Tag: Mary

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Mother of TendernessIn his apostolic exhortation Marialis Cultus (1974), Pope Paul VI called the Solemnity of Mary “a fitting occasion for renewing adoration of the newborn Prince of Peace, for listening once more to the glad tidings of the angels (cf.Lk 2:14), and for imploring from God, through the Queen of Peace, the supreme gift of peace.” As we celebrate the beginning of a New Year let us turn to Mary, Mother of us all, and pray through her intercession for peace in our world. (Photo: http://www.sacredart.co.nz)

Happy New Year from the Marist Sisters.  May 2015 be filled with blessings of peace, joy and love for all.

Celebrating Jean-Claude Colin

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“And the Blessed Virgin,
who did such great things then,
will do even greater ones
at the end of time…” (Jean-Claude Colin)

Jean-Claude Colin, founder of the Marist Fathers and Marist Sisters, knew suffering at an early age.  Orphaned at the age of five he developed into a person with a deep longing for a life of solitude and strong desire to serve God.  It was while studying for the priesthood at the major seminary in Lyon he came into contact with the Marist project.  Despite his sensitive and timid temperament he was courageous in responding to the needs of his time.  He took his inspiration from the life of Mary in Nazareth and and from her presence as a mother in the early church.  On 15th November, the anniversary of his death, Marists throughout the world recall with gratitude the legacy of this man who teaches us what it is to live the Spirit of Mary in our times.

Feast of the Holy Name of Mary

On 12th September each year Marists throughout the world celebrate the feast of the Holy Name of Mary.  This feast reminds us that we “belong by a gracious choice to the family of the Blessed Mary, Mother of God.  In her name we are called Marists”(Spirit of the Society of Mary by Jean Claude Colin S.M., Founder).  The feast is also an other opportunity for Marists to reflect on how Mary would have lived the gospel in our day.

Two New Zealand Marist Sisters have prepared a reflection for this year’s feast. The reflections may be downloaded here.