African Marist Formators. for a. New B eginning July 2017 Nairobi. Conclusions

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1 African Marist Formators for a New B eginning July 2017 Nairobi Conclusions

2 I NTRODUCTION The image below of our meeting s opening prayer, summarises the spirit of the fraternal dialogue that shone at St Joseph s Retreat House between the July The laying down of our individual Administrative unit s shield conveyed our readiness to listen to each other with vulnerability and openness to the current reality of Formation and Vocation Ministry in Africa Today. Together with our common identity of being African Marist Formators for a New Beginning, we shared deeply one to one, with our peers and with confrères of our provinces and district. The following pages are the results of these deep sharing and courageous conversations. May Our Good Mother continue to accompany us we learn to bear the Word incarnate as Mary did. May we reveal the strength and gentleness of the Marian face of the Church to the young people of Africa so that we continue to learn from each other how to truly know and love Jesus. We are blessed to have the sacred and challenging role as formators of young minds and hearts, accompanying them to discern and consolidate their vocation: from vocation ministry to final vows. Let us pray that when we may feel lost and isolated, like the diaspora in the desert, may we be encouraged by the words: I have carried you on eagles wings and brought you to myself. Brs Tony Leon & Hipólito Pérez Secretariat of Brothers Today

3 ITI NERARY 1. SWOT - African Marist Formation VOCATION MINISTRY STRENGTH 1. Availability of Youths 2. Strong Sense of Catholicism 3. Technology enhancing Communication 4. Resilience in Voc Ministers 5. Financial Support OPPORTUNITIES 1. Social Solidarity 2. Trust 3. Diversified Voc Promotion 4. Openness to new ideas/sharing 5. Invitation to be present at schools/parishes. WEAKNESSES 1. Lack of Strategic Planning 2. Lack of openness in community to receive candidates. 3. Screening Criteria? 4. Lack of Material resource of Vocation Ministry 5. Lack of Time due to other commitments THREATS 1. Avoidance of pain (Sacrifice) 2. Distraction - Media 3. Lack of Understanding of Religious Life 4. Cultural Expectation 5. Scandals in the Church POSTULANCY STRENGTH 1. Community Life 2. Team Spirit 3. Role Model 4. Accompaniment 5. Evaluation OPPORTUNITIES 1. The Candidates 2. Family Spirit 3. Mass Media 4, African Generosity 5. Inter-Culturality WEAKNESSES 1. Misuse of Mass Media 2. Formation Programs disparity 3. Christian Faith Background 4. Insufficient resources THREATS 1. Peer Pressure 2. Cultural Background 3. Personality 4. Influence of Mass Media

4 NOVITIATE STRENGTH 1. Generosity 2. Openness 3. Acceptance 4. Commitment 5. Models 6. Program OPPORTUNITIES 1. Education of Silence 2. Patience 3. Group decisions 4, Models 5. Gardening 6. Accompaniment WEAKNESSES 1. Fear 2. Impatience 3. Lack of interiority THREATS 1. Judgemental 2. Lack of Family structures 3. Immediate gratification POST NOVITIATE I STRENGTH 1. Age 2. Unity in Diversity 3. Team Work 4. Prayer 5. Inter-Culturality 6. Innovation 7. Community Life (Fraternities) 8. Professional training OPPORTUNITIES 1. Family 2. Par-cipa-on 3. Large Numbers 4. Interiority 5. Crea-vity 6. Communication gadgets 7. Silence 8. Transparency WEAKNESSES 1. Lifestyle 2. Lack of Integration 3. Fear 4. Lack of Openness THREATS 1. Superficiality 2. Noise 3. Technology 4. Consumerism 5. Individualism

5 POST NOVITIATE II STRENGTH 1. Daring. 2. Enthusiasm for ministry 3. Well prepared brothers 4. Well trained formators 5. Self-confidence WEAKNESSES 1. Activism 2. Impatience: Quick answers 3. Addiction: e.g. alcoholism 4. Lack of realism in dealing with money. 5. Avoidance of responsibility 6. Lack of community prayer 7. Spiritual direction not taken seriously 8. Poor relationship among Brothers 9. Lack of prudence 10. Regular absence from the community OPPORTUNITIES 1.Internationality 2.Family and Christian youth movement 3.Document on Identity of Religious Brothers 4.Positive connectedness with others THREATS 1. Broken families 2. Bad social media 3. Distractions: media, options. 4. Consumerism 5. Individualism

