Seventeen participants from thirteen countries completed a conference last Friday, facilitated by FMSI Rome, which is the Marist Brothers’ international NGO. The meeting was hosted by the administration team at Marist Centre Brisbane and the Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) team.
After reflection on a draft document “What is Marist Solidarity” and updates on advocacy for child rights, each country gave a presentation on their solidarity projects. In addition, the AMS Brisbane team provided three days of capacity building for participants in communications and project cycle management.
At the conclusion of the meeting a plan was drawn up to participate in a global network for the ministry of Marist solidarity. The Marist region of Asia and the Oceania will also develop a network to support the solidarity works and actions especially through the structures of Marist NGO’s and other solidarity entities.
Vastly different perspectives emerged. These ranged from renewing our Marist traditional works, such as schools, to adopting a culture of solidarity through to our new Asian presences in non-Christian countries. It is in these countries that we are committed to whispering the gospel to the soul of Asia.
The conference was marked by a lively exchange of experiences and launching of new links.
We thank our Irish funder, Misean Cara, for supporting this initiative and the long-lasting capacity building effects that we anticipate.