3.23.2017

Our Maronite Servants’ Week of Service


By Sr. Natalie Sayde Salameh

MYO Night – St. Theresa’s Church, Brockton
On Friday evening, Sr. Therese Maria facilitated a night of prayer, reflection and activity with the MYO of St. Theresa’s parish in Brockton.  The theme was “Be Made Clean” and was based on the gospel of the Second Sunday of Lent, the Healing of the Leper.  The teens enjoyed decorating their own Lenten crosses, and Sr. Therese Maria encouraged them to write on the back of their cross, what they would like Jesus to cleanse them of this Lent.

Day of Recollection – Mother of the Light Convent
On Saturday, March 18th, the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light hosted a Day of Recollection at the Mother of Light Convent for ladies from the Daughters of Mary of Our Lady of the Cedars, Boston. The theme of the day was “Welcome Beloved Daughters to the Father’s Embrace”, and was based on the Gospel of the Prodigal Son.
Mother Marla Marie challenged and encouraged the ladies to rest on the Father’s merciful heart, to experience His embrace of mercy, and allow God to draw them close to His tender and compassionate heart.  The day included presentations, quiet reflection, faith sharing, prayerful communion before the Holy Mysteries, and an abundance of sisterly fellowship, support and laughter.                                                           Plan a similar day for your parish group at the convent or at your parish, call the Sisters 508/996-1753.
        
Young Adult Afternoon of Recollection – Mother of Light Convent
On Sunday, March 19th, the Feast of St. Joseph, we hosted an afternoon of recollection for young adults, followed by Ramsho and Supper at the Mother of Light Convent.  The focus of the afternoon was the Gospel of the Prodigal Son, which included a video presentation, a lectio divina facilitated by Sr. Therese Maria, and prayerful adoration before the Holy Mysteries.

Fatima Message to the Ladies Guild – Fall River
On Monday evening, March 20th, Mother Marla Marie, invited by the Ladies Guild of St. Anthony of the Desert Parish in Fall River, to gave a presentation on the apparitions and message of Our Lady of Fatima, in honor of the Centennial Anniversary of the Apparitions.
Mother Marla Marie highlighted how ultimately Our Lady’s message in Fatima is one of conversion, repentance and consecration. The message of Our Lady of Fatima is still very relevant  and urgently needed in our present time.
Our Lady of Fatima made several predictions, all of which have come true. In one of these predictions, Our Lady said to the children that if people do not heed her message, a war far worse than the Great War would break out again, as it did in 1939. During the June visit of 1917, the children said that Our Lady told them to say the rosary daily in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary to obtain peace and bring an end to war.

Vocation Panel – Freetown MA
On Wednesday evening, March 22nd, Sr. Therese Maria and Sr. Natalie Sayde participated in a Vocation Panel at St. John Neumann Roman Catholic Parish in Freetown, MA.  At the invitation of Pastor, Fr. Greg Matthias, the Sisters joined with three other panelists for a Q & A session with the parish’s confirmation class of 2017. There were approximately 40 teens for the session, and they had curious and interesting questions on the topic of vocation.
The sisters were asked excellent questions such as: “If sisters are poor, how do they get around, do they have a car?” “Do sisters have time for recreation and if so, what do you do”? “How much do we pray”? “Have we ever had boyfriends?” and so forth.
It was a night filled with laughter and fellowship all round. Please join us in praying for all those who will be making their confirmation this year.