NOVEMBER 2009 59

mcoleman117@hotmail.co.uk http://maristway.org

Dear Friends

We are in a period of considerable change following the General Chapters in September. On Saturday, 26 September, the members of the General Chapter of the Marist Brothers elected Br Emili Turú as their 13th Superior General. Br Emili is from Spain and was general councillor in the outgoing administration. The vicar general is Joseph McKee, currently provincial of the Province of West Central Europe. Our ‘Days of Recollection’ were not particularly well attended despite the generous response of the host groups and the time and dedication given by the presenters. I would ask everybody to give the most careful consideration to the current "Marian Devotion" with a view to future development of the Marist Way.

In November the Church asks us to remember the Holy Souls and the great mystery of Salvation. It is a time to reflect, recall and renew ourselves in this great mystery. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen

During the recent weeks there has been various reports of earthquakes and sunamis and these had effects in the Pacific Islands. "Tsunami hits Samoa and Tonga" This week (October 2^nd) there was a strong earthquake in the Pacific Ocean, followed by a tsunami which hit Samoa and Tonga. The damage on the islands is huge, more than 100 people lost their lives, and others are injured. As far as we know all our confreres are safe and well. We keep them and especially the victims of this tragedy and their families in our prayers.

YOUR CHARTIABLE PRAYERS Are requested for the repose of Sr Mary Kevin SM who died 14^th August and was buried in Hythe 26^th August. Mary Kevin lived a very full Marist life, was always involved in the development of the Marist Way and indeed I always referred to her as ‘Marie Chavoin’.

What better eyewitness account can we have than: "She will be remembered because of her dedication to the Marist Way group in Hythe. I was there when it first started and I recall that Sister was very enthusiastic and committed from the beginning and that interest never waned. I recall how much time and reflection she spent preparing for her meetings and I was always impressed and inspired". May she rest in peace. Amen

MARIST PILGRIMAGES Next May seems a long time away but it is surprising how quickly time passes. The Marist Lourdes Pilgrimage will depart by coach on Saturday 29^th May and return Saturday 5^th June. The cost will be around £10 more than last year, which were – Hotel Padoue £510.00 and Hotel Esplanade £380.00. This includes coach travel, full board and travel insurance. Booking forms now available.

SWANWICK CONFERENCE Please make a note in your diary – Friday 17^th / Sunday 19^th September 2010, Sr Monica SM, former General of the Marist Sisters, will be the keynote speaker for the conference "Fr Jean-Claude Colin SM – ‘A Message for Today’". Cost will be around £150.00 per person. Booking forms will be available shortly and it will be important that we have some idea of actual numbers by the end of January 2010. This will be a very important occasion and we will need your support.

Marist Liturgical Calendar and Mass Intentions 2009

Date		Feast or Celebration	Mass Intention
Nov	3	Memorial Mass	Deceased Members SM
	4	Memorial Mass	Deceased Benefactors SM
	15	AnniversaryJean-Claude Colin SM 1875	SM

M. Coleman SM Marist Way Region of England Animator

In the current debate remember:

Attempted suicide often fails

Assisted suicide rarely fails

Father in heaven, the hand of your loving kindness,

Powerfully yet gently guides all the moments of our day.

Go before us on our pilgrimage of life, anticipate our needs and prevent our falling.

Send your Spirit to unite us in faith, that sharing in your service,

We may rejoice in your presence.