12 September 2008 to September 2009

came from two delegates attending the Marist Laity Australia Conference in Sydney in April this year. They presented 3 wishes coming from their Tongan lay Marist community in New Zealand.

* That a theme be chosen, uniting Marists globally

* That this theme be launched on the feast of the Holy Name of Mary

* That the theme will be a focus for prayer and action in the year ahead

The theme we have chosen for 2008/2009 is: MARY, BEARER OF HOPE TO THE WORLD

In a world which appears to have lost meaning and purpose, characterised by cynicism, divisions, violence and despair, HOPE is calling with Mary’s voice:

“I was the support of the church at its birth. I shall be so again at the end of time.”

As Marists, these words of promise from Mary are the source of our hope. From its beginnings, the Marist lay branch (Third Order) acclaimed Our Lady of Hope (or Mary, Mother of Hope) as its patron.

We are launching this international Marist year of prayer on 12 September, 2008 - the patronal feast day of all Marists worldwide – The Holy Name of Mary. Graciously chosen by Mary we bear her name. Let us also, in the year ahead be bearers of hope to our world, giving flesh to the Word as Mary did.

“If I reflect on the name I bear, what a source of hope, of reassurance!” (Jean-Claude Colin)

Maria Baden – Coordinator Marist Laity Australia

PO Box 1681, Castle Hill NSW 1765, Australia

Email: info@maristlaityAustralia.com

Proudly and wholly produced and printed in Sydney, Australia 2008 © Copyright 1996 Artist

Michael Galovic, Australian Iconographer, whom some of you were fortunate to meet at the Sydney Conference, has graciously given us permission to use this beautiful image of The Virgin of The Sign worldwide as a focal point for our year of prayer.

The image of the Virgin with hands raised in prayer is one of the oldest in Christian art. The Child she bears is the Hope of the World. The origins of it are linked to prophetic texts, notably the one from the Prophet Isaiah:

“Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and this shall be a sign unto you...”

Michael has given permission for this picture to be reproduced.

You can view and purchase his beautiful cards on his web site : click here to go there now

I desire with all my heart

to live my life in the Spirit of Mary,

a spirit of love, simplicity, hiddenness and prayer.

Like Mary, may I bring hope to the world,

especially among those most yearning for hope.

Woman, pregnant with hope, listen to my prayer.

Fill me with your tender and deep love for Jesus.

Mary, bearer of hope to the world,

Pray for us.

Graciously chosen by Mary we bear her name.

Let us also, in the year ahead be bearers of hope to our world, giving flesh to the Word as Mary did.

“If I reflect on the name I bear, what a source of hope, of reassurance!” (Jean-Claude Colin)

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO PONDER

a) What are the needs and issues in our own local/regional/national communities yearning for hope? In what way can we as a Marist or Marist group, respond to these needs?

b) How can we share these experiences of transforming darkness into light, of giving flesh to the Word with Marists around the world?

c) Would your Marist group be prepared to think about setting the theme for the next International Marist year of prayer beginning 12 September 2009?