A Truly Marist Feast

The Solemnity of the Assumption holds a special place of endearment in the hearts of Marists; for many years. this was the day we "took the habit", that is put on the Marist Habit for the first time, and on August 15th the year after, pronounced our first vows.  In both cases is was a day of youthful anticipation and fulfillment, for as postulants we longed for the day we could don the habit, and as novices, we looked forward to the serious step of pronouncing our vows and ending these first two years of formation.  We moved on to Marist College, a step closer to the mission to which we were called, the Christian Education of Youth.
Mary, naturally plays a special role in that mission, having been the first teacher of her Son, and in the mind of Fr. Champagnat, our First Superior and Ordinary Resource.  He always looked to her for guidance and protection and instilled such a stance in his followers.  The Assumption underscores our vocation, for as Mary is taken up into heaven we are sent out to complete the work begun by Jesus: the setting up and fostering of the reign of God, a society based on love in its fullest meaning.  Compassion for those in need, respect and love for all, forgiveness and reconcilation, the formation of the whole person into another Christ, all of these lived in practice, and there we have the ideal world, the kingdom of God, envisaged by Jesus.
Let us join together in praise and thanksgiving for this calling and that others, as they acknowledge this great privilege and prototype of Mary's and our own future with her in heaven, might answer the call to serve as builders of the kingdom of God
Bro. Rene