Marcellin Champagnat

Summary

The script narrates the life of Mar Salan, a French priest who founded the Marist Brothers to educate children, especially the most in need, in a Christian way. Born in 1789, Salan's early struggles with education and his spiritual awakening led to a life dedicated to serving others. Despite challenges and setbacks, his commitment to the faith and his mission to spread the Gospel through education persisted. Mar Salan was canonized in 1999, and his legacy continues to inspire new beginnings in the Marist community.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Marcellin Champagnat was born in 1789, the same year as the French Revolution, and was influenced by the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• 🙏 His mother Marie and Aunt Louise played significant roles in his religious awakening and spiritual journey.
• 📚 Marcellin was a poor student and initially struggled with his studies, but eventually found his calling to become a priest.
• 🔄 After failing to enter the priesthood initially, he was encouraged by a visiting priest and the support of his family to continue his education.
• 💼 Marcellin's experience with rearing lambs and the words of a priest inspired him to pursue a life dedicated to serving others.
• 🏫 He founded the Society of Mary, with a focus on spreading faith and education, particularly to the uneducated and marginalized.
• 🌱 The Marist Brothers began humbly in a small house, with the first members being trained by Marcellin himself.
• 🛠 The Marist Brothers were known for their practical skills, such as making nails, to support themselves and their mission.
• 🏛 The establishment of 'La Valla' marked a significant milestone for the Marist Brothers, serving as a training ground for new members.
• 🌎 Despite facing opposition and personal health challenges, Marcellin persevered in his mission to educate children in a Christian way.
• 🔗 The Marist Brothers expanded their work globally, with the first Marist martyr, Pierre Chanel, going to Oceania.
• 🛑 Marcellin Champagnat passed away on June 6, 1840, but his legacy lived on through the continued work of the Marist Brothers.
• 👑 St. Marcellin Champagnat was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1999, recognizing his sainthood and contributions to the Church.
• 🔄 The Marist Brothers continue to adapt and evolve, embracing the spirit of Marcellin in their work, even in changing times.
• 🌟 The Marist family now includes lay people, expanding the reach and impact of their mission to spread the Gospel.

Q & A

Who is Mar Salan and what is significant about his birth year?

Mar Salan is the subject of the script, a religious figure who was born in the same year as the French Revolution in 1789. This historical connection is significant as it places him in a time of great social and political change.

What values did Mar Salan's father want him to uphold?

Mar Salan's father wanted him to defend the values of Liberty, equality, and fraternity, which are fundamental principles of the French Revolution.

What were the influences on Mar Salan's religious awakening?

Mar Salan's religious awakening was influenced by his mother, Marie, his Aunt Louise, and a visiting priest whose words made a striking impression on him.

Why did Mar Salan decide to become a priest?

Mar Salan decided to become a priest after being deeply moved by the words of a visiting priest, feeling it was God's will for him.

What challenges did Mar Salan face in his early education and seminary life?

Mar Salan faced challenges such as being a bad student, being older than his classmates, and initially failing in his studies at the seminary.

What was the original project that Mar Salan was part of, and what was one part he felt was missing?

The original project Mar Salan was part of was the Society of Mary, aimed at spreading the faith through missions. Mar Salan felt that teaching in France was missing from the original project.

When and where were Mar Salan and his companions ordained?

Mar Salan and his companions were ordained on the 22nd of July, 1816, and the following day they went to the shrine of Vierier.

What significant event led Mar Salan to decide that education was essential for children?

The death of a young man named Montana, who had never been to school and knew nothing about God, deeply affected Mar Salan and led him to decide that educating children in a Christian way was essential.

What was the name given to the institute Mar Salan founded, and what was its purpose?

The institute was named the 'House of the Little Brothers of Mary' and its purpose was to educate children, especially the most in need, in a Christian way.

What challenges did Mar Salan face in his mission to educate children?

Mar Salan faced challenges such as interference, jealousy, and discrediting from others, as well as his own serious illness.

How was Mar Salan recognized by the Catholic Church, and what is the significance of his canonization?

