Mary as nurturer and prophet of justice

Wild columbine, a native variety of a plant popular in Mary Gardens. Columbine was named for St. Columba, written about by Hildegard of Bingen, and is often called “Our Lady’s Shoes” because these plants were said to spring up in the footsteps of Mary as she traveled to her cousin, Elizabeth. Photo by Michele Banker

As the one who births and nurtures Christ in the world, Mary is central to our mission.  Like her, we seek to be disciples who listen attentively to the word of God amid the events of our lives and the cries of the poor in our midst.  We realize our dependence upon the gifts of God’s creation, and recognize our Marianist community includes all life - land, plants and animals.  Mary is our model in sharing our gifts and protecting the gifts of the land.  The beauty of the earth and the dynamic interdependence of all creatures provide many symbols for contemplating the Divine, the unity to which we are called and the gifts of loving service lavished upon us.

The gift of contemplative spirituality - modeled in the labyrinth and Sacred Embrace, strengthens us to follow Mary of the Magnificat (Lk 1:46-55) and to seek justice for all Earth's inhabitants.  The poor suffer disproportionate impacts of environmental degradation around the globe, and the call to justice impels us to give voice to their concerns and to reform the systems of power to ensure their dignity.