The LaValla Experience

The Marist Brothers were founded in the small village of LaValla in Southern France. The building bought and renovated as the first community by Fr. Champagnat still stands, now as a museum. This house is considered the "Cradle of the Institute and the name, LaValla, a symbol of new beginnings.
In Naples, Italy, a new beginning, entitled "The LaValla Experience", was made in early February, when four lay people, three university students and one high school student, all very much involved in campus ministry, spent an entire week living in community with the brothers. They rose early and prayed with them, ate, worked, recreated, and attended Mass as if they were members of the community. Not necessarily aimed at fostering vocations to the brotherhood, it was a tangible way for these young people to imbibe Marist Family Spirit, come to appreciate the value of community and our Marist charism, and see their roles and work in a new light. It was an idea that had been talked about for years, but finally put into action. Creative, bold and daring, it had a beneficial effect on the participants and serves as a model to the rest of the Marist World as we seek ways to pass on the legacy of St. Marcellin. St. Marcellin, inspire us with bold and creative initiatives to help foster your vision and goal to make Jesus known and loved in every diocese of the world as well as to foster a deeper understanding of Marist Spirit.
Bro. Rene