First Canonical Family of Mary Group

Bro. Dennis Schmitz arrived in Korea on August 24 1983 to begin his missionary experience in Korea. By that time the youth sodalities other lay groups which used to operate out of the Seoul Community had pretty much disappeared. Fr. Augustine Song and Dominic Lee had begun to build up groups of adults but these groups did not survive. With the guidance of Dennis, Timothy Kim began the system of Family of Mary groups which continued to multiply. Dennis completed his assignment in Korea and returned to the Province on June 11, 1995.

Update

See a clearer post on Canon Law and Marianist Lay Communities

News from Dennis

"October 1989 was a busy month for the Brothers in Korea. Francis Chang and Dennis Schmitz went to India for a meeting of Marianist formators from East Africa, Austria, India, and of course, Korea. The meeting was very inspirational and hope-filled. Although we all work in different cultures, the unity and commonality were very impressive and hopes are high for continued contacts...."

"Many of the Brothers got together to celebrate our Foundation day, October 2. The temporary professed Brothers gathered at Chaminade Retreat House to work together on plans for their continuing formation. They also attended a special 60th birthday party for Sr. Assumpta Takao, one of the Japanese Marianist Sisters who founded the Sisters in Korea...."

"On the Marianist World Day of Prayer, October 15 1989, the Seoul Community hosted a joint retreat including the first group of Family of Mary "novices", and a new group of Lay "pre-novices". At the end of the day, at a Mass offered by Fr. Augustine, the "pre-novices" made their noviciate promisses."

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"The Family of Mary "novitiate" is a year long program for those people wishing to join the Family of Mary. During this year they come regularly to the Seoul Community for formation in the spirituality of Fr. Chaminade. Conferences are given by several Marianists so that the groups don't become identified with any single individual. At the end of their novitiate year, the "novices" make their consecration to Mary and from then on meetings will take place mostly in private homes." (PAC November 15 1989 - Dennis Schmitz)