We read in St. Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you." (2 Cor. 12:), and sometimes think, "yes, for others, but not for me." Today we honor St. Josephat, a Ruthenian who entered a monastery in present day Ukraine in 1604. After his election as Archbishop of Polotsk, he spent his time and energy trying to bring his fellow Orthodox Ruthenians into communion with Rome, which occurred only after his martyrdom. We also remember St. Didacus (Diego), a Franciscan Friar for whom San Diego is named. With minimum education but with a grace-filled heart, he brought many to the faith.
We think that this only happened centuries ago, but the Marians of the Immaculate Conception have men whose stories are similar: men who when younger were "beach bums", druggies, businessmen with top-dollar worldly ambitions, who gave it all up, thanks to God's grace, and are now happy, faith-filled, zealous priests. Fr. Donald Calloway is the vocation director, and Fr. Michael Gaitly is a prolific writer and popular speaker. Many are familiar with his books, Thirty-Three Days to Morning Glory and No Turning Back. The Marians have 25 ordained priests, and 30 men in the seminary. They attribute their bounty to God's grace showered upon them through Mary.
As Marists, we have special devotion to Mary, and should be overflowing with vocations. Let us deepen our prayer and faith that God's grace with enable many to give up their present ambitions and life-styles to come to Jesus through Mary as Marist Brothers.
Bro. Rene
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