(Bro. Daniel, Bro. Andrew, Fr. Mike and Bro. Bob pause during the Spirit of Saragossa retreat from June 6 - 26 at Mount Saint John in Dayton in preparation for their perpetual vows.)
For the past three weeks I have been on retreat to prepare for my perpetual vows which I will profess on August 8th at Kellenberg Memorial. Also making the retreat are Brothers Robert Jones and Andrew Kosmowski of the Province of the United States. The retreat is directed by Fr. Mike Lisbeth, S.M.. The retreat is divided up into four sections: Encountering Mary of the Annunciation, Standing with Mary at the Foot of the Cross, Together with Mary and the Apostles in the Cenacle, and With Mary as a Servant at the Wedding Feast of Cana. The retreat’s foundations are the Sacred Scriptures, writings of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, and Venerable Mother Adele. Also time is given to grow in your relationship with God through personal prayer. We were able to renew both our Baptismal Promises and the seal of our commitment at Confirmation, and share in the sacrifice of the Eucharist each day. I spent a good amount of the time reflecting on the actual vows that I will be professing: poverty, chastity, obedience, and stability. During a period of meditation on the first four Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles, I saw how the first community lived the vows through their witness. Much attention is given to the vow of stability on the retreat. From the Rule of Life we read, "In particular, Marianist stability motivates the religious to penetrate into the vision of Father Chaminade concerning the role of Mary." Through our vocation as Marianists we find joy in honoring Mary and by forming others in faith.
The retreat has strengthened my call to follow Christ more closely as a Marianist Religious. Please pray for the Brothers making their perpetual vows, the brothers who have already made there commitment, and for anyone who is considering a Marianist Vocation.
In Jesus Through Mary,
Bro. Daniel M. Griffin, S.M.
