The Itinerants Path

I’m not a good interviewer but happy that I got a chance to talk with our visitor, Bro. Canisio Jose Willrich, FMS. He came from Brazil, from the Marist Province of Rio Grande Do Sul and now on his way to Mindanao for orientation on Ad Gentes. Since he is staying with us here at MAPAC for few days, I was able to ask him few questions regarding with Marist Ad Gentes Orientation Program. His language is Portuguese yet managed to speak in English well.
Before you came here in the Philippines, Brother, what were your last assignments or apostolates?
I taught religion and Pedagogy of Religious Teaching for one year in 1993 and again in 1997. Then I was assigned to visit families as a Social Educator while teaching music and at the same time being involved with formation of children and educators. From 1995 to 2003 and from 2004 to 2006 I was also involved in Marist formation as a formator, accompanitor and a superior for six years.
What is your purpose of coming here in the Philippines?
Ad Gentes. We don’t have frontiers anymore. I want to help to make the project “Ad Gentes” real in the countries where it is projected.
May you explain what does it mean by Ad Gentes?
“Ad Gentes” is Marcellin’s dream, thus a challenge for us, Marist Brothers: “Go out to the whole world to proclaim the Good News.” Ad Gentes is, touch our children and youth with our heart; learning and teaching together. All Christians are called to proclaim the Good News, but in this case, all Marist Brothers around the world, and future lay people as well.
What motivated you to join the Ad Gentes?
I believe in God who is love, I believe in Mary who through Marist Brothers, wants me to continue to follow Christ, and make him known and loved.
Any expectations?
I expect learning with the poor people and help them in their needs.
How do you feel about those expectations

then?
I am very happy. It’s my dream to join with Marcellin’s dream.
How about hopes?
That more children and youth have hopes. That a better world is possible. All my hopes I rely to the Holy Spirit and to our Good Mother.
Please inspire us.
Testimony is the best teacher. What you believe, try to live it. “What you are, speaks so loudly, that I cannot hear what you are saying.” Be a missionary where you are and therein you are doing.”
Thank you, Brother for staying with us and letting us know more about and be inspired with Marist Ad Gentes Orientation Program.
For more information, I included a clip about the “Marist Mission Ad Gentes” of the Marist Brothers of the Schools.