March 27, 2020

Dear Marists of Champagnat,

Brothers, Lay Marists, Marist Young Adults, Marist Youth, family and friends,

First, let me share the concern and love of all the USA Marist Brothers Family for you and your families during this time of crisis. We believe Mary, our good Mother, is walking with us and comforting us through these days of uncertainty and challenge.

I write you today to invite you into a special Marist time and event. Starting on April 1 and every day for 9 days until April 9, I ask you to join with me and the Marist Family in a Novena prayer asking for Mary and the Lord’s protection during the COVID-19 pandemic and to be in solidarity with all who are suffering from this sickness throughout the world.

For those of you not familiar, a Novena is an ancient prayer in our Christian tradition in which we ask nine (9) times for a particular request. The prayer can be offered in private or in community. Over a period of nine days, we grow closer to the Lord and to Mary by our daily conversations and heart sharing. Why nine times? For some studies, the number 9 is the number of harmony, meditation, inspiration, and perfection. Like the number 3 which denotes completion, 3 x 3 (9) takes us to a greater level of perfection.

In our Marist tradition, we remember our good Father Champagnat encouraged the early brothers and now to each of us in the Marist family that Mary is our ordinary resource. So, please join me in calling upon her for help.

We will pray each day the prayer Pope Francis composed to Mary, Our Lady Health of the Sick. We mailed prayer cards out to all Marist Brothers communities as well as to Marist Young Adults this week. If they do not arrive in time, attached is this prayer card for you to print for you, your family, and your friends. We will be sharing a reminder each day via email. If you have any questions please email Matt Fallon.

God bless you and be with you all,