Built on a Rock

Excavations in LaValla on the the Bonner House, the house that Fr. Champagnat bought (with borrowed money) and repaired himself), as part of the renovations underway on it, have uncovered a huge rock at the base of the foundation.  The house itself is built of stone, as is customary in Southern France and much of Europe, but this rock sits in a key position for the stability of the building while also serving as well as a symbol of the Rock upon which the congregation of The Little Brothers of Mary is built: Jesus Christ.  St. Marcellin's faith in Jesus and Mary was as solid as this rock; and this foundation stone continues to support the congregation as it spreads throughout the world and deals with the many challenges that have been part of its 195 year old history. The discovery of this rock reminds us of how from almost nothing the dream of Champagnat, became a lasting, effective reality.  It reminds us too that if we build our dreams on the Rock of Christ, they too will become a lasting reality,
Bro. Rene