First US order of Maronite sisters founded

New story on the Maronite Sisters of Christ the Light founding tomorrow (June 1, 2008). I'll be in New York tomorrow so maybe I'll make a visit. If I do, expect pictures. Complete announcement is here. They even have a blog.

The Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn takes the historic step this June of establishing the first congregation of active religious sisters of the Maronite Church within the United States. Called the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light, these sisters will assist parish priests throughout the eparchy in a variety of pastoral work, ranging from directing religious education programs, to working with families, youth, and the elderly.

Statement from Bishop Gregory J. Mansour

“The contribution made by consecrated women in the Church is beyond measure. The Maronite Church is no exception. The time has come for the Eparchy of Saint Maron to foster and sponsor a community to assist the priests in the pastoral care of the Eparchy. Sister Marla Marie Lucas has approval to do just that. She and the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light will begin officially (ad experimentum) this June 2008. Please find below an article on this new beginning. Pray for her and please support this effort so that women who feel called to make a complete gift of self in consecrated service to Christ and His Church may find a home in the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light.”

The congregation will be started by Sister Marla Marie Lucas, a sister of 26 years in the Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate, who has been given permission to leave her Monroe, N.Y.-based congregation to begin this work. Sr. Marla Marie, the daughter of Lucas John Lucas and the late Zahia Beshara NeJaime Lucas, grew up with a deep appreciation of her Maronite heritage.

“The Maronite Servants of Christ the Light is a timely gift of the Holy Spirit to our Church. Over the years, many religious vocations from our Maronite faithful have entered the Latin Church congregations, as I did,” says Sr. Marla Marie. “Young women in our Church now have the opportunity to live out and deepen their Eastern spiritual heritage in service to Maronite parishes. The Blessed Virgin Mary is our model and inspiration.”