Setting the Blaze

 Ignatius often ended his letters to Jesuits going to the missions with the expression ite, inflammate omnia—“go, set the world on fire.” This has become somewhat of a motto for Jesuit ministries and reminds us Marists of the zeal that inspired St. Marcellin to wish for our presence in every diocese of the world. He wanted everyone to have the opportunity to know and love Jesus and he wanted disciples who would make this possible.  Such a blaze of energy, love, and hard work is not possible without fuel for the fire.  This comes with daily prayer, frequent, if not daily attendance at the liturgy of the Eucharist and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, reflection or meditation on the Scriptures, and careful observance of the actions of those who serve as models for us.
Today at Central Catholic, 350 freshmen began the first day of their four-year opportunity for formation as Marists.  Already they learned about the prominence of Mary, our Good Mother, in Marist spirituality and schools, they prayed the Hail Mary, and asked Mary, our Good Mother, to pray for them.  They were surrounded by their teachers and over 100 student ambassadors who gave up the last of their vacation days to welcome them, help them find their way through the maze of hallways, and more importantly, to model for them the Marks of a Marist Student, which will be imprinted on them during their Central Catholic experience.  The blaze envisioned by Ignatius and Marcellin was ignited again today.  May we help it to burn brightly with our own prayers and example so that it becomes a fire that kindles other fires.
Bro. Rene