FEATURED COUNTRY - JAPAN
Historically, the Marianist Family in Japan (MLC, SM, FMI, AM) had usually met once a year. In fiscal year 2014, however, we conducted a lecture, social gatherings of MLCs, and a Memorial Mass in November as a new attempt. 80 people (18 people from the MLCs) took part in these gatherings.
On January 18, we had our annual "gathering of the Marianist Family." 82 people attended (36 people from MLCs). We began with Mass in the afternoon and then had a social reunion in order to deepen everyone's friendship. Novices from Vietnam had presented a comical skit depicting their daily lives. That was fun and was well received.
In addition we enjoyed a bingo tournament, singing, and coffee sales (to support those in need). It was a very good time. You can see all the people with their prizes in their hands and smiles on their faces from the bingo tournament. Thus, the new year of Consecration began with these smiles.
In 2014, the MLCs had four newcomers. Since our entire membership has been aging, many of them have difficulty in participating in the events. Therefore, the news of newcomers made this year a little brighter.
In fiscal year 2015, we hope that further new members will increase and that the MLCs will be even more active. May our Mother Mary, please lead us.
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AROUND THE REGION
LEE, Jin Bong of South Korea sent the message that when the Seoul MLCs gathered at their 1st Sunday Mass and meeting they prayed in the spirit of the Annunciation Feast. "I will send out a mobile phone message again to remind them to especially pray in solidarity with the Marianist Family on March 25."
INDIA
The Binda MLC reports that a new group is developing in the Khunti area of India (about 65 km from downtown Ranchi). We had a Day of Recollection to prepare ourselves better to celebrate Easter. We thank almighty God for blessing us with these many lay members who are in the initial stage of their formation. We will have another retreat just before Palm Sunday at the Nirmal Deep (Novitiate House). Let us pray for and support one another in this wonderful season of Lent.
Wishing you a very joyful Easter from all the MLCs in India.
Fr. James Dungdung, SM
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Group from Kunti preparing to become an MLC
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The Budakata MLC had a Day of Recollection on February 28. We prayed for all MLCs around the world. Now we are preparing to invite the Ranchi MLC members for a two day workshop in May. Little by little the Chaminade Rural Development Project (CRDP) is becoming better known around Budakata. Bro. Pratap SM, Mr. Raj, and I are trying to establish Study Shelters in the villages. Check our FaceBook Page to learn more about what we are doing. Thank you for you support and prayers.
Wishing you every blessing during this Lenten season,
LET US PRAY:
- For the men and women of Kunti, India who are preparing to become Lay Marianists.
- For those who are being harmed by ISIS and other terrorist groups who distort religion for political gain. Click here for a background article on Boko Haram in Africa.
- For those we love to hate - like the terrorist groups referenced above. May they find more loving ways to be.
- For births of babies that offer signs of hope and new life.
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AROUND THE WORLD
FRIDAY MAGNIFICAT - MARCH
The Marianist Environmental Education Center (MEEC) was founded to:
*protect the integrity of God's Creation by modeling Catholic land stewardship on the Mount St. John property in Dayton, Ohio
*inspire environmental stewardship through spiritual reflection
*teach others to care for the environment in their personal and community lives.
Read more:
ENGLISH FRANÇAIS ESPAÑOL
VIA LATINA - ONLINE 
The following articles are in the March, #241 issue of Via Latina 22, the newsletter for the General Administration of the Society of Mary.
- Priestly ordinationn in the district of India
- Lent with the Last Forty
- 40 years of Marianist presence in Colombia
- Two weeks for Marianist Formation in Spanish
- Meeting of Marianist Works Commission
- Sharing the witness of my vocation
- World day of Marianist Prayer
ENGLISH FRANÇAIS ESPAÑOL 日本語 (#240)
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