Celebrating 150 Years: The Marianists in North America

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Highlights of the History of the Marianists in North America, is a handy reference for those wishing to see the Marianists’ background in a “nutshell.”  The 150 years (1849-to1999) are encapsulated with “Marianist Firsts” and “Significant People and Events.”  Also included are Church and world events, along with Marianist milestones.  Maps illustrate the development of Marianist communities throughout North America.

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Chaminade, Pragmatist with a Vision
by Joseph Stefanelli, SM
33 pp., $3.00

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In this short biography, Father Stefanelli highlights key moments in the life of William Joseph Chaminade. The reader enjoys glimpses along his faith-filled (and at times rocky) path as the Marianist Founder traveled from his life as a young child in Mussidan, France; his exile in Saragossa, Spain; to his beatification 150 years after his death. Chaminade’s inspired mission to rechristianize France is as viable today as it was at his first Sodality meeting on December 8^th, 1800.

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A Manual of Marianist Spirituality

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When people call the NACMS office to ask for a good introduction to the essential elements of Marianist Spirituality, this is the book we recommend. Father Hakenewerth’s book, now in its second printing, was written to give readers an easy-to-understand description of the inspirations of Father William Joseph Chaminade that he gave to members of the Marianist Family to progress on their spiritual journey.

Hakenewerth says, “The uniqueness of our spirituality does not lie in the fact that we have elements which are not found elsewhere.  All the essential elements of the life of the Spirit should be found in every spirituality.  What is unique is the particular emphasis that is given, the specific methods used, and the particular way of understanding and living the life of the Spirit.”

A psychologist by training and a gifted teacher, Father Hakenewerth writes about Chaminade’s unique perspective and methods for the spiritual life in a style that will appeal to people’s intellects and hearts.

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Maybe God Will Speak to Me

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The story of Faustino Pérez-Manglano (1946-63) by one who knew him well is an example of how the attitude of service, the touchstone of the Christian, developed and was lived out within the context of a teenager’s home life and school experience. This real-life account draws on Faustino’s diary as well as many firsthand accounts gathered by the author from his family and others.

This is a very moving little book. And a challenging one! How this remarkable young man remained patient throughout a painful terminal illness, never losing his trust in God nor giving in to self-pity, remaining cheerful and loving to others, is a lesson humility.

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Marie Thérèse de Lamourous, Firm of Hand,

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The title of this short biography succinctly captures the life of Marie Thérèse de Lamourous. The reader will get swept away in the trials and adventures of life during the French Revolution, as you learn of Marie Thèrése’s unflinching faith and courage in this tumultuous time of history. Father Stefanelli paints a portrait of a rather unwilling heroine, who eventually embraces her God-graced mission in life and adopts the prostitutes of Revolutionary France, creating a place of refuge, safety, and prayer at the Miséricorde. Marie Thèrése’s devotion to her faith and to the women she served is a positive lesson for women of and for all ages.

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Running Giant

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 “[This] book’s title was inspired by the image of ‘the sun, which comes forth like the groom from his bridal chamber and, like a giant, joyfully runs its course” (p. vii). The giant in our book is William Joseph Chaminade. “Running Giant” is an easy-to-read historical retelling of the life and times of the Marianist founder. This novel is an especially helpful introduction to the beginnings of the Marianist Family. This book may be useful to teachers in a classroom environment or to promote discussion in Small Community groups.

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Things Marianist was developed in 1992 as a response to individuals and groups looking for easily-accessible materials on Marianist spirit and charism. Before the advent of this series, most printed information was historical research in book or monograph form. The target audience included parishioners, parents of high school students, and new members of Marianist lay communities.

NACMS has modeled the pamphlets on the popular Catholic Update series. Each issue can stand alone, but taken as a set, the pieces provide a broad overview of the special character and gifts of Marianist life. Things Marianist may be ordered as a single copy of an issue, in quantity to receive a discount, or in sets (one copy of each issue).

Each pamphlet includes an annotated bibliography of further reading on the topic. To date, eight issues have been printed; several have gone into a second printing, and 47,000 copies are now in circulation. 

Click on titles below to read a brief description of each issue.