A magazine published three times a year by The Marist Fathers and Brothers of the US Province.
Day 6: Novena Prayer to St. Peter Chanel
The Joy of the Gospel
The followers of Niuliki… gathered one day near the Marists’ hut in Alo to hear one of their gods speaking through the mouth (as they put it) of one of his devotees. It was, as the good Brother observes, especially in time of war that they felt the need of such encouragement. The speech, loud and animated, was clearly audible inside Peter’s dwelling. To counteract this pagan exhibition the missionaries started to sing “a deux voix” the Salve Regina, followed by the Inviolata. Their voices must have been remarkably strong, for after a while a few of the islanders, despite their fear of the god who they thought was addressing them, came over to ask the Marists to continue their singing, and at the end of the harangue a great number joined them. (Graystone, St Peter Chanel, Pg. 24)
Prayer for Vocations
Lord Jesus, you gave to the Church, the Society of Mary and the people of Oceania, St Peter Chanel, as an example of gentleness, compassion and love in action. Welcome many young men and women into the Marist Family, as priests, brothers and sisters. Help us to share our charism with lay people throughout the world and to work in partnership with them in mission for the good of your Church and the world. This prayer we make to the Father in Your name through the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 5: Novena Prayer to St. Peter Chanel
Saint and Missionary
For a while the missionaries seem to have lodged with the king; they must have had a very abrupt introduction to that sharing in the common life of the islanders which in future would be, to a great extent, their daily lot. Niuliki was as good as his word and made sure they were supplied with food and drink, though the unaccustomed diet of the islanders, and the unfamiliar timing of their meals must have added still more to the feeling of the newcomers that they had entered a completely new world. Nowadays we talk about culture shock, but probably there are few places remaining on the face of the earth where one could experience such a violent change of life as those Marists did in those weeks. (Graystone, St Peter Chanel, Pg. 24 )
Prayer for Vocations
Lord Jesus, you gave to the Church, the Society of Mary and the people of Oceania, St Peter Chanel, as an example of gentleness, compassion and love in action. Welcome many young men and women into the Marist Family, as priests, brothers and sisters. Help us to share our charism with lay people throughout the world and to work in partnership with them in mission for the good of your Church and the world. This prayer we make to the Father in Your name through the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Celebrating Earth Day!
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22nd to demonstrate support for environmental protection. This year’s theme is “Planet vs. Plastics.”
As Marists, we are actively concerned and pay close attention to the consequences of global warming and climate issues. We seek to educate ourselves and others about issues affecting our world.
We are reminded of the words by Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ “All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.”
To find out more about Earth Day 2024 resources and events click HERE.
World Day of Prayer for Vocations
The 61st World Day of Prayer for Vocations takes place today, April 21st.
In Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations in 2024 he stated…
“… in the end, the goal of every vocation: to become men and women of hope. As individuals and as communities, amid the variety of charisms and ministries, all of us are called to embody and communicate the Gospel message of hope in a world marked by epochal challenges. These include the baneful spectre of a third world war fought piecemeal; the flood of migrants fleeing their homelands in search of a better future; the burgeoning numbers of the poor; the threat of irreversibly compromising the health of our planet. To say nothing of all the difficulties we encounter each day, which at times risk plunging us into resignation or defeatism.”
On this World Day of Prayer for Vocations we remember all men and women discerning God’s call. The Marists ask you to remember in prayer all those in our international formation program.
(Picture Caption: Marist novices in Davao City, Philippines (March, 2024))