French Lay Marists gathered at La Neylière over the Pentecost weekend with Fr John Larsen, Superior General of the Marist Fathers. Fr John shared his reflections on the theme ‘Nothing is impossible with God: do you believe it?’ (Luke 1:37). (Your can read his talk in French and English).
He reminded us that Mary was called by her name and given a role in the history of salvation, and how this can challenge us in our lives as Marists and lay people to respond to the call that the Lord addresses to us. Mary is a missionary of joy (Luke 139-56) and he also mentioned the missionary zeal of lay Marists like Françoise Perroton and Suzanne Aubert. ‘There are still lay Marists who offer part of their lives to go abroad to distant Marist missions and bring the Good News to the people there. This movement of lay Marists on mission is very useful, especially for young people or sometimes for retired lay Marists.’
Among the activities offered were a ‘Bibliodrama’, visit to the two museums in the house, meditation in the oratory in front of the Marian murals, and the renewal of vows for the members of the association at the Mass celebrated by John Larsen on Sunday with the local community of La Neylière. This was followed by the general assembly meeting and the election of a new board with Anne Busseti as treasurer, Odile de Villenaut as president (replacing Bernard Fenet), and Marie-Claude Grulier remaining as secretary.
