FEATURES OF LAY MARIST LIFE

Features of lay Marist life
At the beginning I was astonished by the
behavior of those persons, unrestrained
in their thoughts and ideas, without rigid subordination
to the traditional hierarchy. These
men seemed to be happy at work, trusting one
another. As time went on I came to know the
institution better and I understood the reason
for this difference, the way the Brothers treated
us with affection, I’d say almost with tenderness,
understanding, demanding when needed,
but never losing respect for us. (Brazil)
Yes, I am Marist. I feel like a Marist because
when I speak about a Marist work I use the
first person plural (our colleges, our groups…).
I feel like a Marist because I sense how strongly
my heart beats with the children and young
people, with their dreams, their problems and
their preoccupations: in their real situation;
because I identify myself with the dream and
project of Marcellin Champagnat. (Spain)
have the conviction that for many people the
I only thing that they expected was an invitation
to belong to the Marist family. (…) It is
my desire to be able to continue to launch a
direct invitation to so many people. Because I
know that it is the only thing that they need to
put their gifts at the service of others, and as
it happened for me, one day they will be able
to arrive at Jesus though the Marist pathway.
(Colombia)
Extended Bureau of the Laity
To be Marist has for me a prodigious force,
always richer and more motivating. This vocation
places me in a position of proximity and of
fraternal presence with many possibilities, even
though society in general exalts individualism
and that temptations to abandon all are sometimes
very strong. (Brazil)
am a disciple of Jesus in the way of Champagnat
I because it makes me happy; because it makes
me feel like a better person and I live more fully;
because the life of other followers attracts me; I
am a Marist by contagion. (Spain)
The Vocation of the Marist
Laity and the Vocation
of the Brother
For me the attraction was linked to the Brothers
engagement in life; their care for people
generally and their preparedness to be involved
in the lives of young people. In particular that
contact had less to do with the stuff of the classroom
but rather the opportunities to be involved
in sporting activities, retreat programs and festivals.
It was at these times that I experienced the
humanity and generosity of spirit of several of the
Brothers. (Australia)
I feel that the Brothers of the N community, already
advanced in age, remain active, ardent
and fruitful. To visit them, to listen to them, to
have them in our pastoral activities is “to drink
the water from its source”, a source which continues
to spring forth in wisdom, humility and