It is difficult to think of Marianist scholarship without thinking of Brother Larry Cada. His contribution to the study of Father Chaminade, the Society of Mary, and the Marianist Family are too numerous to name. It is not an exaggeration to say that the North American Center for Marianist Studies would not be what it is today without the many years of love and work by Brother Larry. In honor of his tremendous contributions to Marianist scholarship, we have compiled here just a few of his writings that we currently have on our website.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord! Thank you, Brother Larry, for all the wisdom, learning, and good humor you gifted us!
A Short History of Marianist Spirituality
This work, part of the Modern Theology & Marianist Spirituality project, under the direction of the Society of Mary's General Administration, is an essential primer for anyone wishing to enter more fully into the history of our charism. Ever attentive to language, Lawrence J. Cada, SM, examines the evolution of many phrases and concepts dear to Marianists and carves a solid analysis for why Marianist spirituality is fundamentally “lay,” “adaptive,” and “Modern.” You can read the entire text of this book by clicking here.
This article was written by Brother Larry for the collected publication The Promised Woman, which he also edited and compiled. Larry writes in this article that American Catholic spirituality draws its most distinctive genius from the high ideals of the American ethos. Freedom is the ideal that will link Marianist spirituality and American Catholic spirituality. As American Marianists work for freedom from racism, sexism, and poverty, they will draw on the deep strength of Marianist spirituality; Mary will remain the deepest central symbol of Marianist spirituality. Click here to read.
Basic Handbook of Marianist Studies
For many years, Brother Larry taught Marianist history to the novices in formation with the Society of Mary and Marianist Sisters. Over the years, he wrote many short articles, created charts, timelines, and other resources to help teach his history course. Along with former NACMS director Carol Ramey, Brother Larry compiled these resources into a massive "Marianist Encyclopedia" called the Basic Handbook of Marianist Studies. It is an essential reference for anyone in the Marianist Family wanting to look up information or understand more about Marianist History. Click here to view online.
Things Marianist: How Do People Make Commitments to Living Marianist Life?
This issue of the popular series Things Marianist was cowritten by Brother Larry and offers valuable insights into the various ways one can make a commitment in the Marianist Family. Click here to view and purchase on our bookstore