When the echoes of the voices of my colleagues and organizers of the Marist Identity course still resonate in my ears and in my heart, I make a stop on this path that we Marists begin when we enter through the door of a Marist school or social work and that already makes you feel part of that path forever, sometimes, between barren terrain and most of the route, between fields in bloom.
And in this stop, I want to make a small reflection on the experiences and emotions of these days of course that a group of teachers have been doing in the Monestir de les Avellanes.
It was the second week of living with some colleagues who have already passed forever in my life to the category of FRIENDS. Our bonds have been rooted in our feelings as Marists of Champagnat, for having had the opportunity to share unique experiences.
And it is not to speak "from abundance", as we have learned in these days, but we all agreed that this experience we received as a gift, no matter how much the organizers do not think that this is how it has to be considered. The "senders" may not see it that way, but the "receivers" do.
Because... what do you expect from a gift? Surprise, novelty, that it is something that brings you joy, that is something very useful, that makes you excited, that can be shared ...... Well, I can assure you that this last week, like the one we lived previously in Maimón, they meet all these requirements.
So, for the knowledge of our dear Angel Prieto and Andreu Sanchez, friends and perfect organizers of the Marist Identity course, who has thought of us to share these days has made us a real gift.
But, yes, this gift is wrapped with the role of responsibility. And of this we are aware and we assume it, because from these days we return with a Mission: after these days of deepening in our own Marist experience we have the task of being an example in our environment, in the day to day in the school. To be vitality of the charism of Champagnat that we receive from the brothers. To share our Marist lay vocation.
There have been many exciting moments that we have shared these days, but I remain with the prayers prepared with all the affection for Br. Andreu in very special places, which have invited us to interiority, to feel very close to the brothers who inhabited the monastery, living history of the Marists, and who have made us feel very close to Marcellin and our Good Mother.
Also impressive was the catechesis with Br. Pere Borrás, superior of the community of Avellanes who, through the images of the Good Mother in the wonderful place around the Monastery, led us to feel in a very special way the Marian spirituality and invited us to live the Marist charism from the perspective of women.
So, when we receive a gift we can do nothing but thank. Simply and sincerely, THANK YOU!

María Concepción Bullón García. Sacred Heart School Valencia. Mediterranean Prov.