Lecture on Marcellin Champagnat and the Marist Brothers

Introduction

• Marcellin Champagnat: Founder of the Marist Brothers.
• Born on May 20, 1789, during the French Revolution.
• Influenced by family, especially his mother and Aunt Louise, in his religious awakening.

Early Life

• Struggles in Education: Poor student, shy, initial resistance to formal education.
• Religious Calling: Inspired by a visiting priest, decided to become a priest.

Education and Seminary

• Minor Seminary in Verrières: Older than classmates, initially failed.
• Return to Education: Persevered with faith and study, eventually succeeded.
• St. Irenaeus Seminary in Lyon: Met influential peers, joined the "happy gang."

Founding the Marist Brothers

• Vision for the Society of Mary: Initially did not include teaching, but Champagnat emphasized education.
• Ordination: July 22, 1816, pivotal moment for future plans.

Formation of the Marist Brothers

• Need for Education: Inspired by the death of an uneducated young man, realized the need for Christian education.
• Formation of First Brothers: Jean Marie Granjon and Jean Baptiste Furet, the first brothers.
• House of the Little Brothers of Mary: Institute founded on January 2, 1817.

Growth and Challenges

• Expansion: More brothers joined, schools opened.
• Challenges: Faced interference and jealousy, especially from Fr. Courveille.

Legacy

• Marist Mission: Emphasized love and education.
• Marist Expansion: Brothers sent to Oceania, first Marist martyr Pierre Chanel.
• Leadership Transition: François as successor after Champagnat's death on June 6, 1840.

Canonization and Modern Influence

• Canonization: By Pope John Paul II in 1999.
• Modern Challenges: Emphasizes adaptation to changing times.
• Lay Marists: Inclusion of lay people in the Marist family.

Conclusion

• Ongoing Mission: Continue spreading the Gospel and education in the spirit of St. Marcellin Champagnat.
• Goal: Strengthen relationships and offer meaning, inspired by Champagnat's legacy.