The second day of our January 2012 Brothers' Gathering began with prayer in small groups. Three elements characterised this prayer: 1. The invitation to deepen our commitment to communal ways of life. 2. The importance of dialogue: 'Keep talking' as Br Emili Turu reminded us after the last General Chapter and 3. To remember 'the resources are in the group'. In Emili's words again: 'It is an invitation today to draw out the best that each person and each group has within them.'
Br Ben Consigli then invited the assembled Brothers to participate in discussions around round tables. First, he stressed the importance of good leadership quoting John Quincy Adams (1767 - 1848), the sixth President of the United States: 'If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.' Brothers then discussed their hopes for our new Provincial and for our new Province and how they would like the new Provincial to be be appointed.
During the afternoon Brothers were free to explore the city, view the Province archives, visit the local cemetery or simply relax and watch the cricket. The afternoon concluded with a final plenary session and Eucharist celebrated by Gathering Chaplain and Passionist, Fr Gary Perritt. An outdoor evening meal provided an opportunity for stories to be shared and live music to be enjoyed.
John McMahon