Marist News
August/September 2008
Dear Marists, Greetings to you all as we move into Spring and the final quarter of 2008.
August and September have been months of both great hope but also, grief.
The Beijing Olympics once again united the world as we watched in awe at the super-human efforts of elite athletes. But as I watched, I felt a predictability about the whole thing. The same BIG, WEALTHY countries with lots of resources and the latest technology came out “on top”. Through the TV screen came a sub-current of fear and tension as the Chinese authorities clamped down, afraid of losing their totalitarian control. And simmering deeper down, the reality of the Tibetan people and their oppressed state. Will the Beijing Olympics, as promised by some, open up China (and Tibet) to more freedom? It was the Paraolympics which revived my hope for the future. The sheer skill and determination, joy and gratitude of these paraolympians lifted the human spirit to new heights. For me, it was the Magnificat unfolding before my very eyes.
The 15 August, Mary’s Assumption into heaven. The 15 August, Sr Ann Marie Webb sm is diagnosed with cancer. On September 2, Ann Marie died. A great shock for all who knew and loved her.
We pray for the repose of the soul of Sr Ann Marie. Also, for Ants Reilly’s mum, Maria Dogonieri’s dad, and Brothers Des and Bernie Murphy fms, whose brother Denis, also passed away.
MARIST MISSIONARY SISTERS GENERAL CHAPTER Living passionately God’s reconciling love
The SMSMs General Chapter began on 14 September, in Rome, and will end on 4 October. As Marists, let us keep them in our prayers, that the Holy Spirit and Mary’s presence will be with them during this most important time in the life of the congregation. Below is the SMSM Mission Partner’s Prayer
Loving God, Look upon the lowliness of your servants Who labour under the name of Mary. Do great things through them, Filling them with the spirit of their mother So that they may seek not their own interests But those of Christ alone, And lead others to the light of the Gospel. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ Who lives and reigns with you and The Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
To see more news of the SMSMs, go to www.smsmsisters.org
Prayer Requests One of the wonderful gifts of Marist Laity Australia is the network of people who can be called upon to pray – to pray deeply in openness and trust and hope, like Mary, with Mary.
Beryl Duncan and Jim Phelan are recovering well after their recent surgeries. They are very grateful for your prayers.
Please pray for Sr Lusia SMSM. Sr Lusia is a Samoan who was elected to go to the General Chapter which is on now in Rome. In July, she left her mission in Kiribati to come to Sydney in preparation for the Chapter. She was diagnosed with a huge, aggressive tumour and is now undergoing radiation to reduce its size before doctors can operate. Luisa is a beautiful person in her forties with much potential. It is a big blow to her and the SMSMs May Mary, Mother of Mercy, keep them all in her tender arms. And may God give them the courage and faith to accept what will be. MARY, BEARER OF HOPE TO THE WORLD Our International Marist Year of Prayer began on the 12 September, the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary. We are hoping that world-wide, Marists will say this prayer daily and will become more aware of the places and people where Hope seems absent. Perhaps then, we as individual Marists or our Marist group or community can move to fill this void. This surely is being Mary’s presence in our world today. I have received emails from Fiji, NZ, Philippines,USA, Ireland, England Rome and around Australia, giving assurances to join in this Marist initiative. Thank you to all who have responded so positively!
FOR YOUR DIARY
Sr Vivienne Goldstein SM is returning to Australia after her years on the General Council of the Marist Sisters. She will be facilitating our Marist Laity Australia Reflection Day
SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER COLIN LIBRARY HUNTERS HILL 10.30-3PM
Vivienne is a gifted, creative woman and will bring us beautifully into the waiting season of Advent with the theme:
Mary, Bearer of Hope to the World
More details will be sent closer to the date.
Maria Baden Marist Laity Australia
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Marist Laity Australia
