1. C.E.M.I Congregación Estado de María Inmaculada Congregation State of Mary Immaculate

2. I) Who are we?

3. A little bit of history... Founded in 1950 by José Antonio Romeo, SM, in Jerez and Madrid. According to the spirit of G.J. Chaminade, it intends to reestablish the Marianist lay Congregation of Bordeaux (founded 1800). It formally adhered to the Marianist Family since its inception, as an independent branch of the MLC of Spain.

4. A Community of Communities aiming to strengthen the Christian life · A place to help each other, share the faith and meet Jesus. · A Catholic movement based on respect, pluralism and freedom. · A group of Christians who want to give Christian answers to the urgent problems of our society.

5. Mary is our model to follow Jesus, Priest, Prophet and King, Priestly Office (Service) Prophetic Office (Denunciation) Royal Office (Liberation)

6. Nowadays, we are 267 people...who make part of...

7. 19 Communities (Madrid, Sevilla and Cádiz) Faustino Pérez Manglano Tomás More Victorino Alegre Betania/Emaús María Reina Sueño de Jacob Chaminade Óscar Romero Guadalupe Miryam/G.P.Frassatti Marieta/Ellacuría Simón Pedro Paz y Marcha Alberto Iniesta/Juan Bautista Carlos Lwanga María Magdalena Gerardi Sevilla Santa Teresa

8. II) Our Structure and functioning We focus on lay specific vocation, according to Vatican Council II We focus on lay specific vocation, according to Vatican Council II Executive Team (4 years, 2005-2009) Executive Team (4 years, 2005-2009) President (María José Crende) Vice-President (Berta Nasarre) Secretary (Santiago Sierra) Standing CommitteeStanding Committee: E.Team+ representatives (every two months

9. With the continuous help and cooperation of the Society of Mary P.José Antonio Romeo SM: Religious Counsellor(+ 5/07/08) P.Francisco Canseco SM P.Diego Tolsada SM P. Enrique Torres SM P. Julio González-Tánago (Chaplain Colegio Mayor Chaminade)

10. When do we gather? 1) Weekly meeting with our respective communities

11. 2) The Eucharist

12. 3) Monthly Meetings (all communities)

13. 4) Our retreats (twice a year)

14. 5) General Assembly

15. III) What do we want? III) What do we want?

16. A better world Justice Equity Peace Solidarity Love Freedom Patterned on the Kingdom of God

17. How?

18. Through Christian engagement...

19. With society...

20. Everyone finds his/her own place FUNDACIÓN PUENTES DE SOLIDARIDAD Partido PUM+J

21. In University... CMU Chaminade (Hall of Residence, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Hall of Residence, Universidad Complutense de Madrid) FUNDACIÓN UNIVERSITARIA G.J.CHAMINADE

22. WITH THE NEEDY PEOPLE Las Conchas (GUATEMALA) APROMAR Fundación Romeo Fundación Romeo

23. With the Church... PROCESO CONCILIAR Congreso de Teología Juan XXIII

24. Teaching of Catechism: Colegio Santa María del Pilar (Madrid) Colegio San Felipe Neri (Cádiz) 30 people involved -Aimed at boys and girls (16-18 years old). -We intend to help the teenagers find out Jesus´message in their lives: Christian vocation -Witnessing our community experience -Inviting them to join our communities, after their Confirmation

25. We are members of... The Spanish Forum of the Laity And of the movement... “Christian Network” CEMI in the Church

26. Family Council Commission for the Vocations CEMI in the Marianist Family CEMI in the Church

27. IV) Current debates: 12th General Assembly (November 2005) 1. CEMI in the Church 2. CEMI in society 3. CEMI and the young people 4. CEMI: present and future

28. CEMI IN THE CHURCH CELEBRATIONS -How could we make the lithurgy closer to the people? -How could we make our meetings an expression of Christian joy? A COMMON EFFORT TO RENEW THE CHURCH: - To put love above all; the structures are conceived to carry out Jesus´programme. -Critical position, if necessary

29. CEMI in society CONSUMPTION AND MONEY: -Community discernment: -How to share our wealth -Contribution to humanize the current economic model “ Economic assemblies ” (our experience) OUR JOB ENVIRONMENT - Rehumanizing the Labour Market -How can we possibly combine family life with our jobs?

30. CEMI in society OUR SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT : - Individual and common work in social and/or political projects - Common reflexion about Matthew 10,8: “ Freely you have received, freely give ” -Leisure time: -How can we foster a joyful spirit in our meetings?

31. CEMI and the young people - CATECHISM: Collective action: entire community (not just the catechist) -Testimony of a real Christian lifestile -Give them the chance to take part in our activities/charity engagements

32. Our current challenges: To live coherently with our Christian vocation. To bring Good News to those who are waiting for them. That we may live in such a way that we might be useful for the Kingdom of God, the Church and the Marianist Family And make the young people enthusiastic about the Christian message.

33. “WE, Christians, are not supposed to “renounce” anything; in fact, we choose the very best things of life.” “May all those who watch us, listen to us and mix with us feel Jesus´ presence in their lives and listen to His words” José Antonio Romeo, SM.