FEATURES OF LAY MARIST LIFE

Features of lay Marist life
Extended Bureau of the Laity
We think that the future of the Community
of the Marist Brothers is passing through
the openness of the Institute and its capacity
to implement ways (times of formation, spiritual
accompaniment, times of prayer and of discernment)
in order to encourage the commitment of
laypeople (single people, men and women, couple,
families) in the community to form Marist cells
who share and live the same spirituality and work
in the pursuit of Marist works. (Canada)
remember the words of Brother Miguel A. Isla
I that have resonated in my heart so many times
lately: “It is up to us to believe, to hope and to love
always.” To us, brothers and laypeople of the 21st
century, it is up to us to believe that the dream of
Marcellin is totally current, not outmoded. It is up
to us, to hope actively and it is up to us, above all,
to love. It is the present and the future that we
can offer to so many boys and girls who are suffering,
to so many people who do not believe in their
future, to teachers and families who believe they
have lost all hope, who do not live, only surviving
amidst difficulties… but also to those people who want to be associated with this dream, to the boys,
the girls and the young people who are growing up along this pathway, to teachers who feel their heart
beat each day. (Spain)
dream of a more challenging Marist Congregation, more involved in the needs and sufferings of
I Paraguay. I think that we can do more to help those who can do less.
I dream of a feminine Marist Congregation, formed by Marist sisters who can deploy all their fineness
and womanly tenderness around the world.
I dream of a Marist Congregation that shares their entire mission with the laity practically, not only on
paper and in documents.
I dream of dedicating my life to the service of others, every day with more force and commitment,
wherever the Lord calls me. Nothing is impossible for Him! (Paraguay)
We dream that one day in the not very distant future we can leave our Latin American land to fly
to new horizons and new lands. The Spirit received in baptism, like a flame that embraces and
does not fade, maintains the missionary ardour and it moves us to live with passion every day, being
creative in our educational and pastoral service and audacious in discovering the new calls that the
Lord makes to us. (Bolivia)
In looking to the future, these questions are relevant.
As Lay Marists are we ready to carry the Cross without complaining. Can we recognize the Cross
when it appears? What apostolate do we have to associate with? In our secular society where freedom
of worship is permitted, what response has a Lay Marist for a pastor who preaches material prosperity
in contradistinction to humility, simplicity and poverty? What type of support do we have for the Marist
Brothers? Can our desire for material wellbeing be limited to “Give us today our daily bread.” Can our
chastity be violated only by our spouses? Can we absolutely obey the authority and the commandments
of God? How do we present the Blessed Virgin Mary to the world? Can we see life in sacrifice,
sharing accommodating all children; can we by lived example lead people to God? The lives of saints
including St. Marcellin are instructive in these matters. (Nigeria)