Our identity is inspired by our founder Marcellin Champagnat’s ideal, and by our unique style: we are faithful followers of Jesus in Mary’s way. To be Marists of Champagnat means to make our lives a full witness of faith; to show and demonstrate welcoming presence through our lives, and to lead a fraternal life of closeness and service, especially to those most in need.
Our institution is a great charismatic global family, through which we break down geographical boundaries and remain connected. All Marists are united by a common vision of the world, a shared mission and common values. Being Champagnat’s Marists is a passionate, lifelong commitment to the world.
To be Marists of Champagnat implies a life of spirituality, with a Marian and apostolic dimension; a spirituality which springs from the tradition of Saint Marcellin Champagnat and the first Brothers as a precious inheritance that is cared for, maintained and updated generation after generation. Through the document Water from the Rock you can get to know this Marist spirituality that is summarised by the motto “All to Jesus through Mary, All to Mary for Jesus”. It is about living according to the style of Mary, the Good Mother, who plays an essential role in the history of salvation, but without being the protagonist. This style represents the values of humility, simplicity and modesty which mark our commitment to our Founder’s project, and to realize it in Mary’s style: bringing the world of God to the world, with a vocation of service and good treatment.
To be Marists of Champagnat supposes a community life, because to live the Marist charism with others is to live an experience of communion. Religious, lay, mixed communities; open communities of brothers and lay people in mission projects, inter-congregational communities, fraternities; brothers and lay people, all disciples of Marcellin, we consecrate our lives to the ideal of our Founder and we respond to God’s call to live Champagnat’s charism in community. The essence of our faith resides in this community life, in this living out of a continuous process of searching, of journeying along the path of faith through dialogue, prayer and discernment. Sharing life is a powerful part of the human and spiritual growth of every Marist.
