The following article appeared in our latest Newsletter from the Generalte in Rome. I found it edifying and inspiring even on a personal level for the living out of our Marist Charism and the recovery of our Marial profie. Although the Province of the United States of American has not officially proclaimed a Marial Year, we might in our personal lives and in Marist communities follow the Brazilian lead and look seriously at our own Marial vision and Marist presence.
Bro. Rene

The fundamental call of the XXI GeneralChapter in 2009, - "With Mary, go in haste to a new land", has inspired the Marist Union of Brasil (UMBRASIL) to promote a Marial Year. It was decided to celebrate it during the current year, from 25 March to 8 December.
The first objective of this initiative is to revive the presence of Mary in Marist life in Brasil. In addition, there is the desire to contribute also to recovering the Marial profile of the Church, encouraging Marial mysticism and spirituality in the areas touched by the Marist presence and in communion with the Church, renewing our Marial vision and preparing for the commemoration of the bicentenary of the Society of Mary and the Institute of the Marist Brothers. The desire is, in harmony with the General Chapter, to promote a new age for the
Marist charism and mission, which means personal, community, and institutional initiatives of conversion. The human heart has a constant need of being refined by the action of the Holy Spirit. Mary is an irreplaceable model and companion on this journey. She leads us to God in the measure in which we, like her, renew our relationships with people in the light ofthe plan of Salvation. Her presence, desired and cultivated, transforms the atmosphere of the school, social action, family life, and the face of the Church itself. The animation of the Marial Year is the responsibility of the Marists: Brothers, Fathers, Sisters and Laity. The Conference
of Religious and Bishops of Brasil support,the initiative and are co-operating in their respective domains.