Born in a small town in Brazil, Br Jorge Gaio, the Econome General of the Marist Institute, detested schooling, running away from his primary school and vowing never to return - a story quite like a saint we all know, isn't it? However, one subject caught his fancy - Mathematics. This subject, coupled with the fact that at age 18, a dear friend introduced him to the Marist Brothers, changed Br Jorge's life completely.
The Star Post caught up with the Brother during his visit to Sydney to learn more about his life, his experience with the Brotherhood, and how Marcellin's enduring legacy has inspired him. Excerpts from the interview:
Please tell us something about your childhood.
I am from Brazil, and I grew up in a family with four siblings - two sisters, and a brother. At 12, I left home to study in a nearby city, but I hated schooling, and I missed my family, so I just went back home. Later, I continued my studies at a Marist school, where I realised the importance and significance of education.
Br Jorge Gaio with Br Goyo Linacero Melón, the Assistant to the Econome General at the SOTS Sydney office.
So, your story is a tad like Marcellin's, who also left school!
Ha! Now that you mention it, yes, it is a bit similar. Though I didn't see my teacher beat anyone! I just didn't like studying. But I must say, I was excellent in Math. It was the only subject that interested me. I also have my father's entrepreneurial and innovative sense, and I guess that's the reason I have been fortunate enough to help the Marist Brothers in matters related to management, strategy, and finance, and to support Marist life and mission.
"I just didn't like studying. But I must say, I was excellent in Math."
What inspired you to join the Marist Brothers?
When I turned 18, a dear friend wanted to join the Marist Brothers and persuaded me to accompany him. So, I went with him, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Brothers. After a few years, when faced with the decision to continue or leave, I chose to become a Brother. Interestingly, my friend ultimately decided to move on.
I had considered priesthood, but I found the Marist way to be different and more appealing. Coincidentally, I later discovered that my father had also attended a Marist school in his youth, which further strengthened my decision.
"I had considered priesthood, but I found the Marist way to be different and more appealing."
Br Jorge and Br Goyo enjoying some Australian delicacies at the SOTS Sydney office.
At 18, was choosing to become a Brother an easy decision?
The choice to become a Brother is not a simple, one-time decision. It's a continuous choice that you make throughout your life. There are many opportunities to reconsider, especially when, for many reasons, the call of the vocation can prove difficult to answer. But for me, being able to be of service to young people and be a part of a fraternity that looked out for each other was inspiring enough to continue.
"The choice to become a Brother is not a simple, one-time decision. It's a continuous choice that you make throughout your life."
Can you tell us about the various projects you have been involved in since joining the Marist Brothers?
I began my journey by teaching kids in kindergarten in a socially disadvantaged area of Sao Paulo. Over time, I transitioned into managerial roles, where I combined my passion for education with my skills in finance and marketing, especially acting in the solidarity network.
In Brazil, in addition to the social schools, similar to here in Australia, there are Educational Centres with after-school activities, such as music programs, theatre, manual skills training, sports and other extracurricular activities for students from poor areas, helping them to make better use of their time, identify their talents and work on their skills.
Which other countries have you worked in?
I worked in the Provincial Council of the Brazil Centro Sul Province for four years, and then I was the Province Bursar for six years, always working in different ministries: formal education, social centres, universities, publishing houses, and hospitals. Then, I decided to change direction and dedicate some time to mission work in Cuba. Later, the Superior General invited me to assume this position - Econome General - at the General House, which I have held for the last two and a half years.
"I worked in the provincial council of the Brazil Centro Sul Province for four years, and then I was the Province Bursar for six years, always working in different ministries."
As the Econome General of the Marist Institute, what do you do?
My current focus involves supporting provinces with limited growth capacity, fostering global synergy among administrative units, and undertaking projects in finance, real estate, governance, and management. In short, it is to collaborate so that the viability and vitality of our life and mission are sustainable and endure for generations to come.
That sounds like hard work! What do you do to disconnect?
I find solace in nature, and I love going on long walks or for a swim. As well as developing moments of personal cultivation and spirituality. As much as possible, I also try to maintain a balance between all the work I do and my personal life; but as a Marist Brother, it is easier said than done!
"As Champagnat Marists, our presence must make a difference for and with the children and youth of today."
This year, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the canonisation of Marcellin Champagnat. How has his life and work impacted you personally?
I deeply resonate with Marcellin's sensitivity towards the realities faced by young people, especially those from marginalised communities. His innovative approach enabled him to see opportunities amid complex and difficult situations. Similarly, we are called to be bold in responding to the times in which we live and be creative in providing quality education. As Champagnat Marists, our presence must make a difference for and with the children and youth of today.
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