An electronic newsletter published by the Province Communications Office twice a month.
A magazine published three times a year by The Marist Fathers and Brothers of the US Province.
Day 4: Novena Prayer to St. Peter Chanel
Dependency on God
The missionaries of Wallis and Futuna were left in virtual isolation. If they had shown striking courage in leaving France for a voyage literally into the unknown, they displayed nothing less than heroism in taking this further leap into the dark. Over and above the formidable language difficulty and the problems of food and shelter, was the total insecurity of their situation. No friendly flag flew over these islands; the help so often provided to missionaries by colonial powers was thousands of miles away. The islanders were warlike people, accustomed to bloodshed. What would their attitude be when they realised that the newcomers were precisely the European missionaries of whom they were strongly suspicious? (Graystone, St Peter Chanel, Pg. 21-22)
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 3: Novena Prayer to St. Peter Chanel
A Teacher of the Faith
One can only imagine the rigours of the voyage, including the rounding of Cape Horn in a small sailing ship, a manoeuvre which took nearly two months. Peter, with his great gift of meeting people and working with them, spent much time with the crew, who in the beginning had regarded the missionaries with deep distrust. Along with Pierre Bataillon he gave reading lessons to those who needed and wanted them; from this it was but a short step to what we would call reconversion and in the end many of them made their Easter duties. (Graystone, St Peter Chanel, Pg. 16)
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 2: Novena Prayer to St. Peter Chanel
The Joy of a Saint
Among the tributes paid to Peter by those who knew him well at that time, the testimony of Marie, the girl who looked after his room, is worthy of mention. She had much to say about his kindness, consideration and habits of prayer; she added: “He was always laughing; during the holidays he went about the corridors and staircases singing; he had a beautiful voice and it was a pleasure to listen to him”. Throughout his life his voice excited admiration; it was to stand him in good stead in Oceania. (Graystone, St Peter Chanel, Pg. 10 )
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.
Easter Sunday Reflection
Happy Easter!
The Marists invite you to view this Easter Sunday reflection through the eyes of an artist.