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This monograph provides the deep background into Chaminade’s spiritual thought, a thought that is to be pondered with the heart. This collection is an excellent resource for seasoned Marianists who seek a deeper understanding into the mind of the Founder.

Armbruster examines the spiritual life and formation based on Chaminade’s writings on direction, as well as Chaminade’s affection for and use of the Three O’Clock Prayer and the Apostle’s Creed.

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The story of Jakob Gapp is a compelling real-life drama of a flawed man's discovery of the Gospel and the journey where it led him. His prophetic opposition to Nazi Socialism, which led to his martyrdom, serves as a clarion call for us to evaluate our own time and to oppose oppression. While we today might not take such radical steps, Blessed Gapp's life is a witness that we must follow the Gospel and not the trendy politics of the day.

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The Blesseds Carlos, Jesús, Fidel, Marianists     

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Father Thomas Thompson’s translation of Con la Lámpara Encendida by Father Emilio Ortego, SM, is a compilation of individual biographies of three Spanish martyrs—Brothers Carlos, Eraña, Jesús Hita, and Fidel Fuidio, who were martyred in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. Father Ortega traces the lives of these brothers and highlights their humble beginnings growing up in working-class families; their deep faith lives; and their apostolic involvement in Marianist schools. Key to their stories is their humanity and how God called them to become disciples of Christ and instruments of religious education. As Brother Fidel said, “The happiest moment of my life is when I open the door to my classroom, sent on mission to the students.”

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Chaminade: Another Portrait

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Father Vincent Vasey, SM, says in his introduction, “The purpose of this essay is not to write a biography in the strict sense of the term.  That has been done, and ably.” Vasey searches instead “for Father Chaminade’s personality in the events of his life, what in them speaks to us to discover the light which reveals the lines of his character, his style.  What was the center, the secret of his existence?”  Vasey has undertaken this challenging task so that by gazing intently at the portrait we might know our spiritual father and so better incarnate his spirit. . . . more

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Chaminade Lore
Herbert Kramer, SM.
439 pp. $10.00

This book is a collection of the 120 articles on William Joseph Chaminade written from Bordeaux by Father Kramer for Maryhurst Messenger beginning in 1947 and continuing until 1962. Arranged here in a chronology of Father Chaminade's life and work; the articles include lore about the Chaminade family, the French Revolution, the development of the Sodality in Bordeaux, the founding of the Daughters of Mary and the Society of Mary, the work at the Miséricorde, the spreading of Marianist works through France, and Father Chaminade's last years. there are also over 200 photographs and illustrations.

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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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Chaminade's Message Today

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Late in the 18^th century, during the French Revolution, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade was inspired at the feet of Our Lady of Pillar in Saragossa to found the Marianist family. Are the aspirations and inspirations of William Joseph Chaminade still relevant in the 21^st century? This question is thoroughly addressed in Father Eduardo Benlloch’s Chaminade’s Message Today. Father Benlloch explores the influences and experiences of Father Chaminade’s lifetime, but not in a biographical context. Father Benlloch’s purpose is far more long reaching. Father Chaminade’s unfailing faith, devotion to Mary, and dedication to prayer life are timeless qualities that are inspiring, and Benlloch suggests even necessary, for today’s Marianists. Father Benlloch unites Father Chaminade’s message with the problems facing the world as the 21^st century precariously unfolds. Blessed William Joseph Chaminade was unique in his forethought and devotion to sharing Christ’s message with future generations. Chaminade’s Message Today inspires today’s Marianists to continue in this mission.

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The Chapel of the Madeleine
by Jean-Baptiste Armbruster, SM
Translated by Thomas A. Stanley, SM
63 pp. $5.00

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Many Marianists know where we were born as a movement, Bordeaux, France, and specifically the Madeleine, the chapel where Chaminade ministered and saw his vision of Church come to life. But how many of us know the story of this building, the rich history it holds for the Marianists and for those who came prior.

