Marians have bonded in prayer

For the past 25 years, a group of women, now numbering close to 100, have been praying for vocations with a monthly Mass, rosary and light lunch.

On Dec. 7, the Marians of New Orleans celebrated their quarter-century of existence with a recitation of the glorious mysteries of the rosary, a special Mass and Christmas luncheon at St. Pius X Church in New Orleans. Jesuit Father Norman O’Neal celebrated the Mass as he has the past several years for the group.

Founding member Ruby Smith attended the event and remembers visiting former Archbishop Philip M. Hannan with other women in 1986 for permission to start a group that would pray regularly for vocations. She said he blessed the group and gave them the name.

Father William Reed, who celebrated the first Mass, was the group’s original chaplain and spiritual advisor, and Mount Carmel Sister Dorothy Guilbault was the moderator, members recalled.

“We’ve prayed for vocations and now, with vocations increasing, we feel that our prayers have been answered,” Smith said.

Smith and Janice Romig are among those who visited Archbishop Hannan in 1986. Also in the original leadership group were Catherine Duplantier, who was the first president, Billye Judlin and Helen Delahoussaye, who are now deceased.

Originally, the group met at the Sisters of Mount Carmel Motherhouse on Robert E. Lee, but when a preschool was created in the lower floor where the women had their socials they moved to St. Pius X.

“We’re a very faithful group of Catholic women who have stuck together,” member Yayi Lamy said.

Past president Gail Vetters, who has been a member for a decade, enjoys the spirituality of the group.

“Vocations are a worthy thing to pray for,” she said. “Vocations are up, so our work is coming to fruition.”

As the group has grown, an offshoot, the Marians of Metairie, was established. This group meets in members’ homes to pray the rosary.

Some said they have heard wonderful stories of vocations from many priests, young and old, over the years, including from priests who were married but whose spouse had died.

Several members mentioned the camaraderie they experience with each other and the model of faith they witness among members.

“The example of the religious women in this group is an example to all of us,” member Lucille Castine said. “Members who have died were truly role models of Catholic women, and we hope we can carry that on.”

For details on the group, call Lamy at 488-2582.

            Christine Bordelon can be reached at [email protected].

Marians’ Vocation Prayer:

God, our Father, Jesus our Savior, Holy Spirit, our Advocate, and Mary, our Mother, as MARIANS, who are devoted to prayer for the promotion of vocations to the priesthood and religious life, give us the graces to create the climate to attract our young men and women who today are exposed to many worldly pleasures and distractions, to generously give themselves to your services.

Give them the courage to seek and choose to serve you and others through generously giving their lives in the service of our Catholic Church.

Give the young men and women who are to become husbands and wives the courage and graces to mold and nurture our future religious vocations in loving and Christian attitudes.

As Marians, help us always to inspire others by the example of our daily lives. Give us the wisdom, strength and ability to always be open to the needs of others. We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Our Mother. Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us!