Dear Friends
When researching some years ago for workshops I was leading on spiritual accompaniment, I wanted to find something about the concept of ‘presence’, which I believe to be powerful in our human experience and often under-estimated.
The nature and quality of our presence have an impact on our relationships and all the interactions we have with others.
But what exactly do we mean by 'presence'?
It is more than simply being physically there.
True presence means bringing our full, authentic self into each moment and interaction - setting aside distractions, agendas, and preoccupations to truly attend to the person before us and the situation at hand. In the Marist context, this quality of presence is at the heart of our charism. It is what Marcellin embodied with the young people he served: a way of being that creates space for the Spirit to work and transforms ordinary encounters into moments of grace. Without presence, our work becomes mere activity; with it, we become instruments of transformation.
How, then, do we cultivate such a presence?
Continue reading at this link:
Star Messenger, 5 February 2026
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