Mar Salan was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1999, which signifies that the Catholic Church recognizes him as a saint, acknowledging his life and work as an exemplary model of holiness.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Early Life and Spiritual Awakening of Marcellin Champagnat

The first paragraph introduces Marcellin Champagnat, born in 1789 during the French Revolution, and his early life's influences, particularly from his mother, Marie, and Aunt Louise. Despite being a poor student and shy, Marcellin's encounter with a visiting priest sparked his desire to become a priest. He faced initial failures but eventually joined the minor seminary at Vierzon, where he was older than his peers. His commitment to his studies and spiritual life led to the foundation of the Society of Mary, with a focus on spreading faith through missions.

05:03

🌱 The Birth of the Marist Brothers and Educational Mission

The second paragraph details the establishment of the Marist Brothers by Marcellin Champagnat, who was deeply affected by the death of a young man named Montana. Recognizing the need for Christian education, especially for the most in need, Champagnat founded the Institute of the Marist Brothers on January 2, 1817. The institute began humbly with a focus on training the first brothers and providing education to children. Despite facing disappointments and challenges, the Marist Brothers expanded, opening schools and continuing their mission of education and spiritual guidance.

10:04

🙏 Legacy and Expansion of the Marist Brothers' Work

The third paragraph discusses the legacy of St. Marcellin Champagnat and the ongoing work of the Marist Brothers. It highlights the canonization of Champagnat by Pope John Paul II in 1999 and the evolution of the Marist family to include lay members. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing times while maintaining the original mission of spreading the Gospel and providing education and support to those in need, with a special mention of the Marist Brothers' efforts to reach the farthest peripheries.

Keywords

💡Revolution

The term 'Revolution' in the script refers to a significant change in political, social, or economic structures. It is used in the context of the French Revolution of 1789, which is a historical event that had a profound impact on the protagonist's life and the values he upholds, such as liberty, equality, and fraternity.

💡Liberty, Equality, Fraternity

These are the core values of the French Revolution and are mentioned in the script as ideals that the protagonist is encouraged to defend. They represent the pursuit of freedom, fairness, and unity, which are central to the theme of the video and the protagonist's character development.

💡Catechism

Catechism refers to a summary of the principles of Christian religion taught to catechumens or learners. In the script, it is used to describe the religious teachings that the protagonist provides to others, emphasizing the importance of religious education in his life and mission.

💡Society of Mary

The Society of Mary, also known as the Marist Brothers, is a religious institute founded by the protagonist. The script mentions the protagonist's plan to establish this society as a means to spread faith and education, highlighting the organization's role in the video's narrative.

💡Marist Brothers

The Marist Brothers is the name given to the members of the Institute of the Marist Brothers, founded by the protagonist. The script describes the establishment of this group and their mission to educate children in a Christian way, showing the expansion and impact of their work.

💡Priest

A priest is a religious leader authorized to perform the sacred rituals of a religion, especially in the Christian context. The protagonist's desire to become a priest is a central theme in the script, illustrating his spiritual journey and commitment to serving God and the community.

💡Religious Awakening

Religious awakening refers to a profound spiritual experience that leads to a renewed commitment to religious faith. The script describes the protagonist's religious awakening, influenced by his mother and Aunt Louise, which shapes his life's purpose and dedication to religious service.

💡Education

Education in the script is portrayed as a vital tool for the protagonist to fulfill his mission. It is emphasized as a means to teach and spread Christian values, especially to the most in-need children, reflecting the importance of knowledge and faith in the video's message.

💡Martyr

A martyr is someone who suffers persecution and death for their religious beliefs. The script mentions Pierre Chanel, the first Marist martyr, symbolizing the sacrifices made by the Marist Brothers in their mission, reinforcing the theme of commitment and selflessness.

💡Canonization

Canonization is the process by which the Catholic Church declares a deceased person to be a saint. The script mentions the canonization of Mar Salan by Pope John Paul II, recognizing his saintly life and contributions to the Church, and marking a significant event in the Marist Brothers' history.