Now, The Chapel of the Madeleine tells this story and provides historical context to this sacred space. This book, which was translated from the French by Thomas A. Stanley, SM, was published in English in honor of the bicentennial of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade’s appointment as minister of the oratory to be established at the Chapel of the Madeleine.

A plague in Bordeaux and the execution during the French Revolution of two Madelonnette Sisters are just two small facts that pepper the history of the time prior to Chaminade. However, the largest portion of the book is devoted to how the chapel has evolved since the arrival of the Marianists.

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Companions of Adèle

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Drawn primarily from the Letters of Adèle and Fr. Chaminade, 145 biographical sketches are presented – 133 are sketches of women who entered the Institute of the Daughters of Mary (Immaculate); eight describe women who lived in the convent, but did not join the Sisters; and four are vignettes of “sister-companions,” members of the Third Order. All these women were known to and interacted with Adèle during the twelve years between the founding of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary in 1816 and her death in 1828.

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Confidential Memorandum
Monograph 48

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During his last years—when Father William Joseph Chaminade might have looked for respite from all the turbulent periods of his life with serene and unfettered days—he was subjected to a malicious attack.  His closest associates betrayed him. Narcisse Roussel, a member of the General Administration while Chaminade was Superior General, wrote the Confidential Memorandum. His purpose was to remove Chaminade from any influence in the Society of Mary and to position himself to assume the leadership. To those living in an age where fair and just treatment under the law is fiercely guarded, the story is even more disturbing because Father Chaminade never saw the document with damaging—and false—testimony against him. . . . more

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Father Leo Meyer's 13 Years at Nazareth
Monograph 38
Sesquicentennial Series

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This is a wonderful work for all lovers of Marianist history.

Father Leo Meyer’s 13 Years at Nazareth captures the essence of the Society of Mary’s arrival in America and the joys and struggles of establishing a foothold in the “New World.” Emphasis is placed on the origins of Marianist life and ministries in Ohio and Texas, including the University of Dayton and Saint Mary’s University.

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Fullness of Life Through Prayer

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This booklet, inspired by William Joseph Chaminade’s principles of prayer, is meant to help us use prayer to live life to the fullest.  This little book, with its reflections and corresponding scriptural references, is a guide to learning how to pray.

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God Alone: Thoughts from Adèle

Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon is well known in the Marianist Family as the founder of the Marianist Sisters. Perhaps not as well known is her gift of staying in community and communication through writing letters. In God Alone we have published quotes from these letters in a daily calendar format. A blank page has been provided in this publication to encourage the reader to write his/her own thoughts and prayers that are inspired by Adèle’s words.

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The Grain of Wheat

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Father Hackenewerth states in his preface: “The Grain of Wheat is meant for anyone who wants to grow in virtue and develop an effective personality for dealing with the daily challenges of life. It begins with what is within the scope of everyone and moves gradually to what is totally within the power of the Holy Spirit.” This book was first published in 1967, but especially in its revision, speaks to us today. We are a society plugged into our computers and maintaining schedules that keep us withdrawn from society. A Grain of Wheat reminds and shows us that we need to reach out to others. “Our defenses and protective habits must die so that our love can reach out to others. The redemptive message of the Gospel reminds us if the grain dies ‘it bears much fruit’
(Jn 12:24).”

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Habits for the Journey: A Mystical and Political Spirituality for Small Christian Communities

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This book presents a spirituality for small Christian communities. Each part follows a particular “road” interwoven with Marianist history and traditions. Particularly useful and practical for those beginning to share in this journey, this book encourages conversations that enliven and help insure the stability of these developing communities.

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This four-volume work by Joseph Verrier, SM, presents the life of William Joseph Chaminade from 1761 to 1816, ending with the foundation of the Society of Mary. The French title images “following the guide markers along the road which William Joseph Chaminade has taken.” We see the early influences of Chaminade, his courage during the French Revolution and exile to Spain. We witness his enduring belief in his work as a missionary to young and old alike, men and women, in the Sodality, in the religious orders, in schools and cities throughout France.

