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Dear Friends, The Society of Mary has generously invited the International Team of MLC to attend the first week of their General Chapter in Rome. Tony Garascia, Ana Blazquez Ubach, Ezequiel Reggiani, and Isabella Moyer will give a presentation on the International Organization of MLC and dialogue with the delegates and invited guests on the challenges and future actions for the Marianist Family. Garascia
and Moyer will also be attending the 7th Continental Assembly of the Marianist
Lay Network of North America from July 27- International
Lay Congresses at the Vatican, General Chapters, Continental Assemblies,
regional, national and local meetings are all signs of hope. Our Marianist
Lay Communities are gaining an ever stronger voice as we work together to
foster a Marian model of Church. Isabella
R. Moyer May the peace and love of Jesus and Mary guide us in all we do! ISABELLA
R. MOYER, MLC
General Chapters are "important moments to reaffirm and deepen our common identity as a worldwide community of life and mission." (Fleming, Circular No.13) Forty-five delegates will gather for the thirty-third General Chapter of the Society of Mary in Rome from July 10-30, 2006. As
members of the world-wide Marianist Family, we join our brothers in prayer
for wisdom in their discernments, and openness to the Spirit in their
visioning.
His brother, Jean Baptiste suggested that William Joseph have
recourse to the Virgin Mary, “who is never invoked in vain.” William eagerly
and happily took up his suggestion, and the two brothers vowed to make a
pilgrimage to Notre Dame de Verdelais if the Blessed Virgin would obtain the
cure they were seeking from her goodness. How could Mary have remained deaf
to the prayers of one who was to work so much for her glory? They did not
have a long wait. The healing occurred so quickly that William Joseph always
regarded it as miraculous. A short time later, he and his brother were able
to walk on pilgrimage to Verdelais, about fifty miles ( A
document has been prepared for distribution among our communities in
preparation for the World Day of Prayer. Please click on the following link
for the English version. French and Spanish versions of the document can be
accessed through the 'Quick Links' at the end of this newsletter.
My big brother, David, used to give me “horsey rides” on his back. I was always his tag-along little sister, and I continued to tag-along throughout my life as we visited him in warm, welcoming Marianist communities throughout the world. He has been a loving big brother and spiritual resource for me throughout my life. So for me, attending David’s 50th Jubilee in Rome was a celebration of faith, hope, and love. As I participated in the Mass, I remembered David’s leap of faith by taking first vows at age 17. He was so young---and so full of hope! That same hope was reaffirmed as he renewed his vows and the professed community acknowledged him as a role model of Marianist ideals. An outpouring of love and respect came when everyone present gave him a standing ovation. I couldn’t have been prouder! Following this there was an elegant reception in the Curia garden. And the partying continued the next day with an authentic American barbecue on the Curia rooftop. Both celebrations were full of joyfulness and fun-loving spontaneity—great food, lively conversation, music and dancing (from traditional ethnic dances to the Hokey Pokey!). This was a wonderful way to honor David’s life commitment and career achievements. The memories, as well as the pride and joy I felt, will stay with me forever. His loving sister, Marceta Reilly- Hoyt, Kansas, USA (Marceta is pictured above sharing in the 50th Jubilee celebration with her brother, Fr. David Fleming SM, Superior General)
My Marianist connections started in 1976, the year I started secondary school (high school). I attended the only Marianist- run school in Ireland. The Marianist brothers in Ireland are from the former Cincinnati Province. From my first year at school I experienced the charism of Blessed Chaminade every day (although I didn’t know it was this at the time). I was taught first year religion by Bro. Fred Rech. He made a huge impact on my life and continues to do so. He still teaches first year religion in St. Laurence College. After finishing school in 1981 my connections with the Marianists continued. I was involved with various lay groups over the many years. In October, 1999 I was accepted as a Spiritual Affiliate. I was also involved in my local parish, and was a member of the parish folk group for nearly 22 years. Life is quiet in Ireland at the moment. We are finally enjoying some summer sunshine. This past school year, the Marianist Family came together several times. We joined the SM community for Sunday Eucharist. I played guitar for some of the masses. Fr Neville O'Donohue gave a series of four talks entitled 'Mary, Woman and Disciple'. The talks were full of great information. In March
we organised a 'Dreams Workshop' . Paddy Green, a Jesuit priest
facilitated the workshop. Fr Paddy is a very knowledgeable man, he opened the
world of dreams to us all. He spoke of the many dreams we've read about in
the Scripture. We all had a wonderful day, one that would be good to repeat
again.
The work of the brothers in the Philippines is three- fold: directing the Balay Pasilungan project (a care center for street-children); developing lay communities; and promoting vocations to Marianist life, both lay and religious. Besides a joy-filled reunion with old friends, the evening in Winnipeg included an informative and inspiring power-point presentation and slides. More information on the Marianist presence in the Philippines may be found at www.marianist.org under the link, "Foundations". (Photo, left to right: Christine Lussier, Brother Richard, David Moyer, Lawrence Lussier)
Please send articles, photos, and quick links to web- sites for next month's issue of 'Gifts and Tasks' to moyerfam@mts.net by July 20th. And kindly forward this issue to contact persons within your country to help with its distribution. If anyone would like to be added to the subscription list, please send email addresses to moyerfam@mts.net. Thank you!
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