6 2. WE FEEL THE CALL TO 2.1. Nurturing creative vocation ministry a. have well formed Vocation Ministers b. be sufficiently supported c. have good candidates screening criteria d. encourage vocation ministry 2.2. Formators for a New Beginning a. identify the brothers fit for formation and train them in line of the New Beginning. b. constantly evaluate formation programs and plan accordingly. c. regularly provide of renewal courses and empowerment of formators. d. review our formation communities: 1. Separation of active communities from formation houses 2. Taking care of our active communities as extension of formation houses Caring of our Post MIC brothers: a. have a well elaborated program to take care of young brothers after MIC with the intentions to: 1. Insert, 2. Orient b. have proper vocational discernment process and personal prayer life from recruitment to Post MIC. c. be formators and recruiters to be men of prayer 2.4. Refreshing the spirituality in initial formation: a. to a deep spiritual life through commitment and faithfulness so that we may be authentic witnesses in the world.

7 2.5. Growing in human maturity To help brothers grow in human maturity by paying attention to the following: a. Initial Formation b. On going formation c. Spiritual Direction d. Accompaniment e. Dialogue and communication (among brothers) f. Accountability and transparency g. Sexuality issues 2.6. Love your vocation and persevere in it a. build community deeply rooted in spiritual and human growth. b. identify and nurture the talents of the brothers and empower them. c. improve on brothers participation in the Institute s International Programs. d. bring together brothers preparing for final vows at the Hermitage (Our roots) e. patiently dialogue with all brothers facing difficulties in their communities, vocation and apostolate Facing some challenges as young brothers a. collectively build caring and formative communities. b. be transparent, realistic and accountable. c. be witnesses of change Harmonising stages of initial formation a. review the existing courses and processes (Accompaniment, Spiritual Direction) in Aspirancy, Postulancy & Novitiate stages. b. standardise the period of Postulancy to 2 years. c. separate the formation house from active community and that the novice and postulant masters should not be engaged in other activities. d. continuously evaluate the existing courses and processes once in two years. Novitiate group once in 4 years.

8 3. KEY PRIORITIES & STRATEGIES VOCATION MINISTRY 1. To have effective training programs to produce affective vocation ministers. (23) To have regular vocation meetings (Province: annually, Region: 3-4 years) (2) Invite presenters from other regions (1) 2. To explore ways to release other commitments from Brothers in Vocation Promotion (6) Provide adequate material resources to realise this priority (15) Ideally to have a full time vocation promotor in each Country (4) POSTULANCY 3. Review of courses and processes for Postulancy (21) From a team to review the existing program (how: periodic review) (1) 4. Human & Christian development (12) Strengthening human & Christian values through seminars (2) Accompaniment (1)

9 NOVITIATE Following Christ in Mary s way (consecration & formation to interiority) (6) 5. Spirituality of communion (fraternal life) (6) Creating a conducive environment through: - Presence (models) (6) - Accompaniment (4) - Various responsibilities (2) - Relevant program (2) - POST-NOVITIATE STAGE I (MIC) 7. Review of formation process at MIC: Formators, Programs, Resources. (38) Set up a commission to facilitate the review by the Conference (CSAC) February 2018 Provide necessary resources. POST-NOVITIATE STAGE II (post-mic) 8. Caring of post-mic Brothers (43) Healthy community life (4) Elaborated post-mic program. Accompaniment by the local superior Rigorous follow-up IN GENERAL FOR THE FORMATION PROCESS 9. Unified process of formation (programs): Aspirancy, Postulancy, Novitiate, MIC (21) 10. Formative community life / Through training community superiors & Provincial follow up (10) 11. Accompaniment, selection & care of formators / Community spirit (4) 12. Offering opportunities of sharing experiences at various stages of formation (2)

10 4. KEY PRIORITIES & STRATEGIES FOR PROVINCES / DISTRICT PROVINCE OF AFRICA CENTRAL EAST VOCATION MINISTRY To reinforce the existing strategic plan at the community level, country level and provincial level. To have sessions of workshop of vocation ministers on vocation discernment youth accompaniment and animation. To devise a common program in a booklet form for the province so as to have a common ground for our candidates before postulancy. To involve the link councillor in the provincial plan and let him be the bridge between vocation ministry and the provincial council. POST- NOVITIATE II (Post-MIC) Identify healthy communities in the Province to which brothers from MIC will be sent. Reinforce the existing programs (retreat, workshops, spiritual directions as well as the accompaniment). THE PROPOSITION TO THE WHOLE PROCESS IN AFRICA There is a need to review the program in the African process of Marist formation.

