In view of the great success of the renewal course held jointly in 2011 in Vienna and Kostenz, the Austrian and Bavarian Provinces organised a major interprovincial meeting on 5-7 October 2017 in Kostenz, attended by 50 Brothers from both Provinces.

In the course of the meeting, the Brothers examined the document issued by the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life on “Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the Church”, and three chapters of the Order’s Constitutions. The Congregation document was presented by Brother Thomas Väth while the three chapters of the Constitutions (Spirituality 1.3 and 1.4 and Mission 1.5) were written by the Brothers during meditation and in their group work.

Another pinnacle moment of the meeting was the pilgrimage to Straubing, to visit the large centre for people with disabilities which the Brothers manage in the town. Here, the Brother responsible for Pastoral Care at the centre, Gerhard Kaiser, recounted the history and significance of the Chapel consecrated to Saint John of God in 2009. The Chapel is not only used by the guests and co-workers from the centre, but also by people from outside. Inside the Chapel, bathed in the autumnal light, the Brothers and a number of guests from the Straubing centre gathered together for the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, led by Brother Thomas.

The meeting of the Austrian and Bavarian Brothers, ended in a festive and joyful atmosphere which was enormously enhanced by the wonderful hospitality provided by the Kostenz centre.