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Prayer for Bicentenary

Bicentenary of Founding Moment for the Marist Sisters

During the coming year we Marist Sisters are focussing on a special moment in our history. In October 1817 the two women who were to become the first Marist Sisters "left home and family to begin the Society of Mary". The photo above shows the village where they grew up - Coutouvre, north-west of Lyon in France.

Though it was to take some six years before they could establish the first community, this was the moment of intention, of commitment. So, we invite you to join with us as we pray in preparation for the bicentenary of this event in 2017.

Creator God, who called each of us into being,
thank you for all the graces bestowed upon Jeanne-Marie Chavoin and Marie Jotillon.

Thank you for the village in which they grew;
for their families who nurtured them in faith and love;
for the priests who served in their parish;
for calling them together
in deep friendship, in spiritual partnership, as they strove to discern your call.

By your grace they discovered the path
that would lead them beyond what they knew
and by your grace they followed it.

As we remember these women of faith and courage,
we ask you to grace us and inspire others
who, like Jeanne-Marie and Marie, may be prepared to leave what they know
and set out with Mary at their side.

For further history, go to: http://www.marists.net/page.php?a=1a&id=418