A Special Day

October 28th, Memorial of Sts. Simon and Jude, is a very special occasion in Marist History. It is the day in 1816 when the young Father Marcellin Champagnat made his way up the mountains to the bedside of the dying 17 year old, Jean Baptiste Montagne, and discovered much to his dismay, that the young lad know nothing about God, Jesus, Mary, heaven, hell, forgivness of sins, etc.... Father Champagnat gave a quick course in the basics of the Catholic faith, thus preparing Jean-Baptiste for death, and fiming up his resolve to execute the idea he had had since the seminary: to begin an Order of teaching brothers, whose efforts would eliminate such ignorance of the faith. He recruited two young men and by January 2, 1817, moved them into a house he had purchased with borrowed money, and renovated himself, even to building the furniture. His refectory table still exists in what we call "the Cradle of the Institute, in LaValla, France.
Without this encounter with Jean Baptiste Montagne, and Father Champagnat's swift and determined response there would most likely be today no Congregation of the Marist Brothers of the Schools, no clear Mission: the Catholic Education of youth, particularly those in most need. What a loss that would have been to the Church in the 79 countries where we teach! In each of our schools, we still strive to do what Father Champagnat did at Jean Baptiste's bedside and sustain the same determination and love that motivated him. This Montagne Moment still inspires us and is the basis for the Montagne Program at Central Catholic, which provides substantial tuition assistance to a significant number of students, or the Champagnat Program at Marist High School in Chicago, whose aim is to give help to special needs students. Is it a coincidence that the Montagne Event occurred when the Church celebrates St. Jude, parton of hopeless cases? With St. Jude and St. Marcellin, as well as our Good Mother behind us, is it any wonder that the Marist Vision touches so many so deeply? Let us live this day with confidence, hope and assurance that God, who has begun such a noble work, will not let it perish, but will continue to invigorate it.
On a personal note, I will be joining the team for the Marist Youth Encounter Christ Retreat in Esopus today and through the weekend, where 40 something students from our Marist schools will be receiving a modern day version of St. Marcellin's catechesis in knowing and loving Christ.
Please pray for us. (Not sure if I will have daily access to a computer, but will try to provide daily bread).
Bro Rene