11 MADAGASCAR PROVINCE VOCATION MINISTRY Two brothers fully committed to vocation promotion. Each region has a brother responsible of vocation promotion. Formation of brothers in charge of vocation promotion at Province level. In Madagascar, there are formation opportunities for brothers in charge to follow. The Province has a strategic plan on vocation promotion: need to be evaluated? As a Province, we need to reflect more deeply and draw up long-term strategies to promote vocation promotion. Challenges of most aspirants: poverty and lack of financial resources. The Province should invest financially in the formation of Marist candidates. Suggestion: gather the candidates at Ambatomena for one year to be initially formed in Marist way of life and values Define the profile of a candidate to be admitted to the Postulancy (differentiate between a candidate who holds a Baccalauréate and enters the postulancy after following a certain process and those who have just the intention to join) Discussion: Why sending the postulants to the communities and staying there for three months? How to help the candidates enter in contact with Marist life and Marists? (joining a community and living with the Brothers?) Witness of Marist life is an important aspect of formation at all levels of formation (e.g. cases of scandals in formation houses) Need of periodic and regular evaluation of formation houses The brothers in charge of Vocation promotion: joining structures at diocese or parish levels. Marist presence at JMJ activities Significance and importance of witnessing Re-enforcing Marist youth movements to promote vocation Challenge: integrating the JMM (Jeunes Maristes de Madagascar) movement in a parish structure There is a need to gather and reflect together on the structure, objectives and animation of JMM (brothers and lay interested or in charge of Marist Youth movement)

12 POSTULANCY Written clear policies: discernment criteria (age, profile, health, family background, religion, and other criteria) POST-NOVITIATE I Intellectual capabilities should not be an obstacle to one s vocation. The formators must consider the candidate s talents. The current MIC academic system is quite inconvenient for the francophones: should we consider alternatives (e.g. two years at MIC (Marist formation and accompaniment) at the other two years in another location). We have limited financial resources. More flexibility concerning academic possibilities for young brothers at MIC The CSAC appoints a TASK FORCE to reflect and decide on the formation of Post-Novitiate brothers. POST-NOVITIATE II (Post-MIC) The formation of post-mic brothers has not been serious. The Provincial should appoint a brother in charge of the young brothers accompaniment. Strong need of the brothers spiritual and human care after the MIC Need of written clear policies about Post-Novitiate brothers. Team for the follow up of the Post MIC formation: (provincial, council, vocation ministry, postulancy).

13 NIGERIA PROVINCE 1. To call the province to review existing formation program. - to set -up a commission which involves movement that requires funding. - it also require personnel. 2. The commission set-up should review the plan we have for initial formation. 3. To make available personnel and funding. 4. Rotational regional meeting on Initial Formation every 3 year. - At provincial level annually - To create platform for networking e.g. Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, - There is a need to standardised initial formation program across Africa.

14 SOUTHERN AFRICA PROVINCE VOCATION MINISTRY Standardise the program for the Aspirancy, however to be flexible in some cases. Have pre-postulancy program, the young men to be known by the Brothers in the communities for at least two months. Come up with some input to be given to the young men as they stay with the Brothers The young men to attend at least one workshop for some period to know their background by Vocation promoters before joining the Postulancy. The aspirants to undergo the medical check-up before entering into the postulancy POSTULANCY & NOVITIATE The six months experience after Novitiate helps to develop the young bothers maturity as they are exposed to real life situation in active communities Postulancy to cover one full year IMPROVING THE COORDINATION OF DIFFERENT STAGES OF INITIAL FORMATION The Initial Formation Commission to have meetings once a year. SUGGESTIONS FOR THE INITIAL FORMATION PROCESS Reviewing the formation processes in initial stages once in three years at a regional level.

