Sharing the Faith in the Year of Faith

We participated in the Chrism Liturgy, Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn NY on March 20, 2013.  Bishop Gregory J. Mansour is assisted by Chorbishop Michael Thomas, Vicar General.

Catechesis at St. Anthony of the Desert, Fall River,  Faith Formation on Sunday, March 17.

Sr. Therese Maria is catechizing on the gift of Holy Communion.

Mother Marla Marie presenting a Lenten reflection to the Daughter of the Cedars from the Maronite parish, Boston.

Pope Francis - a letter from Bishop Gregory

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

What a surprise! What a joy! The Holy Spirit knows how to help guide us, and never leave us orphans.  The past few weeks the Church has shined brightly, even with age old ceremonies, she knows how to live her calling with love and serenity, and how to carefully and respectfully choose a leader in the footsteps of Saint Peter.

The popes that I remember, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and now Francis, are all so very different in personality, in leadership style and in thinking, yet they are all the same in that they are all faithful and obedient to Christ and His Church.  What an inspiration to all of us.  We can truly be ourselves, yet at the same time, be faithful.

It was a particular joy for me to see Pope Francis with his hands at his side looking out at the 150,000 plus people in Saint Peter’s Square. All I could imagine was that here was a man that realized he does not have to impress anyone, all he needs to do is to be faithful to his calling and obedient to the Holy Spirit.  This in itself is enough to inspire all of us.  Let us pray for Pope Francis, the Universal Church, and the world that we too be truly ourselves, and at the same time faithful and obedient to our heavenlycall.

 Sincerely yours in Christ,

+Gregory John Mansour

MYA Lenten Reflection

On Sunday afternoon, March 10, we hosted a Lenten reflection on the Prodigal Son with young adults from the Boston and Brockton Maronite parishes. Mother Marla Marie shared on the importance of the homecoming of the Prodigal Son and his journey of conversion back to the Father. She challenged the group to examine their own lives to see where they have left home and how they can return back to the loving mercy of God’s embrace.

The young men and women joined us for our monthly Ramsho and supper evening at 5:00PM. In addition, guests from the community attended the prayer gathering, including the City Council President of New Bedford, Bruce Duarte. Our next Ramsho and Supper gathering will be Sunday April 14 at 5:00PM. Please RSVP by April 12 via email sister@maroniteservants.org or phone (508) 996-1753.

Year of Faith Program – for Your Parish

“The Year of Faith is a summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the one Savior of the world.” 

(Porta Fidei)

In response to this call to share the beauty and richness of our Catholic Faith, the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light have a Year of Faith program, to inspire people (all ages) in the Maronite Church to grow in the knowledge of their faith and rediscover its transformative power of love.

Our engaging presentations include: Sacred Scripture, Maronite traditions, prayer, videos, ice-breakers, hymns, theology, the Creed, interactive discussions and spiritual reflections. We endeavor, by God’s grace, to radiate Christ’s joy and merciful love in sharing the good news of our faith and to deepen in each person their call to be holy and joy-filled witnesses of the risen Lord.

If you are interested in bringing a group from your parish to our convent in Dartmouth or having us come to your parish please contact Sister Marla Marie at 508/996-1753 or email. Our presentations can be adapted to the age level and needs of your group.

“May this Year of Faith make our relationship with Christ the Lord increasingly firm, since only in him is there the certitude for looking to the future and the guarantee of an authentic and lasting love.” (Porta Fidei)