It was at the beginning of the 1970s that the Charismatic Renewal arrived in Europe, notably spread by Cardinal Suenens, who had witnessed its development in the United States. In this context, in 1973, an Assumptionist religious, Father Mutien Lambert, encouraged a small Bible study group he led to become a prayer group. The group quickly grew, especially among young people.

In 1976, the group took on a more clearly communal dimension, adopting a covenant charter and creating small fraternities of young people. From this grew religious vocations among the Assumptionists and the Assumptionist Orantes.

In the following years, the Community — which in the meantime had taken the name Maranatha (“Come, Lord!” cf. 1 Cor 16:21) — developed an intense activity in several directions, based on three fundamental “axes”: praise, fellowship, and evangelization.

Several major gatherings can be mentioned, including “Seven Weeks” preparation sessions for the outpouring of the Spirit, evangelization sessions, retreats, community vacations, numerous performances of the play The Acts of the Apostles in various parishes, an annual walking pilgrimage between Banneux and Beauraing, the publication of a bimonthly magazine Bonne Nouvelle, and more.

Since its founding, the Maranatha Community has brought together hundreds of people whom it has nourished with its spiritual life. Over this half-century of existence, the Community has faced trials and even a rather painful crisis. Today, its face has noticeably changed, and the “elders” who have passed on have given way to a new generation, but the fundamental goals remain: praise of the Lord, fraternal communion, and the spreading of the Good News.

For more information: www.maranatha.be