The Spirit of the Society of Mary is

the Spirit of Mary

Some theological reflections behind Vision 2020

Sponsorship & Partnership

Mary of the Annunciation

an icon of partnership: Spirit and Mary “Fiat” – willingness Enfleshing the Word of God She conceived in her heart before she

conceive in her body: faith What we learn:

Attenentiveness to God: “full of grace” Questions: “how can this be?” Willingness: “yes” Living the consequences: “the angel left her”

I am the Servant of the Lord

How can this be?

And the Word was made flesh

Qualities of Marianist Partnership

• Each brings a gift• Mutuality• Trust in each other• Openness and willingness• Living out the relationship

Mary of the Visitation

Mary goes in haste Shares Good News by her presence Joy Mary as the first Evangelist 3 months: what did they talk about? Magnificat: My soul proclaims the

greatness of the Lord

What we learn:Realizing the giftPersonal relationshipsSimpleServiceIt is all God’s doing

The Mother of my Lord comes to me

The moment your greeting…

My soul proclaims God’s greatness

Qualities of Marianist Partnership:

• Sharing a gift• Presence• Service• Gratitude

Mary at the Wedding Feast of Cana

Mary is central to the story Observant & sensitive Realized something was missing Knew Jesus & what was on offer Do whatever He tells you! Superabundance: a foretaste A catalyst for faith

What we learn: Mary was central to Jesus’ mission Life in abundance is on offer Grace is not always obvious It’s about faith and believing in Jesus The best is yet to come!

The mother of Jesus was there

Six stone water jars…

Do whatever He tells you

Qualities of Marianist Partnership:

• Reading the signs of the times; being observant

• The importance of Mary in our Mission• Doing whatever…

Mary & the Beloved Disciplesat Calvary

The “Hour” Mary and the Beloved Disciple Taking Mary into our lives A new “Family of Mary” Superabundant gift of the Spirit What we learn:

It’s about family It’s about the fullness of life in Christ It’s about taking Mary into our lives It’s about being a “beloved”

Mary & the Beloved Disciple

Behold your mother behold your son

And he took her into his life

Qualities of Marianist partnership

• A family of faith• Growing as a beloved disciple• Taking Mary into our lives• Living an abundant life in Christ

Mary at Pentecost

A birth scene Mary, the Spirit, and the Body of

Christ Filled with the Spirit’s gifts Fire, zeal, power Mission

What we learn: Mary at the center of the apostolic

community An apostolic family Mission to proclaim the Good News Impelled by the Spirit, grounded in the

community Mary, Mother of the Church

…and Mary, the Mother of Jesus

All were filled with the Holy Spirit

And they began to speak

Qualities of Marianist Partnership

• Apostolic family• Empowered by the Spirit; gifted• We have a mission• Mary is at the center of the apostolic

community

THE MARIANIST ICON

Pondering Questions

1. Which image of Mary do you find most interesting, helpful, challenging or compelling in terms of our partnership?

2. How might Mary, the Mother of Christ and Mother of the Church, be featured more prominently in Marianist-sponsored schools? In our philosophy of Marianist education?