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The International Center for Marianist Formation (ICMF) is
pleased to offer to all members of the Marianist Family two sets of
resources for use in growing in one’s understanding and apostolic
commitment as a missionary of Mary in the 21st century.
The Stella Maris program and the Spirit of Saragossa
Retreat were originally developed as resources for the preparation
for perpetual vows in the SM and the FMI. Even as they were being
developed, it was clear that these rich resources could be used in
contexts other than the original one. While the content and the
processes or methods of these programs have their own integrity,
they may be creatively adapted to the needs of individuals and
communities in any branch of the Marianist Family.
For example:
- Individual prayer and meditation
- Resources for community reflection and discussion at
meetings
- A framework for annual or weekend retreats: divide the
material up appropriately
- Guides for spiritual direction
- A framework for ongoing formation programs that would
broaden or deepen the ideas or materials already present.
- Sources for prayer services
- Homiletic resources
- A framework for a series of study days on Marianist themes
Below is a brief explanation of the program and a link to the
materials. Within the documents themselves is further information
about the content and method of each program. The documents are
Microsoft Word documents and thus may be downloaded, printed or
modified.
is a systematic series of Marianist topics designed to
enhance the growth in the understanding and commitment to the
Marianist Charism in its spirituality and apostolic dimensions. A
method of readings, personal reflection, shared prayer and sharing
with another is provided, however these may be adapted to individual
or community use.General Objective:
To deepen the understanding of the characteristics of Marianist
spirituality and the Marianist charism in the context of Marianist
community;
Specific Objectives:
- To know the most significant features of Marianist spirituality
and the Marianist charism
- To appreciate the meaning of community in our spirituality and charism
- To recognize the presence of Mary in our spirituality and charism
- Faith: the fundamental attitude in our religious life
- Conformity with Jesus Christ: Incarnation and Redemption
- The Interior Spirit is the Spirit of Mary
Click here to access all of the materials in French, Spanish and
English for Stella Maris.
responds to the need expressed by many for a
more intense style of retreat for Marianists. It is grounded in
Marianist content and method. Although it can be adapted to suit the
needs of the various groups, the retreat proposes a month-long,
intensive experience of silence, reflection, and daily direction.
The foundation of the entire retreat is based on a central Marianist
belief: “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, born of a
woman, that all who believe in Him may have eternal life.”
After a brief introduction and orientation, the retreat is divided
into four units:
- Encountering Mary of the Annunciation: a re-reading of my
vocation, my “salvation history”; vow of stability as permanence of
commitment
- Standing with Mary at the Foot of the Cross: like the Beloved
Disciple, understanding the place of Mary in my life as a Marianist;
vow of stability as love for Mary and alliance with Mary
- Together with Mary and the Apostles in the Cenacle: my life in an
apostolic community, a privileged place to grow in holiness and
zeal; vow of stability as loving the community and not refusing my
cooperation
- With Mary as a servant at the Wedding Feast of Cana: a review of
my apostolic experience and being a Marianist missionary; vow of
stability as sharing Mary’s mission of giving Christ to the world
Click here to access the materials for the Spirit of Saragossa.
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