💡Gospel

The Gospel refers to the message of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the teachings of Jesus. In the script, the Gospel is mentioned as the light that the Marist Brothers aim to spread to the farthest peripheries, emphasizing the evangelizing mission of the institute.

Highlights

Mar Salan's innocent question to his Aunt Louise about the revolution and her response about defending liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Mar Salan's birth in the same year as the revolution and the influence of his mother and Aunt Louise on his religious awakening.

Mar Salan's struggle with education and his decision to become a priest after a visit from a priest.

Mar Salan's experience at the minor seminary, being older than his classmates and eventually being sent back home.

Mar Salan's determination to study hard and become a good priest, supported by his mother and Aunt Louise.

Mar Salan's progress in his studies and spiritual life, and his plan to found the Society of Mary.

The importance of teaching in France, which was not originally part of the Society of Mary's project but considered by Mar Salan.

Mar Salan's and Champet's ordination and their entrustment to the Virgin Mary for the future of the Society of Mary.

Champet's assignment to Laval and Mar Salan's plea to the Virgin Mary for guidance and support.

Mar Salan's realization of the need for Brothers to educate children in a Christian way, especially the most in need.

The founding of the Institute of the Marist Brothers and the establishment of the first house for training.

Mar Salan's challenges with disappointments, interference, and jealousy, and his recovery to continue educating children.

The growth of the Marist community and the expansion of schools, reflecting Mar Salan's dedication to education.

Mar Salan's approach to education, emphasizing the need to love and treat all children equally.

The request from the Superior General of the Marist Fathers for Brothers to go to Oceania, and Mar Salan's desire to contribute.

Pierre Chanel's martyrdom as the first Marist and the impact it had on Mar Salan and the community.

Mar Salan's selection as the successor by the majority and his commitment to live like the Marist brothers for Jesus through Mary.

Mar Salan's canonization by Pope John Paul II and the legacy of the Marist movement 200 years after its founding.

The challenge and new beginning for the Marist community, embracing the Champagnat style in changing times.

The inclusion of lay people in the Marist family, which was not possible in the early days, and the expansion of the Marist mission.

The Marist community's goal to reach the farthest peripheries with the light of the Gospel, offering life and meaning as Mar Salan did.

Transcripts

Mar Salan

[Music]

champag Auntie what's the revolution a

person or a wild animal masalan chat's

innocent question to his Aunt Louise

makes a

smile but David it makes

[Music]

sense hey marelon you're a young man now

you were born the same year as the

revolution in 1789 on the 20th of May I

defend all that's good about Liberty

equality and fraternity but I'm

horrified that there's so much cruelty

daddy worries about the atrocities that

could take place in mares and they

respect him learn from him and you'll be

good and just I'd like to and mommy is

teaching me to pray to the Virgin so

that I can be like that here where

marselan was caught in a huge snowstorm

I'd like to look back with you Evelyn

and David at his life his mother Marie

terz Shira and Aunt Louise her

sister-in-law were very influential in

Marcel's religious Awakening he was a

bad student right Juan see for

yourselves he was very shy and on his

first day at

school

marcelin come up and read can I

begin I didn't ask

you how unfair I'm not coming back so

yesterday was your first and last day of

school all right but you'll help me on

the farm and the

mill he had success rearing Lambs but

one day the words of a visiting priest

made a striking impression on him I'm

really sure now that I want to become a

priest it's God's will that's been

difficult to accept you have to study

hard you have very little education but

we have faith in you he went to the

minor seminary in virier being 16 he was

older than his classmates and was a

member of the happy gang he failed that

year and they sent him back home what a

[Music]

disaster

mother we prayed together to sanan

franois Reis in the shrine I really want

to study hard so as to become a good

priest I'll help you Marcela so that you

can get back into

verier so that's what happened his

conduct was excellent his studies were

mediocre no wonder he had a lot of

failures finally he got into the St era

seminary in

Leon

[Music]

