Happy 200th!

Today, the Marist Brothers of the Schools around the world are celebrating the 200th anniversary of their founding on January 2, 1817 in LaValla sur Gier, France.  The young Father Marcellin Champagnat welcomed Jean-Marie Granjon and Jean-Baptiste Audras into a modest house he had purchased and renovated with borrowed money to begin implementing his dream of a congregation of brothers to instruct young people in the Catholic Faith. From this telling moment, and despite many obstacles and apparent "disasters" this little congregation has now become global, with schools and apostolates in over 80 countries.  From these first two members to over 3,400, the congregation looks forward to greater growth with the incorporation of "Lay Marists" into our schools and communities. The mission remains the same:  to make Jesus known and loved" with the added dimension of putting a Marial Face on the Church.  St. Marcellin held Mary as his model in faith and action and considered her the first superior of the Congregation..  Today, more emphasis and reliance is being put on Mary and there is renewed fervor and dedication to her as Mother and educator of Jesus. In imitating her faith, obedience to God's will and motherly nurturing and compassion, the future looks brighter than ever for the Congregation and the Church.  Let us join today with the thousands of Marists around the world who are celebrating and giving thanks for this dynamic gift to the Church.
Bro. Rene