Two centuries of shared dedication to the mission of Mary
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| The Daughters of Mary Immaculate Founded in 1816 by Venerable Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon in Agen, France  The Society of Mary Founded in 1817 by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade in Bordeaux, France With a shared charism and an inborn devotion to community, it is fitting that Marianist religious celebrate their bicentennials together. The vowed sisters, brothers and priests of the Family of Mary invite you to join them in this joyful, prayerful commemoration. The bicentennial celebration runs from May 25, 2016, until Chaminade Day, January 22, 2018. Bicentennial theme: To know, love and serve The celebration theme is three verbs that are omnipresent in Marianist text and tradition: To know, love and serve. These words encompass the dynamic of Marianist spiritual life: To know, love and serve Christ. To know, love and serve Mary. To know, love and serve the Marianist charism. We hope these words will enlighten and enliven the initiatives and events of the bicentennial celebration. |
Our Marianist Brother Salvatore Santacroce, SM, from the Region of Italy, is the artist who wrote this icon. He reflects, The icon of the “Wedding at Cana” brings into focus several key figures: Christ, the Mother of God, the servants, the amphorae (jars) and the table prepared for the feast. Mary’s eyes express gentleness, and affectionate concern, as she appeals with outstretched hand, saying the words “Do whatever he tells you.”
Urged by his Mother into the reality that awaits him, Christ looks beyond the immediate, seeing his “hour” in the water that turns red and with cup and bread on the table, which anticipate and foreshadow his sacrifice.
The servant fixes his astonished gaze on Christ and comes to a new enlightenment that, through faithful obedience, is able to welcome the eruption of Divine Power within human reality.
At the top, the Marianist Cross strongly reaffirms our alliance with Mary to bring to the many tables of humanity “the good wine” the wine that has been “kept until now.”
