December 8 holds deep significance for the Asia-Pacific Marist community and the broader Catholic world. On this day, we celebrate the second anniversary of the formation of the Star of the Sea Province - the largest Marist Province, encompassing 11 countries. It is also the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a day to honour Mary, our Good Mother, whose guidance and inspiration continue to shape our spiritual journey.
This year, the occasion takes on even greater meaning with the launch of the Book of Marist
Prayers, a resource designed to enrich spiritual practices and celebrate the shared faith of the Marist community.
The book aims to fill gaps in existing Marist resources by incorporating cultural and secular days, as well as feasts of martyrs and saints, to provide a more comprehensive and inclusive framework for Marist prayer practices.
It is more than just a collection of prayers; it is a thoughtful and intentional work designed to enrich Marist spiritual resources while promoting unity and understanding among communities across the 11 countries. It also aims to capture the evolving nature of spiritual experience in the 21st century, offering a meaningful blend of tradition and relevance for today’s world.
The book aims to fill gaps in existing Marist resources by incorporating cultural and secular days, as well as feasts of martyrs and saints, to provide a more comprehensive and inclusive framework for Marist prayer practices.
The creation of the Book of Marist Prayers was particularly apt to mark the 2024 Year of Prayer and hopes to serve as a lasting resource for Marist communities.
The Star Post caught up with Br Michael Akers, who spearheaded the project, to gain insight into the book, its vision, and what sets it apart.
The Birth of a Prayer Book
The creation of the Book of Marist Prayers was a collaborative and carefully planned endeavour. Designed to be a spiritual resource for the diverse communities of the Star of the Sea Province, the project includes contributions from Marist Brothers across 11 countries. A Brother from each country of the Province was invited to submit prayers that reflected the unique cultural and spiritual traditions of their region.
To ensure the collection remained both cohesive and inclusive, a structured set of guidelines was provided to contributors. These guidelines balanced creativity and authenticity, ensuring that every prayer retained its unique character while fitting seamlessly into the broader collection.
Br Michael Akers with the Book of Marist Prayers
“This book was crafted to be inclusive, culturally relevant, and spiritually enriching for our diverse Marist family,” says Br Michael.
The process required over four months of reading, research, and editing to bring the book to life, and the resulting collection is not only a reflection of the Province’s diversity but also an acknowledgment of global milestones and themes. It incorporates prayers that align with observances like World Children’s Day, the International Day of Peace, and World Indigenous Peoples Day, tying spiritual reflection to universal values and shared experiences.
"This book was crafted to be inclusive, culturally relevant, and spiritually enriching for our diverse Marist family."
Inclusive, Simple, Accessible
Crafted with simplicity and accessibility in mind, the book's language is designed to resonate with readers of various theological backgrounds, a deliberate choice reflecting the book’s mission to be inclusive and welcoming.
Recognising the limitations of older prayer traditions in terms of inclusivity, this collection is crafted to embrace all cultures, genders, and faiths, ensuring its relevance in today’s diverse and interconnected world.
By tying secular celebrations to spiritual reflections, the Book of Marist Prayers aims to make its prayers easily accessible and deeply relevant to modern life.
“The book is rooted in the belief that spirituality should not be confined to sacred spaces or specific rituals. Instead, it emphasises integrating faith into every aspect of life,” says Br Michael.
By tying secular celebrations to spiritual reflections, the Book of Marist Prayers aims to make its prayers easily accessible and deeply relevant to modern life.
A Testament to Faith and Growth
The book is not just a collection of devotional texts; it is also a deeply reflective work that delves into the essence of faith and its enduring resonance across time and cultures. A particularly compelling chapter is dedicated to the lives of saints and martyrs, whose stories illuminate the transformative power of courage, selflessness, and their unwavering commitment.
Their lives, far from being mere historical accounts, are presented as living testaments to the enduring strength of faith in adversity. This chapter bridges the past and present, offering readers a profound opportunity to reflect on how these virtues can shape their own spiritual journeys.
A particularly compelling chapter is dedicated to the lives of saints and martyrs, whose stories illuminate the transformative power of courage, selflessness, and their unwavering commitment.
The creation of this chapter was influenced by extensive research into the lives of these figures, uncovering narratives that inspire awe and humility. Their unwavering commitment to their faith, even in the face of adversity, is deeply moving. Exploring their lives was humbling - it reminded me of the incredible sacrifices made by those who paved the way for us, adds Br Michael.
Launch and Future Plans
The book was officially launched on 8 December by Br Ben Consigli, General Councillor, who, along with Brother Josep Maria Soteras, is currently visiting the Star of the Sea Province. This date holds great significance for the Province, marking not only its second anniversary but also coinciding with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
In a time when spirituality can often feel disconnected from daily life, the book is a timely reminder that faith can - and should - touch every part of our existence. It is an invitation to find meaning at the intersections of life, and to rediscover the beauty and relevance of prayer in our modern world.
Link to order the book online will be updated soon.
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