A USA Marist Day

For many years, young men aspiring to live as Marist Brothers received their religious habits and a year later, pronounced their first vows on the then Feast of St. Anne.  July 26th for many years saw these men celebrating their commitment in large community gatherings.  So much has changed..Religious.Habit and Vow Days moved to August 15th for a time, but now there is no set date. The "large gatherings" have shrunk as many of these professed brothers have passed on to their eternal reward, but nonetheless, the Feast of St. Anne, now Sts. Joachim and Anne, still holds a precious place in the hearts of American Marists.  These men received the seed and allowed it to grow to fruition in the fertile soil of their hearts as described in today's Gospel.  (Mt 13: 18-23), through years of teaching, good works and fidelity to their vows.  Their perseverance and spirit of joyful service reminds us all that we too can be fertile ground and the Word of God can flourish and bear fruit a hundred fold in us as well.
Bro. Rene