Last week the International Lay/Religious Alliance Commission of the Augustinians of the Assumption came to the U.S. for its annual meeting. Established by the last General Chapter of 2011, the commission was charged to provide guidance to the many alliance groups around the world. The commission, chaired by Chile native Fr. Marcelo Marciel, AA, an assistant to the Superior General and now living in Rome, has   provided a rule for Lay Assumptionists entitled, “Way of Life for Lay Assumptionists,” which is based on the rule of its vowed members. In addition, a guide for the formation of lay leaders has also been produced. Fr. Marcelo reminded everyone of the need to always be grounded in scripture and that we are never alone but part of a greater community.

The commission consists of members from various countries where the alliance is well established and fruitful: Fr. Claude Grenache from Boston, MA, Victoria Prada from Bogota, Colombia, Francisco (Paco) Rentero from Almeria, Spain and Marie-Claire Rouquet from Toulouse, France.

While here in the U.S., the commission has met with our alliance members from St. Anne’s in Sturbridge, MA and the Assumptionist Center in Brighton, MA. Fr. Marcelo’s next stop while here will be to visit our alliance brothers and sisters in Quebec.

The rich exchange of mutual concerns such as recruitment, formation, apostolic works, programs that especially reach out to the poor and marginalized of society were of great interest and cause for discussion.  Also of significant note was the appreciated support of the vowed religious and vision for the future which engendered much hope, enthusiasm, and animation. Fr. Marcelo concluded by expressing his hope that those in the alliance will continue to bring the charism if Fr. d’Alzon and the Assumptionists into the future. He expressed his gratitude to everyone for being Assumptionists!