On May 20, we celebrated the birth of the founder of the Marist Institute, Marcellin José Bento Champagnat. Born in Rosey, in the French countryside, Marcellin was born in 1789 during the French Revolution.

Living in times of changing society has led Champagnat to develop a restless and tireless spirit always in search of a more just and humane world. Committed to this desire, in 1817 he founded the Institute of the Little Brothers of Mary. In a short time, the institution was consolidated. At the time, more than 48 schools were created to benefit 7,000 students in rural France.

Today, the Marist Institute follows the mission without borders left by its founder more than 200 years ago. The work of Brothers, Laypeople and collaborators, anchored in the Marist charism, benefits millions of people in 81 countries on five continents.

Inspired by Champagnat's life mission and his courage to face different adversities, we can have the strength to overcome difficult times and continue fulfilling our role of collaborating with the construction of a more fraternal and humane society.

Source: Marist Network