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"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
MAY- 2014

IN THIS ISSUE
EDITOR
Joy of the Gospel
FEATURED COUNTRY
USA
AROUND THE REGION
Korea
Let Us Pray
AROUND THE WORLD
Friday Magnificat
Via Latina
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Greetings!   Vogt, Susan w mug

I have been immersing myself in JOY
lately - The Joy of the Gospel.

There hasn't been a lot of joy in the Catholic Church in the Cincinnati area lately due to conflict around the revised contract for teachers in the Catholic Schools. The details are too complex to go into here, but let's just say that I've been in search of joy.

 

Fortuitously, I have been carefully reading Pope Francis' Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) in preparation for an upcoming talk - "Helping Our Church Live the Spirit of St. Francis and Pope Francis." 

 

The Joy of the Gospel is good reading but not quick reading. Thus, Fr. Dave Fleming SM and I have collaborated to cull our favorite quotes for time crunched Marianists. Read our Cliff Note Quotes which reduces 109 pages to 8. For those who want even a quicker jolt of joy, here are my top 10:

 

The great danger in today's world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience. 

 

My child, treat yourself well, according to your means...Do not deprive yourself of the day's enjoyment.

 

There are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter.

 

Evangelizers thus take on the 'smell of the sheep' and the sheep are willing to hear their voice. 

 

...seek ways of expressing unchanging truths in a language which brings out their abiding newness...the expression of truth can take different forms. 

 

...the precepts which Christ and the apostles gave to the people of God 'are very few'...so as not to burden the lives of the faithful and make our religion a form of servitude. 

 

...our church doors should always be open...nor should the doors of the sacraments be closed for simply any reason. 

 

I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting, and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security. 

 

One of the most serious temptations which stifles boldness and zeal is a defeatism which turns us into querulous and disillusioned pessimists, 'sourpusses'.

 

Whenever we attempt to read the signs of the times it is helpful to listen to young people and the elderly.

 

Fondly, 

Susan Vogt  
Representative for N. America, Asia, Australia, Ireland
FEATURED COUNTRY - USA
.
Reyes, Rudy
Rudy Reyes

It's springtime in North America. For the communities in the United States, the season of renewal and rebirth is definitely in full swing.

At present, a number of initiatives are bearing fruit, and with them the energy and vitality of new life. 

  • After almost a year of consultation and collaboration with Marianist Laity from across the country, a monumental strategic planning process is culminating with significant proposals for the future of the Marianist Lay Network of North America (MLNNA), helping all Marianist Laity to take greater ownership and leadership within the Marianist Family and with our religious brothers and sisters. 
    2014 Assembly
     
  • In addition, plans for our Continental Assembly, "Breathing Life into Our Marianist Charism Together," are in the final stages and all are looking forward to an historic gathering at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, 24-27 July. Click here to register. 

 

We ask your prayers during this important season of Marianist life in the United States and look forward to welcoming many of you to our Assembly in July.

 

Together with the Marianist Laity in the United States, we wish you all the joys of Easter (for another few weeks!). Know of our prayers for you and your communities, and for our Marianist Family around the world. Peace be with you!

Rudy Reyes

National Responsible - USA

AROUND THE REGION


KOREA
Sebastian Lee writes:

Thank you to Marianists around the world for praying for the victims of the ferry disaster in Korea. May they rest in peace in heaven!

In happier news, we opened the "Marianist Academy Program" for studying Marianist spirituality. During May, the Academy has been held at the Marianist Center on Saturdays. The number in attendance is about 35 lay Marianists.
prayinghands 2
LET US PRAY 
  • There has just been a 6 point earthquake in the region of Ranchi, India which is a growing area of Marianist Lay Communities. We have not yet heard any news from them, but pray for the safety of all in that region.
  • For the Marianist Laity living in Haiti and Philippines. Since the SM have withdrawn from these countries in the past year, we pray that the remaining Lay Marianists are able to summon the determination and creativity to sustain their communities. 
  • "I Will Follow Him" - 
    Click on the photo at right for an inspirational musical prayer.   
  • Click here to see prayer services submitted by Marianists throughout the world. We pray in solidarity with them. 
AROUND THE WORLD 

 

FRIDAY MAGNIFICAT - MAY

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Singhpur, India - Medical Clinic

 

Singhpur is located in a poor rural area of northern India near Ranchi. The Marianist Sisters there were aware of rising rates of infant and maternal mortality in childbirth, diseases and infections that could be easily treated if there was a local medical clinic. Through the support of Accion Marianista, the Marianist Sisters, and the Italian bishop's conference, such a clinic became a reality... 

Read more: ENGLISH  FRAN�AIS ESPA�OL

 

Via Latina VIA LATINA - ONLINE

The following articles are in the May #232 issue of Via Latina 22, the newsletter for the General Administration of the Society of Mary. 

-First Professions in India

-GA Temporalities Committee meets in Rome
-Extended General Council meets in Rome
-Marianist Symposium: Faith

 ENGLISH   FRAN�AIS   ESPA�OL            日本語(April #231) 

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