Marian Spirituality: Its Bases and Life Expressions in the Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM) and its Missionaries

This study explores the nature and characteristics of Marian Spirituality in the context of the Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM). Mary played an indispensable role in the salvation of humanity, and the impact of such a role could be observed in Marian devotions, rites, and celebrations in the church and families that transformed many lives. Marian spirituality, however, is always understood in a particular circumstance along the charism of a certain group or community. The CICM congregation inspired by Mary has been immensely engaged in diverse missionary work in the Philippines for more than a century, yet an explicit articulation of what Marian Spirituality at the core of CICM is wanting. Thus, this research is bent on laying and expressing what Marian spirituality is all about through a reflective interaction between and among the CICM missionaries. The results are meant to revisit, review, and refocus Marian Spirituality among CICM institutions and its implications for their missions. Findings show that doing such would lead back to the scriptures and doctrines of the church and the life practices of Marian devotees. Marian Spirituality then takes its root from the life of Mary in the scriptures. Mary is not only perceived as pious, obedient, and passive but also actively involved and exhibited unrelenting initiative and willingness to serve and walk the distance with anyone. This is the Marian spirituality that has taken life meaningfully in the missionary charism of the CICM.