Over thirty students from our Marianist high schools just returned home after an evening at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington. We gathered in the Chapel for Praise and Worship to be followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. During Adoration, Marianist Father James spoke of "the courage to follow Christ." 
Blessed Willliam Joseph Chaminade was offered as the "man of courage." After the outbreak of the French Revolution, he encouraged his sodalists to join together for the re-Christianization of France. While he managed to evade the authorities with costume and disguise, he founded the Society of Mary. His first members, who would later be called Marianists, were members of the Marian Sodalities, men and women who wished to respond to the Lord with a more radical commitment, an extension of their baptismal consecration and of their devotion to the Virgin Mary. In those days they cared for souls. But their work required courage for the Lord. Coming out on Friday evening to worship in a standing room only Chapel requires courage in today's world. And afterwards, standing on the court in a game of volleyball takes some courage too.
The Feast day of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade is Friday, January 22nd.
Pray for vocations!
