IO/MLC logoGIFTS & TASKS
"DONS et DEVOIRS"
 
Helping each other live the Gospel at home & around the world
International. Organization of Marianist Lay Communities (IO-MLC)
Region of North America, Asia, Australia, and Ireland
AUGUST 2010

Below the Scroll
FOCUS ON PLANET EARTH
AROUND THE REGION Marianist Women Meet Let Us Pray
AROUND THE WORLD Saint Monica
World Day of Prayer
M. Intl. Volunteers World Youth Day
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Greetings!,Susan photo
I have now edited Gifts & Tasks for one year and featured one of the countries from our region each issue. This month, however, I'm taking a break to focus on something bigger that an MLC region - Planet Earth. See the featured "country" below. Enjoy the short wombat video.

The MLNNA Continental Assembly in Hawaii is the other big news. Large meetings of lay Marianists are fun and exciting - unless you were not there and have to endure repetitive stories about how inspiring a particular gathering was. I'm not going to tell you that Hawaii was boring just to make you feel better, but I think it's worth rejoicing with the 134 lay Marianists who saved their pennies, sang and prayed in multiple languages, boarded buses at 5:00am one day and waded in mud the next. We hope that we return to you as energized community members. See the photos below and you be the judge. See more
AMLF Group Photo  AMLF Group Photo
          Working in a taro patch                   Liturgical dance

AMLF Group Photo





Korean Dele- gation







United across the miles (and kilometers),
Susan Vogt
Regional Rep:N. America, Asia, Australia, & Ireland
FOCUS ON PLANET EARTH

airplaneThe last six months have not been kind to Planet Earth - what with earthquakes, oil spills, and horrendous flooding in Pakistan. The human family survives as do animals, plants, fish, and birds - but barely in some places and not without tremendous pain. "We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now." (Romans 8:22) But what can we do? Sure, we recycle, eat less meat, and switch to fluorescent bulbs, but it is enough? Is it too late?
As committed and conscientious Christians we must ask ourselves these hard questions and not go on with our daily lives as if we are entitled to the earth's resources but future generations are not. If you are like me, however, you may feel too small to make a difference or too overwhelmed.
wombat BUT, we are not alone. Did you know that there are approximately 7,000 lay Marianists around the world and about 500 MLCs? With the Spirit we can make a difference.

Perhaps this one minute message from a wombat can inspire you and give you courage.
Stay tuned for next steps.
AROUND THE REGION

Marianist Women's Summit coming - March 25-27, 2011
Read more about it: Women's Summit


Let Us Pray:airplane
  • The Baxla Family: Greetings from the MLC members of Ranchi, Jharkhand (India). We are trying to strengthen bonds as we pray and grow together. Today, we make a humble request as one of our MLC members, Mr. Raymond Baxla, needs your help and prayer. On July 11, his wife, Gorothy, fell from a motor bike and badly injured her head. She was operated on but is still in a coma. Mr. Baxla needs prayers and financial support. We humbly present his need to you. Contact Fr. Marianus Lugun at Marianists in India if you can help.
  • For the people of Pakistan who are suffering from terrible and historic floods.
  • For the dead hostages and gunman, and their families in the recent shootings in the Philippines. For all those who carry their anger to extremes.
  • For the miners in Chile who are trapped in a collapsed mine. Give them courage and hope.
AROUND THE WORLD

Today's Feast
All SaintsAugust 27 - St. Monica
Have you ever been frustrated or bewildered by your spouse or child? St. Monica is your "go to" saint. Her marriage to Patricius (left) was troubled and she considered her son, St. Augustine, to be her problem child. Through much prayer and persistence her worry turned to hope when a bishop said, "Don't worry, it is impossible that a son of so many tears should be lost." She is the patron of abuse victims, alcoholics, difficult marriages and disappointing children.

World Day of Prayer - Haiti, October 10
AMLF2008
This year, the Marianist World Day of Prayer will be hosted by the Marianists in Haiti on Sunday, October 10, 2010, in union with the African MadonnaSanctuary of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Patroness of Haiti. We are particularly moved by and grateful to the members of the Marianist Family in Haiti - and especially to the preparation team - who got back to work shortly after the terrible trial of the earthquake and who have provided for us a splendid document! May Our Lady of Perpetual Help obtain for them the graces which they need. Read the details below.
FRAN�AIS        ESPA�OL       ENGLISH


Congress of Ecclesial Movements & Communities in Duarte, Isabel
Latin America

Isabel Duarte of Chile and Regional Responsible for Latin America, will be attending the III Congress of Ecclesial Movements and New Communities in Paraguay, September 2-5, 2010. This Congress is sponsored by CELAM, the Episcopal Congress of Latin America.

 

Marianist International Volunteer Network (VIM)AMLF2008
ACEMS India logoRegretfully, the World Council of the Marianist Family announces the close of the Marianist International Volunteer network effective December 31, 2010. Please read the official announcement below.
ENGLISH      FRAN�AIS        ESPA�OL 
    



World Youth Day 2011- Madrid. August 2011

In August of 2011, there will be two meetings of interest to youth and young adults.
  • The first meeting is for youth to celebrating 250th Anniversary of Chaminade's birth. It is mainly aimed to gather Youth of Europe but all are welcome. Contact Francisco Calancha for details.
  • The second meeting (immediately following the first one) is the World Youth Day. Contact Rogelio Nu�es for details.
To read more in your language:     FRAN�AIS        ESPA�OL       ENGLISH

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