The De Mazenod Family National Gathering was held at Mazenod College Victoria from Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th November. The theme this year was “Pilgrims Celebrating Community’. Fifty people attended, representing all our ministries in Australia, staying at the Novotel, Glen Waverley, where we opened our Gathering over drinks and canapes, then proceeding each morning to Mazenod College by bus to hold our sessions.
Opening our first full day together was a video call with the Superior General, Fr Chicho. We are very grateful to Fr Chicho for giving up some of his time (and sleep) in Aix-En-Provence to be with us live. The group listened intently as Fr Chicho shared his experience on being elected as Superior General and what it means to be a missionary.
Over the next three days participants shared and discussed their connection and experience of the charism of St Eugene de Mazenod in their various ministries. The highlight of our time together was the launch of the
“De Mazenod Family Australia Lay Associations Guidelines”. Participants were the given the opportunity to break open the document and reflect and discuss each of the components within the guidelines.
Each day began with prayer, and we were fortunate to celebrate Mass in the Mazenod College Chapel with the Oblates each afternoon. Over the three and a half days participants from each state developed and deepened friendships while immersing themselves in the charism of St Eugene de Mazenod, truly being pilgrims celebrating community.
A big thanks is due to Edward Bartels and Sonia Mohanaraj for the music over the weekend and thank you to the SJV Oblate Youth Group who joined us on the last day. A special thank you goes to the De Mazenod Family Committee and all those who shared their experience of the De Mazenod family throughout the Gathering. We heard amazing stories of the charism of St Eugene being lived out in ministries and gained inspiration from others in extending the De Mazenod Family as we go forward.
