Rosary: A Contemporary Prayer

  • Print
Details
Written by Fr. Joseph Bachand, M.S.
I have recently been the recipient of all kinds of testimonies concerning the rosary. People have reported that their discovery – or rediscovery – of this prayer-form has aided them immensely in their prayer life. It is as if they had discovered something totally new about the Church, about Mary, about Jesus, or about prayer. Young and old alike seem to be equally blessed in this regard. 
 
What strikes me in regard to the rosary is the way in which a traditional prayer-form can also be so contemporary. It reminds me of Jesus' saying, “Every scribe who is learned in the reign of God is like the head of a household who can bring from his storeroom both the new and the old” (Matthew 13:52). We come to see that there are treasures in our traditions, treasures waiting to be brought into the light of our own day. Let us pray that we are equal to the task.

Read more: Rosary: A Contemporary Prayer

The Lay Mission of Reconciliation

  • Print
Details
Written by By Fr. Silvano Marisa, M.S.

Fr. Silvano Marisa, M.S., Vicar General,
La Salette Missionaries and participant
in the La Salette Lay Encounter

This is a homily given at the closing Mass of the First International La Salette Lay Encounter, held in La Salette, France, from September 1-10, 2011.

Dear pilgrims, La Salette associates and other friends, all of you are welcome here at the Shrine of La Salette! We gather in this place dedicated to the Virgin Mary, to celebrate the Eucharist at the place visited by Our Lady on September 19, 1846. From all over the world we have gathered here to recognize how the message of the Virgin in tears has affected and continues to affect our personal lives, and that of our families, as well as our work and efforts. We were called to be messengers of the gospel in this world today which, as Pope Paul VI said, is in need of more credible witnesses than teachers.

The Basis of La Salette Spirituality

Reconciliation, dialogue and listening to the Word of God and each other, to forgiveness and hospitality, to the fight against social and economic injustice, is the basis of La Salette spirituality that draws its prophetic energy from the very mystery of the apparition.

Read more: The Lay Mission of Reconciliation

Laity in the Church

  • Print
Details
Written by Bro. Pedro Battistini, M.S.
Bronze of Mary speaking with the
children, in the actual place of the
Apparition, La Salette, France
(Editor: This summary document was prepared for the First International Encounter of La Salette Laity, held at La Salette, France from Sept. 1-10, 2011 and was based on Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Exhortation, Christifideles Laici [Christ’s Faithful People]. Reflection questions follow each of the two parts of the summary.)
 
The Tireless Devotion of the Laity
 
Anyone who knows the history and the spirituality of the apparition of Mary at La Salette is aware of two central elements. First of all, Mary's message is notably prophetic and therefore implies a mission that is not limited to Mary herself nor to the two children-witnesses; the words “make this known to all my people” challenge each of us personally as disciples of Jesus of Nazareth. Secondly, the missionary command is directed to laity, to two child shepherds with no ecclesial responsibilities. It's the parishioners of the valley who take on the mission of making the message known. Today, beyond the generous consecration of men and women as La Salette religious dedicated to take the message of reconciliation to the whole world, the La Salette event is known in great part due to the tireless devotion of laity.
 
For centuries the importance of the lay vocation was forgotten by a model of the Church that saw itself as the “Perfect Society,” absorbed with its internal organization and hierarchy. In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries we have seen a return to the inspirations of the primitive churches. As Paul VI reminded us in Evangelii Nuntiandi, the Church exists for mission; its purpose is the proclamation of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. So besides the importance of ministers who serve the community of believers (ad intra) we need to appreciate the value of all the baptized, disciples who are called to make the Kingdom present in every culture and people (ad extra).

Read more: Laity in the Church

More Articles...

  1. Image of the Reconciler
  2. La Salette Feast on La Reunion
  3. Be Not Afraid
  4. Reconciled to the Land
  5. The Core is Love