SESSION ON INTERNATIONALITY IN AIX
Between
late January and early April, 2008, thirteen Oblates gathered to experience and
reflect on internationality for ten weeks at the Centre International de
Mazenod in Aix-en-Provence. These Oblates came from the United States, Haiti,
Uruguay, Zambia, Lesotho, Cameroon, France, Namibia and Sri Lanka. The session
was animated by Dominique Dessolin (France), Frank Santucci (South Africa) and
Noel Garcia (Philippines).
The
session started with a liturgy during which each member planted a different
variety and species of plant. This would serve as a symbol of the group for the
following ten weeks. During the first and second weeks, they shared about
themselves as persons, believers and Oblates. It served to build trust and
confidence among the members. The group worked together for the liturgy,
preparing meals, washing and cleaning the dining hall and recreating together
by watching television, or a dvd or playing “Uno”. During the following two
weeks, there were workshops on “experiencing internationality”. The group was
guided by Sr. Marlene Huxley, a Franciscan Missionary of Mary from Australia.
Each Oblate shared something about the history and culture, values, and beliefs
of his place of origin. Insights and knowledge were gained from each others’
sharing; the participants became more aware of the “other” and the dynamics
working within and outside relationships. Issues pertaining to living
internationality also surfaced.
During
the fifth week, Frank Santucci spoke about how Eugene crossed borders during
his time; Wojciech Kluj (Poland) spoke about the history of the Oblates’
crossing borders as they expanded as a congregation. This was followed by five
days of living together in houses at Taizé. The group joined the Taizé
community and visitors from different parts of the world in prayer and liturgy.
They had the chance to dialogue with a Brother in the community and ask about
life in an international community. After the stay in Taizé, the group went on
a ten day retreat at the Abbey of Citeaux. Frank guided the group as they
deepened and reflected on their experience for the past weeks of talks,
workshops and living together as a community. The Abbot of Citeaux gave a talk
to the group on internationality as experienced by the Cistercian Order and on the
theological aspects of internationality.
The
eighth week was Mazenodian Holy Week during which the group visited the places
of the first missions in Grans, Barjols and Marseille. The group also visited
St. Laurent du Verdon where the founder wrote the Constitutions and Rules. On
Holy Thursday, the talk was on the “Eucharist: Presence and Service” by Benoit
Dosquet. As part of the Good Friday meditation, Dominique Dessolin spoke of
Eugene’s sufferings and his Good Friday experience. The participants joined the
local Oblate community for the Easter celebration.
During
the ninth week, the group listened to and dialogued with Oswald Firth (General
Administration) and Francis Nallapan (India). They spoke about the missionary
challenges of today’s world and they shared about the mission context in Asia.
The tenth and last week was “synthesis week.” Father General was present
to listen to the insights and questions of each participant. The group
reflected on the past weeks of living together, on what they had heard, and
what they had shared with one another as the fruits of the session. (Noel
Garcia)
