FEATURES OF LAY MARIST LIFE

Extended Bureau of the Laity Features of lay Marist life
Saint Marcellin Champagnat,
our Inspiration
in Following Jesus
Marcellin Champagnat is a saint who has
captivated me by his total love of Jesus and
his filial confidence in Mary. Always attentive to
events and people, he teaches us to glimpse new
pathways, with perseverance. (Brazil)
My first exposure to Marist education was
witnessing the Marist Brothers’ dedication
and love for young people. I was overwhelmed by
their sincerity and willingness to touch the lives
of students who were “emotionally” marginalized.
I viewed with interest the patience and understanding
of the Brothers’ mission to broaden the
pastoral care of all the students in my school.
(Australia)
wanted to know what was special about this
I man who created such an atmosphere of sympathy
around his memory; evidently, a memory
that had become life by other men inspired by
the same passion. Otherwise, you could not
explain his presence today. Thus, I anxiously
devoured the book of Brother Jean-Baptiste, the
first biography of Champagnat. There I found a
heart captivated by the Lord and equally a heart
nourished by an enormous tenderness for the
human person and a total commitment in favour
of the little ones and the neglected. (Brazil)
Marcellin entered to stay in my heart and I felt
at the end that I had found my place. A kind
of joy invaded me, and I wept. During the night
I started to pray with the image and I felt this
sensation of being loved, a softness in the soul,
a peace… (El Salvador)
try every day to follow in the footsteps of Mar-
I cellin and to mould myself to the example of
his life. I try to live as Marcellin lived, in simplicity
and humility, always striving to be in the presence
of God, emphasizing my trust in Mary and in her
protection. (Brazil)
What resonated with me about Marcellin was
the fact that at all times he led by example.
He never expected or asked his Brothers to do
anything more than what he himself had done.
I have always believed that leadership is service,
being of service to others, and this is exactly
what Marcellin accomplished. He ensured that
he inspired others to follow his daring dream and
he did this through consultation and constant
communication with his Brothers via his visits
and his many letters to them. His determination
and perseverance in the face of seemingly
insurmountable obstacles and difficulties is awe
inspiring. (Australia)
am not aware of the “starting” moment of my
I closer relationship with the charism of Marcellin.
It was step by step, day after day and drop by
drop, while I was fulfilled by his experience and in
making it mine under many aspects. His strength,
his audacity despite difficulties, his confidence,
his availability and above all his love for the most
vulnerable have always impressed me. I perceive
his spirit in many people around me, who are
growing in this love and living this confidence.
(Spain)