The feast of the Assumption has become something like the Marian date in the current way of the prayer groups.

In the year 1974, a full day meeting (jornada) on that date marked the break of an apparent standstill in the groups that had arisen at Easter I. The spiritual ascent that started just then, reached a peak in the so called "pentecost" of Belgrano and Flores. In the year 1975, the feast of the Virgin Mother gave us as a present, the reflection on the pastoral care of the Fraternities.

The partial 'jornada' of this year 1976, was helpful for us to become aware of the coherence that must exist between prayer and everyday life. And at the same time, to show the broad, revitalizing and missional horizon of the groups of the Word.

Mary has always been present in the life and the prayer of the groups. It cannot be otherwise since the Church recognizes her own image in Her. «The Mother of God —says the Vatican II Council— is a type of the Church, as St. Ambrose taught, in the order of faith, charity and perfect union with Christ. For in the mystery of the Church, which is itself rightly called mother and virgin, the Blessed Virgin stands out in eminent and singular fashion as exemplar both of virgin and mother» (Lumen Gentium, 63).

From the beginnings, we felt Mary's protection over the groups. "Mary will not let a newly born little plant die" said a young University girl as something she had felt in her prayer in the year 1974.

The Lord's grace has driven us to compose songs such as Oh Mary, Happy you are, With your face Mary, etc.

We also sense the careful protection of Mary, in the life that always gets renewed after her Feast. The joyful Eucharist on August 15th, is an augury of growth in the life of the Spirit, for the second half of the year. In fact we already perceive new fruits and gifts in the youth initiated this year; as well as in the group where 25 parents participate, with promising experiences of "domestic prayer Church".

In this issue of CRISTO VIVE we want to greet more especially that one about whom Jesus told us through the apostle John: «Behold, your Mother» (Jn 19:27). It is as if the one who surrendered his life to save us, were praying from his cross and his blood: «My Mother is your Mother, love my Mother deeply».

We want to greet Mary of Nazareth as Mother of the Word of God. As that unique daughter of humanity in whom the Father has done great things through the power of the Holy Spirit (Lk 1,49).

We greet her filially, and in doing so we ask her that «She who watched over with her prayer the beginning of evangelization prompted by the Holy Spirit: may she be the Star of the evangelization ever renewed which the Church, docile to her Lord's command, must promote and accomplish, especially in these times which are difficult but full of hope!», as Paul VI wishes it (EN 82).