In the 1970s, an Assumptionist religious, Fr. Mutien Lambert, was leading a Bible study group. Over time he was drawn to the Charismatic Renewal and to its develop-ment in the United States and Europe. The Scripture group gradually became a prayer group in the style of this new movement. Visiting various similar groups outside the country and the arrival of young people to share this new experience led to the formation of a prayer group which took the name Maranatha. Three principal aspects define it: prayer and praise, fraternal life, evangelization.

The summaries found in the Acts of the Apostles describing the early Christian community (Act 2: 42-47; 4:32-33) served as inspiration. The Christian life is perceived at the level of its basic elements and the call of God is common to all, whatever one's status in life, married or celibate. Fraternities of common life were set up. Several young people discovered the meaning of a commitment to following Christ in the consecrated, celibate life. From this larger Community, two new religious communities would be born: one masculine (Assumptionists) and one feminine (Orants of the Assumption). But the larger Community continues to draw persons of all states.

A commit-ment is proposed. It is based on a charter that develops the aspects aforemen-tioned. Lay-people and religious  who wish can commit themselves to the larger Community for one year, renewable. The fraternal life is at the heart of the charter. Here one can detect the Augustinian character: « one mind and one heart intent upon God ». This search for unanimity is perceived as a call from God for the Community and also as a way for each one to follow in the state that is his/her own. It is a life based on prayer and mutual service and leads to a desire to evangelize.

Today the Community is more clearly structured around the life of the Assumptionist community and their parish work, their work with the poor (an agency called Accompagner dedicated to help the most disadvantaged), and with youth). Seminars on Christian and spiritual formation are offered regularly as well as prayer weeks. The Community publishes, among other things,  a newsletter called Bonne Nouvelle (Good News), which aims at encouraging the spiritual life.

Fr. Laurent Bodart, A.A.

See more at: www.maranatha.be