Monday, October 2, marks the 200^th anniversary of the founding of the Society of Mary.  This is a joyful day for the Marianist brothers and priests, and they ask all of us to help them celebrate in a simple and profound way.

The Marianists have composed a special prayer commemorating their bicentennial, and encourage everyone at all sponsored schools and other ministries to join as one voice, simultaneously, on that day.  Think of it: all students, Marianist educators and parents across the Province joining in prayer with Marianists at the same time!  Truly, we will be what Blessed Chaminade called a “spectacle of saints.”

The following time zones will gather us into one voice to pray:

At approximately 11:00 a.m., a SHINE (middle school) and LIFE (high school) Team member will say the Bicenntenial Prayer over the public address system. All classes will come to a halt to pray the prayer.

The entire Chaminade family is invited to join the Marianist family in prayer today:

Holy God,
you chose Mary to be the mother of your son,
and you have chosen us to know, love, and serve you
as members of the Marianist Family today.

Help us bring Christ anew to the world!

We give thanks for your faithfulness
And for the faithfulness of Marianist brothers, sisters and priests
across 200 years of Marianist life and service.

And we give thanks for the Marianist Family that today
carries on the inspiration of our founders.

Help us discover and faithfully live our vocations,
with Mary as our model, letting your word be fulfilled in us.

Bless all of us in the Marianist Family;
may we together practice the love of Christ
and continue to know, love, and serve you for centuries to come.

May we be a spectacle of saints,
for the world and all those we meet,
helping your kingdom come!

And may the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be glorified in all places,
through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.
Amen.