A magazine published three times a year by The Marist Fathers and Brothers of the US Province.
Day 1: Novena Prayer to St. Peter Chanel
The Desire for Mission
“Years later, Peter was to reveal that his intention to enter the Society encountered great opposition from at least one of his friends, who urged the uncertainty of the whole enterprise and the shame and regret that he would share if the venture failed! But Peter’s mind was made up; one who knew him well said that he looked to the religious life as a means of dedicating himself to the missionary apostolate, and if this is perhaps an over-simplification, at least it is safe to say that his ardent desire for the missions was a key reason for his decision.” (Graystone, St Peter Chanel Pg 8-9)
Prayer for Vocations
Lord Jesus, you gave to the Church, the Society of Mary and the people of Oceania, St Peter Chanel, as an example of gentleness, compassion and love in action. Welcome many young men and women into the Marist Family, as priests, brothers and sisters. Help us to share our charism with lay people throughout the world and to work in partnership with them in mission for the good of your Church and the world. This prayer we make to the Father in Your name through the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Annunciation of The Lord
Divine Mercy Sunday
Pope Francis’s April Prayer Intention
For the role of women
Let us pray that the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world.
In many parts of the world, women are treated like the first thing to get rid of. There are countries where women are forbidden to access aid, open a business, or go to school. In these places, they are subject to laws that make them dress a certain way. And in many countries, genital mutilation is still practiced. Let us not deprive women of their voice. Let us not rob all these abused women of their voice. They are exploited, marginalized. In theory, we all agree that men and women have the same dignity as persons. But this does not play out in practice. Governments need to commit to eliminate discriminatory laws everywhere and to work toward guaranteeing women’s human rights. Let us respect women. Let us respect their dignity, their basic rights. And if we don’t, our society will not progress.
View the April Prayer Intention Pope Video – a global initiative to disseminate the Holy Father’s monthly intentions (Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network).