MAPAC: QUEST Program Reaches the Halfway Mark, Brothers Complete their Second Week

After a packed and enriching first week of the QUEST Program, the Brothers have now reached the halfway point of their time at MAPAC. As they settle into the rhythm of community life, the young Brothers are embracing the program with enthusiasm, taking initiative in daily activities.

Brothers from the Star of the Sea Province, Marist District of Asia and the Marist Province of South Asia

During the second week, one of the highlights was a presentation by Cenacle Sister Perry Inso RC on Contemplative Listening: Living the Vow of Obedience. Through a range of creative and interactive activities, Sr Perry invited the Brothers to reflect on obedience as a way of attentive listening - to God, to others and to the needs of the world.

Brothers with  Froi Fajardo and Frances Orian

The Brothers also explored the Vow of Poverty from a fresh perspective through the theme of Simple Living, led by Froi Fajardo and Frances Orian, members of the Focolare Family. Their witness as consecrated lay people offered valuable insights into living a life of simplicity and provided an opportunity to reflect on both the similarities and distinctive characteristics of the Marist understanding of this vow.

Community life has continued to flourish beyond the classroom. The Brothers have shared manual work with the novices, organised card nights and enjoyed evenings of singing together in the many languages represented within the group. Folk songs in Sinhalese, Vietnamese and Tetum were shared, along with a spirited rendition of I Am Australian, reflecting the rich cultural diversity and growing sense of fraternity among the participants.

An evening filled with music and songs!

Weekly accompaniment sessions have also revealed a deepening and more contemporary understanding of the vows. Participants are recognising that religious life is not defined simply by the profession of vows on a single day, but by the daily, intentional choice to live them faithfully in every aspect of their lives.

Brothers having fun during an activity

As the program enters its second half, the Brothers continue to deepen their understanding of Marist religious life while strengthening the bonds of community that will support them in their lifelong vocation.

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Read about week 1