On 25-26 February at Villa Lascaris in Pianezza (Turin), the assembly of Italian Marists was held on the theme: ‘How can we recover fraternal relationships in our communities?’. The initiative, strongly desired by the Superiors and the Provincial, got off to an uphill start, but the large number of participants (18 out of 26 confreres) immediately made it clear that the matter was deeply felt and expectations were  high.

This assembly was not intended to deal with matters of ministry, but rather to rediscover the meaning of our being together. In fact, we attempted in an atmosphere of openness, to overcome the tensions and pessimism that in recent times have robbed us of hope and the pleasure of working together in Mary’s Work. All participants had the opportunity to express their doubts, problems and hopes. This assembly which took place at the end of the Provincial’s visit to the individual communities, nurtured a spirit of serenity in the participants.

The assembly leaves it to the individuals and communities to build fraternal communion in ordinary life in a style of synodality: always a challenging undertaking, but ‘possible’ according to the logic of God and Mary. The assembly restored our confidence that it is worthwhile to start journeying together again.

The collaboration with laity around us has certainly also contributed to this result. They have responded in a constructive spirit to our problems and hopes. Special thanks to Silvia (the facilitator) and Carla (the interpreter) for the skilful organisation of the session and the confidence with which they guided us. Through them we felt, more than ever, the feminine presence of Mary in the Church at Pentecost and at the wedding feast of Cana. Thanks also to Kevin, for his discreet but important presence. Together we rediscovered that despite our limitations, with God’s help, we have still much to offer to the Society of Mary in Italy in the future.