecrated Life and Assumptionist Life Today". These religious belong to the Andean Province which includes Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Ecuador. Within the group, many nationalities are represented (Argentinians, Chileans, Colombians, and Ecuadorians, to be sure, but also others from France and Mexico. There is also a large contingent from the Democratic Republic of the Congo involved both in pastoral work and theological studies.

Two assistants general traveled to Chile specifically to participate in this encounter, Fr. John Franck (American), who has particular responsibility for South America, and Marcel Marciel (Chilean), whose responsibilities include Madagascar and the Near Eastern Mission. Both reside in Rome.

In what does the reflection of this assembly consist? Observing, reflecting, and seeking out new or renewed ways to live the consecrated life in Latin America today. Then, there will be an opportunity to recommend detailed ways to adapt these reflections in the four countries of the province within the Assumptionist charism. The reflection will consist in judging what it is we wish to keep or initiate and what we do not.  The Assumptionists of the Andean Province are responsible for many parishes, five schools, two Marian shrines, and two religious publications of a popular nature (“Auras de Lourdes” in Buenos Aires and “El Eco de Lourdes” in Chile).

The documents we have been working on have been written and translated, proposals have been announced, the evaluation completed.... In the room where the session took place, the photos which decorated it have been taken down, the microphones arranged, and participants  followed one after other with their memory sticks to copy everything possible. Yes, we finish the session, and an atmosphere of relaxation can be felt, everything has been accomplished, and a certain sadness: we have created something beautiful together and now it is time to say goodbye.

INTERNATIONAL FORMATION SESSION WEEK II

July 22, 2015 - Nairobi, Kenya

Now that the second week has already begun, we, the participants in the international session at Nairobi, are busy with the key convictions which inspire us: sharing them, taking notes, summarizing in groups, presenting to the assembly... It is as if we were at a Provincial or Congregational Chapter!

Our efforts are concentrated on six themes in three languages: 1 - Contemplative life and the experience of God. 2 – Community life and interculturality. 3 – Leadership and personal responsibility. 4 – Apostolic life: mission and work for the Kingdom. 5 – Ongoing formation, studies, integration, re-reading. 6 – The economic dimension of our life and solidarity. If all goes well, in several days we will be able to share this work with you...

After a year of preparation and expectation, on Friday, July 10, a group of teenagers from two Assumptionist high schools in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Instituto San Román and Instituto Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, left for Assumption College in  Worcester, some 50 kilometers from Boston.

It was a long trip, with a stopover in Houston, before arriving Saturday afternoon at Logan Airport in Boston.