Spirituality

CHRIST-CENTRED SPIRITUALITY

We are committed to living a Christ-centred spirituality. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14). Jesus came “not to be served, but to serve” (Mk 10:45). Through His compassionate heart, He touched the untouchables (Matthew 8:2– 3), forgave sinners and gave them the chance for new life (Luke 5:32), and showed divine love for children (Mk 10:14). By submitting Himself to the Father, He reconciled humanity with God (Jn 17:1). His humility and obedience brought salvation and unconditional love to the world (Phil 2:7–8).

Our Founder, inspired by the Holy Spirit, followed closely in the footsteps of Jesus and made Him the guiding principle of our Society. We experience Him as “the way, the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6). In the SDM Apostolic Society, we aspire to have Jesus as our path, model, and inspiration. We commit ourselves to this Christ-centred spirituality as we serve orphans, widows, and the destitute (Jas 1:27), offering ourselves as the voice of the voiceless (Prov 31:8–9).

OUR PRAYER LIFE

“Prayer is the life of the new heart. It ought to animate us at every moment” (cf. CCC 2697).Unity in our lives is found only in and through Jesus Christ, the centre of our community life. Jesus is the model for our prayer life. Its foundation is our faith in Him.Each member nurtures a spirit of prayer in a way that suits their personal nature and spiritual inclinations. We seek our Lord’s presence in the hearts of people and in the daily events of life.

The Eucharist as the heart of the Church’s life: “The Church draws her life from the Eucharist” (cf. EE. 1). The Eucharist is the source and summit of our community life—the centre of our vocation. Daily celebration of the Holy Mass is essential, and we, (Canon 904) the SDMs, are energized by the Eucharist. (cf. CCC 1324)

The Blessed Sacrament reminds us of Christ’s unconditional love. Time is devoted to Eucharistic Adoration, and regular visits to the Blessed Sacrament are encouraged among our members.

The Eucharistic sacrifice unites us with Jesus, one another, and the people of God. We celebrate the Eucharistic Liturgy as a community, and in gratitude, we frequently seek the Lord in His sacramental presence.

The Blessed Sacrament reminds us of Christ’s unconditional love. Time is devoted to Eucharistic Adoration, and regular visits to the Blessed Sacrament are encouraged among our members.

In the Word of God, we discover Christ and, at times, the seeds of truth in other faith traditions. The Word guides and strengthens us for our apostolate, nourishing us each day in our spiritual journey. (cf. DV 2,7-8,15)

To remain in union with God and our fellow human beings, members regularly participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Through daily Examination of Conscience, we reflect on our faithfulness and failures in responding to the Lord. (cf. CCC 1435)

Monthly and annual Spiritual Exercises are observed for personal and communal renewal. A day of recollection each month and a week-long annual retreat offer deeper opportunities for reflection and spiritual growth. (cf. Can. 276 §2)

Mother Mary as our guiding light, we journey toward deeper union with God and greater harmony within our communities. She, full of grace and compassion, embraces the Society with her maternal care, watching over each member with tender concern and unwavering love.

Every member of SDM is called to seek her powerful intercession, trusting in her ability to lead hearts toward Christ. Her life of humility, obedience, and unwavering faith becomes our model and inspiration. Through contemplation of her virtues, we are encouraged to cultivate purity, service, and devotion in our daily lives.

In honouring her, we are not simply showing reverence; we are committing to a way of life that reflects her example. We strive to
live the SDM vocation with conviction and joy, offering ourselves in service to God and to one another, forming communities rooted in mercy, peace, and love.( cf. LG 62 )

St. Eugene De Mazenod, our celestial patron, stands as a radiant beacon of apostolic zeal and unwavering faith. In reverent homage to his sacred legacy, we endeavour to mirror the virtues he so passionately embodied—following in the footsteps of Christ, as he once did with fervent love and conviction. His feast day is not merely marked by solemn celebration, but embraced as a spiritual renewal—an invitation to immerse ourselves in his missionary spirit, his boundless compassion for the marginalized, and his tireless pursuit of holiness. The life of St. Eugene De Mazenod continue to inspire us to serve with courage, love with authenticity, and dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to the mission entrusted to our Society.

St. Joseph, the silent guardian of the Holy Family, holds a special place of honour and reverence within the communities of the Society of St. Eugene De Mazenod (SDM). Known for his quiet strength, unwavering faith, and profound obedience to God’s will, St. Joseph stands as a spiritual pillar and guiding presence for all our missionary efforts.

The SDMs (Society of St. Eugene De Mazenod) look to St. Joseph as our spiritual protector and advocate, drawing strength and guidance from his quiet faith and service. His life inspires us to act with courage, endure hardship with grace, and serve humbly. Through every mission and ministry, we strive to reflect his attentive listening to God, compassionate care for others, and steadfast commitment to Christ’s work grounded in St. Joseph’s enduring spirit of silent devotion. (cf. Mt. 2:15 )