Today is January 22, 2021, the anniversary of the ascension to heaven of Blessed Guillaume Joseph Chaminade, founder, with Blessed Mother Adele, of the Marianist Family. On this occasion, the Church meditates on beautiful texts which speak to us more of the Marianists than of their founder, this man in the shadows, like Saint Joseph whose name he bears. The wedding at Cana (Jn 2, 1-11) is the basis of the Marianist charism and the identity and mission of every Marianist: to be a servant of Mary who exhorts to do the will of God. Our former Superior General, Father Manuel Cortès, left us a commentary on this passage of Scripture in his second circular of 2008; what he wrote inspires me. The fact that the servants filled the jars “to the brim” also catches my attention. They probably filled the cups “to the brim” for serving as well. Magnificent creativities! Like good Africans! Isn’t this what Father Chaminade calls us when he tells us: “You are all missionaries, fulfill your mission!” Yes, we must fulfill our mission to the brim, achieve it one hundred percent, totally, completely, everywhere and at all times, until the end of our lives; not half or three quarters; in the outskirts too; in time and out of time. So it is not only the life, but also the mission of each Marianist that should be deployed one hundred percent. Happy Celebration.
Fr. Ignace Pagnan, sm