PUCRS participates in the 11th Assembly of the Marist International Network of Higher Education in Rome

PUCRS is represented at the 28th Assembly of the Marist International Network for Higher Education (RIMES), which began on April 2 and ends today, May 40, at the General House of the Marist Brothers in Rome. The meeting brought together more than 22 representatives from XNUMX associated institutions, with the purpose of strengthening ties, reflecting on the Marist charism and developing strategies for international cooperation in Higher Education.

The PUCRS delegation included the rector, Brother Manuir Mentges, the then president of RIMES and vice-rector, Brother Marcelo Bonhemberger, and the former executive secretary of the Network and coordinator of the University's Office of International Cooperation, João Fett. In addition, the event was also attended by Cardinal Dom Jaime Spengler, chancellor of PUCRS.

For the rector, Brother Manuir Mentges, the Assembly represents a moment of profound significance for the Marist mission in the university context.

“Participating in the 11th Assembly of the Marist International Network for Higher Education was a profoundly meaningful and inspiring experience. We reaffirm that the strength of a network like ours lies in interdependence — as already stated in the 22nd Marist General Chapter — overcoming isolation and the search for individual solutions. We are a network with structure, intentionality and purpose. The formality of our articulation does not stifle creativity, but rather supports a collaboration that respects local particularities and promotes synergies around common goals. To this end, it is essential to ensure continuous interaction, clarity of purpose and governance committed to the common good. Collaboration in a network allows us to achieve results that would be unattainable in isolation.”, highlights the rector, who presided over RIMES from 2018 to 2022.

Throughout the meeting, two central themes guided the discussions: identity and internationalization. These dimensions, according to João Fett, are fundamental for the present and future of Marist institutions.

“The mission of our Marist HEIs comes from ‘the heart of the Church’ (Ex Corde Ecclesiae), currently impacting the lives of almost 150 people on five continents. Our challenge is also our opportunity: to strengthen international cooperation based on very concrete strategic projects in leadership, training and centers of excellence, qualifying our people and, thus, recognizing ourselves as a global family.”He says.

During the Assembly, the three-year cycle of the presidency of RIMES by Brother Marcelo Bonhemberger was also concluded, and he evaluated the period as a journey of service and learning:

“We sought to execute the strategic plan, adapt our actions to the post-pandemic reality and deepen the internationalization of our institutions. We strengthened governance and expanded member participation. It was a time of building relationships around the world, all united by the spirit of Marcellin Champagnat. This Assembly marks the end of this important journey and the continuation of the journey. I am immensely grateful to each person and institution that walked this path with us. Together, we showed that our dreams know no borders, and that the Marist mission in higher education is alive and vibrant,” scores.

In addition to the reflections and debates, the program of the 11th Assembly included conferences with Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça and Isabel Capeloa Gil, rector of the Catholic University of Portugal, as well as the presence of representatives of the Jesuit and La Salle university networks. On the third day of the meeting, participants visited important Italian academic institutions — La Sapienza, Sacro Cuore, Gregoriana and Lateranense.

RIMES was founded in 2004 and today connects Marist higher education institutions in more than 10 countries. Its mission is to create bridges of collaboration that promote academic excellence, integral education and commitment to social transformation, inspired by the charism of Saint Marcellin Champagnat.

“This is the true magic of a network: the power of encounter and sharing, united in a shared mission at the service of Marist higher education in the world”, concludes Brother Manuir.