Campus Ministry
The Lens Through Which I See: Marianist Charism and Tradition
By Emily Sandoval, FMI
As a Marianist Sister, the Marianist charism influences much of what I do. A charism is a gift the Holy Spirit gives to individuals and groups of people. For Marianists, this gift is to bring Jesus Christ into the world like Mary did. Therefore, we form an alliance with Mary and become her missionaries. Mary becomes our teacher and guide. She teaches us how to wholeheartedly say yes to what God calls us to do, to have the hope of the Magnificat, to do whatever Jesus tells us, to stand with those at “the foot of the cross”, and to build community like the one in the upper room. Consequently, my approach to anything I take on is with this question: How can I bring Jesus Christ to others (especially with what Mary taught me)?
Currently, my main ministry is as a Communications Coordinator for a family of parishes in Dayton. I see my role there as helping that faith community build unity through communications. Communication is a tool that can help people know about the opportunities to grow in faith, deepen in prayer, and celebrate together. Through this ministry, I see myself connected to our Founders, especially Blessed Adele de Batz de Trenquelleon, who started faith communities and used communication as a way to grow them.
This rootedness in Marianist tradition and charism is not limited to the ministry I do in the parish. It comes through in all other things I do such as art and design; opportunities to speak about vocations, Mary, and the Marianists; leading prayer and retreat sessions; and volunteering at the food pantry. Even something as simple as being present with others comes from my sense of the Marianist charism as Fr. Quentin Hackenewerth, a Marianist priest, wrote in A Manual of Marianist Spirituality, “The quality of our presence is more important than our work,” (18).
Being Marianist impacts the way I see the world like how eyeglasses help me see. The charism is like the lens through which I view the world, and Marianist tradition is like the frame which provides structure and inspiration as to how to live out the charism. As people who are connected to the University of Dayton which has its roots in the Marianists, I encourage you to reflect on how the Marianist charism and tradition has shaped your life.