Celebrating Fourvière in the Philippines

List News

25/08/2022 - Philippines

Celebrating Fourvière in the Philippines

Our Sisters in Davao, Philippines joined with other members of the Marist Family on 23rd July, 2022, at Notre Dame of Marbel University, IBED Gymnasium, Koronadal, South Cotabato. In this gathering, they celebrated the memory of the 12 priests who on July 23, 1816 consecrated themselves and made a pledge to Our Lady of Fourvière to “found the pious Congregation of the Marists, working on the name of Mary and under her auspices.”

They chose the theme

“… the breath of the Almighty gives us life.” (cf. Job 33:4)

Marists breathing forth new life of communion for mission!

In the past two years, we were beset with difficulties brought about by the Covid-19 Pandemic. These, for us Marists, are trying times calling us to face the challenging circumstance with hope amidst uncertainty, with courage in our fear of the unknown and unswerving trust in God, as Mary did, in the ambiguity of the post-pandemic situations. Marists as we are, we come together as a family, “breathing forth new life”, in communion with one another, all for the vitality of God’s mission.

“… the breath of the Almighty gives us life.” (cf. Job 33:4)

The scripture reference for the theme of our gathering is both a reminder and an assuring affirmation for us. We are reminded that God’s Ruah, His breath is our sustenance to carry forth our life-giving presence as Marist for others. At the same time, we are affirmed that God has given us a special calling, to bear the name of Mary, in continuing to breathe forth the breath of God’s love in our time.

A logo was specifically designed for this gathering. It features coloured people, a stylised letter M and a circular flow.

People in different colours: members of the Marist family belong to different groups or congregations connected and communed for the same mission

The letter M: the same Marian Spirit and Mission of the Marist communities

The long moving circular tail flowing from the M signifies the breath of God, the empowering movement of the Holy spirit gathering God’s people.

It was a great day of celebration as they remembered the Pledge of Fourvière as well as celebrating what it means to be Marist today.