From September 8 to October 5, 2019, I had the privilege of travelling to Rome, Italy to share Brotherhood with 60 Brothers, from 14 Congregations representing 35 countries and three major language groups: English 50%, French 25% and Spanish 25%. Tutti Fratelli (We are all Brothers) was held at the De La Salle Generalate a scant few miles from St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican. The hospitality of the De La Salle Community made for a smooth transition as we settled into a routine of presentations, small group discussions, prayer experiences and experiences of Liturgy in three languages.
The core of the program enabled us to explore the deeper meanings of what it is to be a Brother in the 21st century. The presenters challenged us to look at our vocation as consecrated religious men with new eyes and open hearts. We were challenged to reflect on the charism of our various founders, and we were encouraged to try and apply that information to our present realities. We had an opportunity to unpack the meaning and role of fraternity and the unique witness we as Brothers can give to the world.
One of the highlights of our time together was the depth of creativity shown by the various small groups as they led the larger group in different prayer experiences. We prayed together in our own languages and that sharing of gifts and talents enriched each one of us. While language barriers were a challenge at times, our willingness to accommodate each other’s languages and customs was a wonderful exercise of interculturality.
Early in the program we had the opportunity to learn about the 14 Congregations attending Tutti Fratelli. This sharing of history, charism and mission highlighted for me that we Brothers have far more in common than we may have previously thought and that we are very consistent in the way we present Jesus’s message of love and fraternity to our various constituencies. It also showed the power of the many cultures that exist in the world.
We travelled as a group, at different times, to a Papal Audience, to Assisi and many of us were in St. Peter’s Square where Pope Francis led us in a Mass celebrating Migrants and Refugees and where he unveiled a very powerful new statue depicting migrants and refugees. All of these experiences helped us to forge a closer bond with each other as we unpacked the meaning of Brotherhood in today’s world.
Representing our Congregation: Back (l to r): Phil Joyner (Oceania), Ackim Simasiku (South Central District, Africa), Paul Luseni (West Africa), Jorge Tavera (Latin America), Senan Ryan (Europe), Maurice Fernandes (India). | Front (l to r): Peter O'Loughlin (North America), Brian Monaghan (Europe), Peter Dowling (Tutti Fratelli Committee), Gerald Mgalula (East Africa).
Tutti Fratelli provided us with the opportunity to live in an intercultural way while exploring themes that bind us as Brothers. These themes included: The Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the Church; Personal Transformation to follow Jesus; Leadership and Identity; Leadership Challenges; Formation; and Child Protection to name a few. The presenters didn’t hide from the present realities facing our Church and our Congregations, but encouraged us to be open and honest about our past, while inviting us to live in the present as we continue to grow in our understanding that there are many exciting possibilities for the future.
I left Rome with a deeper awareness of what it means to be a Brother and to be a Brother in a world that is hungering for love, tolerance and understanding. Our vocation presents us with opportunities to be bridge builders, intermediaries, and conduits for compassion and change. Our fraternal lifestyle is a constant example of Jesus’ call to build the Kingdom of God on Earth. As Brothers we have a unique opportunity to show by example what living the Gospel on a day-to-day basis can mean.
I pray that all Brothers will continue to be beacons of hope throughout the world.