THE LAUNCH OF THE II PROVINCIAL CHAPTER PRIORITIES
On the 23rd of November 2024, the Provincial and his council of the Marist Province of West Africa held a virtual conference to launch the priorities of the II Provincial Chapter. Priorities were Sustainability for mission; Marist identity; Vocation and formation; and Governance Leadership and Animation. The Five-point priorities which were the fruits of the recent Provincial Chapter held at Babenga in Cameroon and intended to be the principal focus of the Province for the next three years were represented in meaningful symbols.
The Province believes that Sustainability for the mission will ensure a long-term viability and effectiveness of the Marist mission. Under Marist Identity, the administrative unit would like to focus on Community life, Fidelity to our consecration, and nurturing our Spirituality. On Vocation and Formation, the province wants to work towards a comprehensive initial and ongoing formation for brothers and laypeople for a sustainable mission in the province. Regarding Mission, the Brothers are invited to reinforce the Marist mission of educating children and young people. Finally, on Governance, Leadership and Animation, the province wants to strengthen governance structures and best leadership practices for effective animation in the Province.
Under each priority, objectives and specific areas of concentration were indicated and developed for consideration. The Communities, schools and other Marist institutions were charged to duly consider these priorities when they are preparing their action plans and strategic plans.
The provincial in his conclusion, emphasized that to succeed in living out the priorities, we must necessarily let go of certain practices such as the comfort zones, the “I” syndrome; we must also let come new possibilities, newness and new ways of doing things.