Father Chaminade wrote, “You are all missionaries.” The scholarship and dedication of Father Verrier provide us with this detailed biography, which is based on original sources and includes detailed notes. This book is for the serious reader, someone willing to follow the path of Chaminade step by step.

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Letters of Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon

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Father Joe Stefanelli, SM, says the number of letters from Adèle was “certainly in the thousands. Of them, only 737 have come down to us.” Because her companions in service were scattered over a large geographical area, she developed a system of letter writing. She wrote, “It is not so much the style that should preoccupy us, but rather our own improvement.” 

We gain insights into Adèle’s personality, her spirituality, her deep faith, her mission, and her desire to live for God alone. Although her life was short—she died when not quite 39—Adèle worked diligently to spread the faith to all around her. The primary work of the Daughters of Mary continued to be the development and guidance of young women of the Sodality and the Association. During her life as a religious, she founded convents at Tonneins, Condom, Agen, Arbois, and Bordeaux.

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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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Marian Writings, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2

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This scholarly work presents a complete collection of Father Chaminade's writings to his religious and lay followers regarding Mary in scripture and tradition. These writings include letters, sermons, notes, personal reflections, conferences, and loose note pages taken from original sources and in Father Chaminade's own handwriting.

Father Armbruster's work contains many valuable tables and indices of interest to the analytical scholar. For example, Father Chaminade's biblical and non-biblical sources are indexed. Non-biblical sources include Father Chaminade's contemporaries as well as Saints Bernard, Augustine, and Ambrose.

Marianist scholars will appreciate the detailed completeness of this work with its use of resources from the Marianist archives, cross references and Table of Historical Introductions which give valuable insights into the origins of these documents. Also included is a key to foreign language titles that allows one to go from an English title document to the original document in the language in which it was written.

Many letters of Father Chaminade make at least an allusion to the Blessed Virgin. Some of them contain a more lengthy development and these are presented first. They "are like the milestones in the life of the Founder to which we must constantly refer."

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Table of Contents (Volume 2)

Marianist Direction, Vol. 4

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(This portion of our website is currently under construction.)

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Contains short articles of interest to Marianists, both lay and vowed religious. Published fall and spring; in an easy-to-use
7 x 8.5 inch format.

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Marianists in a Continuing Mission

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This concise text marvelously highlights the history of the Society of Mary from it’s inception through the late sixties.  Relying heavily on primary sources, Gadiou and Delas chronicle the triumphs and sorrows of the Society of Mary through the eyes of its most prominent members.  Gadiou and Delas’ insights on where the Marianists have been and are going are very valuable.  Eminently readable, this text makes for a wonderful introduction to the Society’s history.

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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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Mary in Modern Spirituality

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This booklet contains a clear explanation of how Mary was called to bring the whole world to Christ. The two themes of “seeing” and “listening” are instructional to modern-day Christians in their call to do likewise. Sin is defined in personalistic terms: holding one another at a distance. The result of sin is loneliness and a feeling of being worth nothing. Redemption from this state comes from the willingness to be defenseless and unprotected, as Mary was. Learning how to see and to listen frees one from alienation and sets one on a path of a meaningful life: to bring Christ into the world, with Mary as a role model and resource.

The size of this booklet is very deceiving. Its length is 49 pages, but is published in very small print format. The author’s depth of thought and development of the subject matter belies its size. The enlistment of Mary’s help in rechristianizing France formed the original basis of the Marianist charism. Father Hakenewerth invites the reader to be part of bearing Christ to the whole world.

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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.

Mlle de Lamourous

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This biography of Marie Thérèse is intriguing in the variety and number of “hats” she wore during her long life. She was from the aristocratic class and had lived on a country estate; during the Revolution, she bravely ministered in Bordeaux; when she fled to the country at Pian, she served as spiritual leader of the townspeople. She began a long association with William Joseph Chaminade and was instrumental in the development of the Sodality, the foundation of the Daughters of Mary, and the early years of the Society of Mary. Her major work was the Miséricorde, a refuge for women who wanted to reform their lives.

