On this day in 1955, Pope Pius XII beatified the humble priest and founder of the Marist Brothers, Marcellin Champagnat in a maginficent ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica. The two recipients of miraculous cures through his intercession were present among the thousands of pilgrims who attended. Great joy spread throughought the Congregation as this day had been anticipated since Marcellin's death in 1840. He was beloved by all, and looked upon as a saint even before the long process began. Fittingly, the beatification took place on Pentecost Sunday, the day the apostles received the Holy Spirit, threw open the doors and began to tell the world about Jesus. St. Marcellin's life, so influenced by the life of Mary, our Good Mother, and First Disciple of Jesus, that he continued to spread the Good News about Jesus and to model the virtues so characteristically Marial: listening, love for poor people, welcoming the message of God and not only magnifying the Lord with lips but commited to the service of justice with lives. (cf Water from the Rock 151). He was sure, as are so many other holy people that "God is at work in our world, that social sin will not be allowed to have the last word, that with God, promises made are promises kept." (Sr. Chris Keolhoffer, I.H.M.) Lord, may I take heart amidst so much cynicism and pessimism, that the Holy Spirit continues to work through your people, even me, and that goodness will prevail always. Amen.
Bro. Rene
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