this is a really good group they'll be

talked about in the future I admire

champet he has made such progress in his

studies in his spiritual life such

determination to reach out to the most

uneducated Lads in the holidays young

people and adults don't miss a word of

his

catechism I like your plan to found the

Society of Mary

K a tree with many branches so as to

spread the faith in Mission LS but I

think one very important part is missing

teaching here in France it wasn't inv

visaged in the original project but

we'll think about it they were ordained

on the 22nd of July

1816 the following day they went up to

the shrine of

forier our lady we come to entrust the

future Society of Mary to you marela

returned alone with One Plea to the

virgin

we need

Brothers champet was sent to lavala as

assistant to the parish priest he caught

sight of the church bell

tower I am a poor sinner but you entrust

me with your flock Lord with your mercy

and the help of Mary I will do my utmost

for my parishioners showing a lot of

kindness to all of

them on a cold Autumn night a young man

came to find

him monila is a very rugged area but

Montan is seriously ill you're a good

lad Shan Marie and you've listened to

his poor mother's request let's

go only 17 and he's dying he's never

been to school and knows nothing about

God we've been abandoned here for so

many years he consoled him lovingly and

spoke to him him about

God you don't know him but God has

always loved you and you will be happy

with him Jean Baptist you are in his

hands I'll come back

soon Montana's death made a big

impression on marela and on his return

he made the decision of his

lifetime we need Brothers it is

essential to educate children in a

Christian way especially the most in

need

with your blessing good mother I begin

humbly I'll take care of your training

you Jean Marie gron and you Jean

baptisto Tas will be the first brothers

and this small house your home shall we

give it a name yes we'll make a sign

saying House of the little brothers of

Mary on the 2nd of January 1817 The

Institute of the Marist Brothers was

born quietly like a small Bud which

promised

life that is how God

[Music]

works how clever we are making nails to

earn our living and how well father

Marcela has taught us now that we have

more Brothers the children's classes are

going very well looking praying studying

lots of things we live with

joy

[Music]

oh we've given Comfort to Our Sick

brother and now you can't

succumb I've hardly any

strength remember oh most gracious

Virgin

[Music]

Mary

they're coming to rescue us thank you

good

mother with the help of corve maalam

managed to buy a plot of Rocky land near

the river J we work hard it's important

to help out we do it with enthusiasm

father and with the sweat of our

brow laala is the Cradle the heritage is

the family home happily inaugurated this

month of May in

1825 you were the first to have your

formation here after

lavala there were already 30 and the

schools continued to open Marc Salan

also had to put up with a lot of

disappointments interference and

jealousy from coril upset him and

discredited him he eventually became

seriously ill but he recovered and got

going again to educate children you have

to love them and love them all

[Music]

equally we've been through some

difficult years both inside and outside

the congregation Colin Superior general

of the Marist fathers is asking me for

brothers to go to

[Music]

oania how I'd love to go with you Pierre

I'm going happily I'll give it my all

Pierre Chanel was the first marised

[Music]

martyr I thank God that it is you

franois who has been chosen by a

majority to be my

successor when I met you father Marcela

I was nine and your catechism for the

first communion impressed

me and you soon added to the small

initial Community becoming the sixth

marest

[Music]

brother at Daybreak on the 6th of June

1840 Marcela chanat began the

everlasting life in our father's house

we will live like you all for Jesus

Through Mary all to Mary for

Jesus Mar Salan was canonized by Pope

John Paul II in

1999 200 years after the founding of the

Marist we have a

challenge a new

beginning well we have a lot of new

beginnings of course we're not starting

from zero but it's about taking on the

champan style in our Changing Times you

are an excellent lay Marist Evelyn it's

true now lay people can become part of

the Marist family which was impossible

in the early days Montana affected

shagat what would that mean today

multiplying the interest and effort so

as to to get to the farthest peripheries

that need the light of the Gospel with

Mary go in haste to a new

land and we want to contribute so that

many of our brothers live in strength

light the consolation of our friendship

with Jesus Christ offering a prospect of

life and meaning just as St Maran

champan did in his

[Music]

day

[Music]

h