FEATURES OF LAY MARIST LIFE

Extended Bureau of the Laity Features of lay Marist life
vice which is not a common occurrence in men.
Mary is surely one reason that explains the existence
of the attitude. She is for me a life model,
her attitudes, her radical abandonment to God
which led her to say yes when her yes risked her
being marginalised, seen as an outcast regarding
the Jewish laws. I like her way of treasuring events
in her heart and allowing them to resurface later.
(France)
While living with the Brothers what captivated
me from the beginning was their simplicity,
their concern for each one, the welcome that
they gave us, whether we lived in the school or
outside, but above all their great love of Jesus
and Mary, our Good Mother. (Mexico)
have received many gifts from God and I can af-
I firm that, in many varied ways, it is she who has
done everything for us, according to her will. I try
to strengthen myself in prayer, which is expressed
by my devotion to Mary, to whom I consecrate
my daily activities by entrusting them to her immaculate
heart. The love of Mary makes me very
happy. Even though I still have a lot to know and
to grow, I find in her some common points: as
mother, the education of children; as a Christian,
keeping in my heart the desire for God with the
commitment to be attentive to the needs of the
Community. The intense union of Champagnat
with the Good Mother, the confidence with which
he put all his concerns, worries and joys into her
hands; his dreams and his plans inspire me a lot,
encourage me, help me to advance, bring me
closer to Jesus. (Brazil)
also find the place accorded to Mary by the
I Marists a softener to the amount of male
chauvinism unfortunately present in the Catholic
Church. (South Africa)
The love for Mary is like an obsession for me,
as it was it for Fr. Champagnat. The motto “All
to Jesus for Mary, all to Mary for Jesus” is something
very important to keep in mind, because it
is a very useful motto for us, Lay Marists. From
the Brothers I have learned much of what it is to
be Christian and I have understood the love that
Mary has towards me. For that reason, I dare say
that “Mary truly loves me and that I love her with
all my heart”. (Madagascar)
dedicate this poem to all those who have wanted to
I follow in our footsteps in the work that we do for the
glory of God and for the love of Mary:
“I love walking with Mary,
For she is my protection,
Life is sometimes difficult,
It is for me a uniting bond.
She intercedes for us to the Father,
What is good and necessary for her children,
As she is there, she remains a mother
And nothing can happen to us hereafter.” (Madagascar)
A Lifestyle in the Spirit
Humility, simplicity and modesty - the three
violets. What a great model to strive to meet
on a daily basis in a world where money, power
and personal success try constantly to negate
the need for human decency and fellowship.
(South Africa)
The simple, modest and humble life that every
Marist is invited to lead captivates me; being
a complete person, without boasting, without
calling attention to myself. That has helped me to
grow, has made me more available and committed
to my people. (Brazil)
One evening at bedtime, the devoted Brother
lay down upon a mattress on the floor. He
had given the bedroom that we had offered him