Marist Anniversary

150 years ago today, and 21 years after the death of St. Marcellin, Pope Pius IX gave official approval of the Marist Brothers of the Schools.  This anniversary warrants a prayer of gratitude as well as reflection on the slow unfolding of plans and dreams.  Through his years in the seminary, St. Marcellin dreamed of an order of brothers who would be as close to the ideal teachers as he could imagine, certainly the opposite of his first teacher. Gradually, this dream became reality as other seminarians talked about and planned an Institute dedicated to Mary that would counter the damage done to the Church during the French Revolution.  From the meeting of Jean-Baptiste Montagne, the dying teenager who knew nothing of God, to the Memorare in the snow, it became clear that the need for brothers was great and that by placing his little band in the hands of Mary, he would have a "winner."   In four years we will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the actual founding of the Little Brothers of Mary, as today we celebrate our official title and approval. The formula of a dream, action, patience, and placing all in the hands of Mary for Jesus is one that all Marists have adopted, as our history verifies.  With today's challenges besieging us on every side, it is as relevant today as it was in our beginnings. 
Bro. Rene