15 DISTRICT OF WEST AFRICA CARING OF POST MIC BROTHERS VOCATIONS MINISTRY FORMATION PROCESS DISTRICT PLAN ON INITIAL FORMATION POLICY STRATEGIES There is a strong called to adequate, well planned and consistent monthly fraternal accompaniment open to dialogue by the Community superiors. It is the responsibility of the superior to look after his Brothers especially young Brothers from MIC or undergoing an Apostolic Experience Proper understandings of District Policies, constant follow up of the implementation and brothers to be given adequate time for orientation for duties and seriousness put in this regard. Brothers are equally called to exercise a lot of patience, sacrifice, fraternal sharing/delegation, in Mission and in the handle of responsibilities they consider very demanding for them Proper planning of Vocations Promotion and fraternal collaboration. A strong collaboration with all the brothers in all communities. Days allocated for vocation drive should be carefully planned and envisaged so that adequate adjustments could be made and the promoter or brother delegate relieved from other responsibilities so as to respond sufficiently in that regard as a priority A commission should be set up solely responsible for vocations Ministry to come up with a harmonised program which cuts across the district from Candidacy, Aspirancy, Postulancy and Novitiate. The criteria should be clearly visible in this regard There is a strong call to have a linked Councillor solely for vocations ministry so as to facilitate the process, realisation, implementation and constant evaluation of the harmonised program. Adequate attention and financial means should be made available for this ministry. In regard careful planning, budgeting disbursement, transparent execution and accountability is strongly recommended

16 PARTICIPANTS Abadom Vincent Nigeria Appointed Kumasi Provincial (Team) Banda Nicholas Southern Africa Postulancy Malawi Banda Patrick Southern Africa Voc Ministry Malawi Bwanali John Southern Africa MIC Kenya Ezugwu Eugene Nigeria MIC Kenya Gandeebo Cyprian West Africa MIC (Team) Kenya Gijima Tererai Southern Africa Voc Ministry Zimbabwe Heriniaina Juvence Madagascar MIC Kenya Ikajombo Andemario Nigeria MIC Kenya Kalendero Valerian PACE Voc Ministry Tanzania Kalisa Theoneste PACE Provincial Kenya Kalumbula Tomás Southern Africa Aspirancy Angola Kazindu Antoine PACE Novitiate Rwanda Kramo Eric West Africa Voc Ministry Ghana Leon Tony Gen Admin Bros Today (Team) Rome Lukong Francis West Africa District Superior Ghana Martin Óscar Compostela Novitiate (Team) Mozambique Mary Matthew Nigeria MIC Kenya Mbeng Martin West Africa Postulancy Tatum Mbiydzenyuy Evaristus West Africa Voc Ministry Cameroon Mulaila Edouard PACE Postulancy Mwanza Muteveri Ebel Southern Africa Coordinator Zimbabwe Mwanlirenji Emmanuel Southern Africa Novitiate Mozambique Mwengai Patrick PACE Voc Ministry Kenya Mwila Norbert Southern Africa Provincial Southern Africa

17 Ndawala Lawrence Southern Africa MIC Kenya Ngarsandje Nadji West Africa Voc Ministry Chad Nwodo Elias Nigeria Catholic Uni of West Africa Kenya Oboh Gabriel Nigeria Voc Ministry Nigeria Okutachi Michael Nigeria Voc Ministry Nigeria Onwujuru Chima Nigeria Director of Vocation Centre Nigeria Paluka Adolphe PACE Voc Ministry Dem Rep Congo Passi Roger PACE Voc Ministry Central Africa Rep Pérez Hipólito Gen Admin Bros Today (Team) Rome Phiri Chiza Southern Africa Voc Ministry Zambia Pokou Stephane West Africa Voc Ministry Ivory Coast Rakotonindrina Jean Joseph Madagascar Postulancy Madagascar Ramandimbiarisoa Sylvain Madagascar Provincial Madagascar Ramarolahy Flavien Modeste Madagascar Voc Ministry Madagascar Ramasivanona Pierrot Madagascar Postulancy Madagascar Randriamanalina Modeste Madagascar Voc Ministry Madagascar Razafimandimby Michele M Madagascar Appointed Provincial Madagascar Rusanganwa Protais PACE Postulancy Mwanza Sábado Valia Southern Africa Voc Ministry Mozambique Sánchez Ernesto Gen Admin Gen Council (Team) Rome Silali Eric PACE Voc Ministry Kenya Stephens Samuel West Africa Voc Ministry Liberia Tiamaro Alphonse Madagascar MIC Kenya Twagirayezu Emilien PACE Voc Ministry Rwanda Verye Francis West Africa MIC Kenya Yao Sylvain West Africa Novitiate Kumasi

18 I have carried you on eagle s wings and brought you to myself. Exodus 19:4