Reading the Bible is a great help towards developing a personal prayer life. God wishes to speak to each of us personally through the Bible. The basic attitude we need to bring to it is an open heart.

This means reading the Bible with understanding and faith so that we can listen to the voice of God speaking to us through its words. Students in Marianella are expected to read the Bible regularly, especially the New Testament, which exposes us in a special way to the person of Christ.


The keeping of a personal journal is also a very useful help towards developing a personal prayer life. It is recommended to students in Marianella.

Why? A student should be learning to be reflective about life, learning to find God in the humdrum and the ordinary, as well as the more dramatic moments of life. In the course of a week here a student will normally go through many experiences. Without a journal most of these will be forgotten. This journal helps us to reflect on the basic experiences we go through each week, and to do so in the light of faith. It is an invaluable help towards developing a reflective attitude to life.

STAGE 1

DETAILS / STUDY / PRAYER / COMMUNITY/ MINISTRY

STAGE 2

STAGE 3

SKILLS

TRAVEL

WORK

SUMMARY

The regular meetings with the Director of Formation (colloquia) are an integral part of the student's formation. These should be seen as the ongoing discernment of a student's vocation in life. These meetings will be helpful towards understanding better the action of God in his life, what God is asking of him and where God is leading him. It is essential to see the formation director as a friend with whom you can be honest and open about your hopes and longings, your fears and struggles, your problems and temptations.

There are occasional sessions in the form of workshops devoted to questions related to faith, vocation, and different aspects of religious life.


Students do two short retreats each year. One is scheduled during the first term and the second one is in Holy Week.