St. Marcellin's Legacy

On this 173rd anniversary of the death of Marcellin Champagnat, we look at the impact of his life, vision and faith still have on the world.  We are now in 80 countries working in close concert with lay people who in ever increasing numbers are integrating the Marist virtues of humility, simplicity and modesty into their lives and implementing the Marist mission of making Jesus known and loved to all, but especially to "the least favored."  The years since his death have witnessed movements and changes that he never envisioned: expulsion from France, the slaughter of hundreds of brothers in Spain during the civil war, the closing of schools and communities, too numerous to count, and even currently to the disruption of life at the Byimana Science School in Rwanda, which, after three suspicious fires, continues to operate "like a refugee camp", as Br. Alphonse, the director describes it:  Tents serving as the refectory and dorms, soldiers on guard, and prisoners in bright orange uniforms helping with the rebuilding of the burnt buildings.  Marcellin would be pitching right in there with them.  The pattern continues from the early days at LaValla till now:  broad dreams, even larger faith, little to work with, yet marvels emerging from hard work and undogged determination.  Never wealthy, never wanting, following the directive of Mary:  "Do whatever he tells you."  (John 2:5).   Marcellin stressed the presence of God; we know it is with us, and so is his.  Thank you, St. Marcellin, our Founder, Model, and Father/Brother.
Bro. Rene