When speaking about Marist Apostolic Spirituality at a Marist Brothers General Chapter in 1993 stressed the beginning focus: 'our contemporary search for a spirituality that is life-giving and more adequate for our vocation as active lay (and) religious.' (XIX General Chapter: Marist Apostolic Spirituality. Part of this search is the adaptation of past traditions and practices.
One of the great traditions of spiritualities world wide is the review of the day. It is particularly suited to active lay religious because it encourages the integration of one's apostolic and community life with one's relationship with God. Also, its starting point is our experience of life and its end point is to send us back into life with a greater faith orientation.
One of the profound insights of our times with regard to religious life is a greater appreciation of the richness of charism. In the past the emphasis in studies of charism tended to focus on how the charism led to a particular way of service and ministry for the Church. In more recent times this has been balanced by a recognition of the life-giving aspect of charism for those who are members of the Institute or Order. Charism helps us to know our identity and, through a particular spirituality, it feeds our faith life and calls us to growth.
Some of those who are investigating the role of charism suggest that each particular charism has a defining image or moment. For example, with Ignatian spirituality it is suggested that for a person who shares in this charism, reflection on the Ignatian exercises will always offer them support and understanding for their life Journey.
What is such a defining moment for the spirituality of Marists – Brothers, Fathers, Sisters, Missionary Sisters, Laity, or Association Members?
In talking with many Brothers it seems that it could be the Annunciation.
This resource 'In the way of Mary – a companion for the journey' is a form of the review of the day based on this defining moment. It is an adaptation of a long held spiritual practice within our faith tradition. For those who share in the Marist charism and spirit we believe that it will offer special support, insight and grace.
(Audio Available)