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The Mother of Jesus Was There

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(From the Foreword)

This booklet is not only to be read, but to be prayed and lived. It is about the Mother of Jesus. . . . She is a significant presence in the world and in our lives. It is our grace to experience that presence and to be blessed by it in surprising ways.  . . When you arrive at the end of the booklet, may you discover that all along the way, “the Mother of Jesus was there.”

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If you like writing letters, sharing with friends, or listening to personal faith stories, a new Marianist interactive experience may be for you.

NACMS Cumulative Index

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The NACMS Cumulative Index provides members of the Marianist Family with a guide to materials published by NACMS, the Marianist Resources Commission, and other groups for whom we provide a distribution service. All the listings are available from NACMS.

The NACMS Cumulative Index has four sections: a title index, an author index, a numerical index for publications issued in series (such as the MRC Bulletin, Marianist Soundings, and Things Marianist), and a subject index. The index is available in two formats: on a CD in Word for $2.00 or in 8 1/2 x 11" copied pages for $3.50, plus shipping. 

Our First Century: 1817-1917

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This thorough review of the first one hundred years of the Society of Mary is very well written.  Father Lebon has managed to capture (in a concise manner) the founding spirit of the Society of Mary while retaining the historical rigor demanded by such an endeavor.  His accounts of Father Simler are particularly moving, and it is clear that working with Father Simler as Head of the Office of Instruction affected him deeply.

Lebon does a marvelous job of painting a vivid picture of life in the Society of Mary from its inception through the generalate of Good Father Hiss.  Lebon’s liberal quotation of primary sources throughout the text makes the reader feel as though the first and second generation of Marianist priests and brothers are speaking across the ages, and lends an intimate ambiance to the piece.

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Our Marianist Heritage

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First published in 1974 and revised in 2003, this book began as retreat presentations in 1971. Its aim is to probe the life of faith, the centrality of Jesus Christ, the role of Mary, and the value of community. It probes some specific questions, such as, what is it about the Society of Mary that gives it a special role in the Church, and what is it about the Society that guarantees the diversity of gifts in the church.

In addition to laying out a bird’s-eye view of the times in relation to religious life (in the preface), the author discusses Father Chaminade’s spirituality (characterized by openness to reality), its scriptural and historical underpinnings, Mary and some of her titles, and the concept of community within the institute and within the Church as a whole.

The author includes other parts of Marianist heritage in the form of The Three Offices, The Three Categories, The System of Virtues, and Father Chaminade’s understanding of the apostolate.

Father Stefanelli asks very probing questions of the Society of Mary. While he spoke and wrote for the Society in particular, this book is an important orientation for lay Marianists in understanding the charism and apostolate they have committed themselves to, and points a direction in the formation that is needed to think, feel, and act as a Marianist.

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The Promised Woman 

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If one wishes to know the wide array of perspectives in the Marianist world about our common spirituality, this collection of papers will be of interest.  Some are remarkable for their scholarship; others are touching in their ability to capture the spirit of a particular culture and how Marianist spirit interfaces with it.  While the richness of the work lies in the expansive scope of thought and experience contained in its pages, individuals and groups might find that focusing on a set of papers from a cluster of writers will provide much grist for the reflective mill. . . . more

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Father John A. McGrath has surveyed the main elements of Catholic theology of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in this book. He concentrates on currents in Western Europe, especially France, Germany, and Italy, to show connections with Marianist life in this period. He begins with the stream of French traditionalism after the French Revolution and then follows the liberal line of thought of Felicité de Lamennais. He treats the Tübingen School and the developments in English Catholicism, especially as seen in the work of Cardinal Newman. . . . more

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A Retreat with Adèle

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A Retreat with Adèle is a spiritual guide which takes readers on a seven-day retreat. The booklet is filled with scripture passages centering on Jesus and Mary; the words of Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon, Foundress of the Marianist Sisters; and reflection questions which can be used for personal or group activities. It is geared toward anyone making a personal retreat or for someone seeking moments of quiet away from the "busyness" of life.

This 24-page booklet has been published as part of the 50^th Anniversary of the foundation of the Marianist Sisters in the United States. 

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