honor roll of donors - The Marist Brothers

We Remember
We Celebrate
We Believe
Dear Members of the Marist Family,
This past year marked the 125th
anniversary of the Marist Brothers’
presence in the United States, and
the theme chosen for this very
special occasion—“We Remember,
We Celebrate, We Believe”—
continues to resonate with us
Marists as we look to the future.
This special anniversary was also
the theme of this year’s Annual Fund.
Remembering is an innately human
activity. How often have we been
told a story, heard a grandparent
reminisce, or cried over a loved one
who has died? Don’t we all
remember those major milestones
in life: falling in love for the first time;
a high school victory on the football
field; a 21st birthday celebration; a
marriage; the birth of a first child; the
day I received my first communion or
was confirmed or professed vows as a
religious. All memories are important
because they evoke certain feelings
and constitute who we are. They
“root” us in our lives and allow us to
face our future in hope.
During this past year, the Brothers
had the opportunity to remember
8 | 2012 MARIST ANNUAL NEWSLETTER
and honor our past—the faithfulness
of those Marist Brothers and partners
who came before us. It is on their
shoulders that we stand so as to see
a future to which God is calling us.
We were also invited to celebrate
the growth of the Marist vision which
includes our Brothers, our families,
other religious and you, our Lay
Marists, ministering in grammar
schools, high schools, universities,
and summer camps—making
Jesus Christ known and loved to
well over 16,000 young people.
And yet, sometimes it is not enough
just “to remember” or “to celebrate;”
we must also believe. As Marists,
we believe that Mary, the First
Disciple of Jesus and Our Good
Mother, has not nor will not abandon
us – or our work – because, as Saint
Marcellin reminded us, it is “her
work” that we do. Today, together,
now and in the future...
“We Remember, We Celebrate,
We Believe...”
Please know that the Marist
Brothers remember your generous
support which has strengthened
our mission; we celebrate and value
your commitment in “making Jesus
Christ known and loved” through the
Christian education of youth, and we
believe that this wonderful mission,
handed over to us by Saint
Marcellin Champagnat, will require
new Brothers and Lay Marists who
will dare to lead us into the new
lands of our future with Mary and
Marcellin as our models in following
Jesus Christ. We must believe that we
will be strengthened and encouraged
to live the Marist dream, trusting in
God’s abundant blessings.
For all that you have done for us,
know that the Marist Brothers are
grateful. Please be assured of my
good wishes and prayers for you and
for your loved ones, and may God
bless you always!
Sincerely,
Br. Ben Consigli, FMS
Provincial