International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities (IO-MLC) 

Region of North America, Asia, Australia, and Ireland
July, 2021
The Signs of the Times

By Christina Kim
First, I would like to send my regards to the Marianist families undergoing difficult times due to COVID-19.

This prolonged period of ordeal spanning two years under the severe risk of the infectious disease has shaken everything from our lives to thoughts and even the faith that we did not doubt that it would.

Those who are weak ask, ‘If there is God, why does he let us suffer from disease, poverty, and chaos?’

God answers, ‘So have I not sent you there?’

Bl. Chaminade was sensitive to the signs of the times.

Our founders, Bl. Chaminade and Sr. Adele tell us to be sensitive to the ‘signs of the times,’ find what God wants, and find and work on what is needed.’

This is the mission we should carry out as the missionaries of Mary.
This obstinate crisis takes us to the time of our founder Bl. Chaminade and to the profound question of ‘Where is God sending me? What is useful?’

  • “Don't be discouraged by obstacles.”

  • “No pain, no change. We can do everything when we are patient.”

  • “Be simple. Serve God. Serve others.”

  • “Don't be embarrassed when you are troubled. Please God and maintain peace.”

The spirituality of Marianists to live a life in the way of Bl. Chaminade, who read the signs of the times, is the gem to work in these difficult times.

Kyungnam (Christina) Kim
Responsible of Seoul MLCs of Korea

Marianists, Together--
4th Year in Building an
Open and Charming Community
by Christina Kim
The mass that could not have been held for a long time in 2020 was resumed in 2021. Although we could not have more than 20 or 30 people in the space we have in the Marianist Center due to COVID-19 restrictions, we tried to regain vitality, asking after each other through community meetings.

For we could only hold mass due to the quarantine level at the time, we could not do anything else, such as the spiritual sharing that each community used to hold every week.
The long break made us thirsty.

Each community looked for the ways to communicate. A few communities began to share their thoughts through
video conference apps or group chats using apps such as Kakao Talk.

We could feel the bond and solidarity of the Marianist family even for the fact that the heads of communities, as well as the heads of their three offices, could discuss how they should lead the communities under the COVID-19 situation.

Some communities engaged in individual activities for the environment, some prayed for the overcome of this challenging time, and some made donations to those in need in response to the signs of the times.
In May, the month of Our Lady, we offered rosaries, candles, and flowers on five orientations that we could recognize in this difficult time. Also, we dedicated prayers and assistance for Myanmar, where peace has been threatened, and for Indian Marianists who are faced with serious risks from COVID-19.
 
For we do not have the supporting channel for Myanmar, we sent funds to provide food materials (approximately $870) to the households in Yanggon and Vigo through the Society of Jesus and funds for India ($8,000) through the SM Province of America.

The way of life of Bl. Chaminade, who read the signs of the times, lets us live in joy and peace. 
For more information contact
Christina Kim
National Responsible, Seoul Korea

Weaving Mary into
Fratelli Tutti
by Neomi De Anda, PhD
One of our Marianist Laity, Neomi De Anda, Ph.D, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Dayton and the President of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States (ACHTUS). She has recently written a paper identifying how Mary is linked into Pope Francis' encyclical, Fratelli Tutti.

Dr. De Anda writes, "Fratelli Tutti reiterates an image of church which is based in Mary's relationship to the Triune God, to the incarnate Word named Jesus, and mother of all of humanity...

"We are to think and behave as adults in relationship to Mary...
to care for our elders, creation, and...especially those deemed...disposable..."
Philippine kids w Madonna

"...It also calls us to think about those for whom the rules are not created. Who is left out? For whom do systems not fit? Who remains an outcast even in our own Church?"

Powerful words and images!

Read the full paper here.


For more information contact:
Neomi De Anda, Ph.D.
Micah Theotokos MLC
Twitter: @NeomiDD
prayinghands 2


Let Us Pray...
A Prayer for our
Marianist Family in Haiti...

For Justice and Peace by Pope Pius XII
Almighty and eternal God,
May your grace enkindle in all of us
A love for the many unfortunate people
Whom poverty and misery reduce to a condition
of life unworthy of human beings.

Arouse in the hearts of those who call you Father
A hunger and thirst for justice and peace,
And for fraternal charity in deeds and in truth.

Grant, O Lord, peace in our days,
Peace to souls, peace to families, peace to our countries,
And peace among nations.
Amen.



Calendar of the Marianist Family

  • August 1 St. Alphonsus Liguori

  • August 4 St. John Vianney

  • August 13 Memorial of Blessed Jacob Gapp, Martyr

  • August 15 Assumption of Mary

  • August 22 Queenship of Mary


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