St. Marcellin Champagnat by Sneha Reju https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a Sneha Reju en-us 2018-05-14 03:25:03 UTC 2023-03-18 11:52:14 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Removelove.png 1. An outline of Marcellin Champagnat's life 21rejus https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/264926821 Joseph Benedict Marcellin Champagnat was born in Le Rosey, a village in Marlhes, France in the year of 1789, during the French Revolution. He was born into a poor family, which meant they were mostly farmers and money was tight. He also grew up in a strongly religious family, this is where his faith in Mary grew strong. 

Marcellin's concern for the education of children and young people was embedded in his own education. As a result of the French Revolution, Marcellin was not able to get an education until he was 11 years old, and that experience only lasted one day as he had witnessed a teacher beating a student for answering the question which was directed at Marcellin. He did not return after that day for formal education until he joined the seminary at the age of 16. Although Marcellin was intelligent by nature, he struggled as a result of his former poor education. It was his perseverance and determination that helped him reach the academic requirements. 

After becoming a priest, he was called to a seventeen-year-old boy, Jean-Baptiste Montagne, who was dying. Marcellin found out that this boy had never learnt the most basic elements of the Christian faith and this affected Marcellin deeply. The death of this young boy was tragic to Marcellin, but it was more so that he died with no knowledge of Christian faith that affected Marcellin. He decided to act and ensure no one else would suffer the same fate. This event more than any other event was what set Marcellin on the path to founding the brothers. His goal was to make Jesus known and loved among young children, especially to those who were neglected.  So in 1817, he founded 'Little brothers of Mary' order (today known as The Marist Brothers of the Schools). He founded the order as a way to oppose the literacy and spiritual poverty among young people after the French Revolution. Marcellin believed that God called him to help young people and people in need, he answered this call by forming a religious community of brothers dedicated to educating youth and showing the love of Jesus through Mary.  Today Marist brothers are located in 79 countries across North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Oceania. St Marcellin Champagnat has the title of the patron saint of teachers and education. ]]> 2018-06-01 02:08:14 UTC https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/264926821 2. Biblical Criticism 21rejus https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/264931184
Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

 This is a verse found in the New Testament book of Matthew 5:14-16. This verse conveys a message to the reader of letting our light shine. This verse explains the importance of doing good, following Jesus’s good example and our need to lead others to the good will of God. By using the analogy of a lit lamp being put on a stand instead of under a bowl, so it gives light to everyone in the house. This line emphasises the central message of showing the good in us instead of changing ourselves to fit the needs of ourselves. We must radiate the goodness within us to help others and not hold it in. In the verse it also has the line saying we must let our light shine before others so they may see our good deeds and glorify our father in heaven. “That they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This line means that people will also be inspired and impacted upon by your good deeds and start to glorify God. 

This verse is shining through everything Marcellin Champagnat has done. He has shown his good will and helped many people, he has also inspired people to glorify the father in heaven. The message behind everything Marcellin Champagnat has done reflects back to this verse. He heard the call of God and responded by forming a religious order, through this religious order many people have and currently are, able to get an education and know and learn about God.

Behind the Text
This verse was taught by Jesus to the disciples. It implies that in the past most people were more unaware of showing good will. It also shows that this was a time of when belief in God was starting to develop as it says "...glorify your Father in heaven." Jesus was educating them and leading them on the right path towards God. Even though it such a simple verse it has a very powerful message behind it.

 The World of Text
The world of the text in this verse is written in a simple way to convey the message of good will and helping others. In this verse it uses the analogy of a lit lamp never being put under a bowl and instead it being put on its stand so people can see its light. As the lamp in story, we must also show our light; the good within us, and lead others to God. We cannot keep our light hidden under a bowl; change ourselves for others. We must be ourselves and live a life according to the will of God.

The World in Front of the Text
This verse can relate to any aspect of our lives, even if we are not religious. The underlying message behind this message is to show our good will and help others on the right path. It is such a simple verse with a very powerful message. It is very inspirational and written in a way that anyone can understand it and follow through with it. Everyone in the world today can find this verse inspirational to some aspect of their daily lives.

]]> 2018-06-01 02:36:30 UTC https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/264931184 4. Marcellin's writings 21rejus https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/265120903 "I cannot see a child without wanting to tell them how much God loves them" - Marcellin Champagnat 

This is a very simple quote by Marcellin Champagnat, but it shows Marcellin's good nature and love for God and children. As he is very passionate about education for children and for children to have the knowledge of G od, this quote sums up his passion. Marcellin Champagnat goal was for God to be known among young people and to give them an education. This quote proves his passion towards this goal and achieving it. 

 Marcellin to the Brothers Community in Millery 
(Letter 16, 15 August 1830)
Don't be frightened; Mary is our defender. The hairs of our head are all counted, and not one of them can fall without God's permission. Let us be totally convinced that we have no greater enemy than ourselves. Only we can hurt ourselves; no one else can. God has said to the wicked, 'You can go just so far and no farther'.

This letter was written by Marcellin Champagnat to the brothers community in Millery. He is writing saying not to be frightened and that Mary is our defender. This suggests that they are in some sort of distress or going through hard times and Marcellin is giving them comfort and support. As Marcellin's whole life revolved around mother Mary and Jesus, this letter justifies his love for Mary and Jesus. 

Marcellin to Br Antoine
(Letter 17, 10 September 1830)
Do not be afraid of anything, dear friends; we have God to defend us. No one can harm us if God does not let him. Despite the rage which hell stirs up against the Church, that Church is founded on a rock and nothing can shake it. It is never more beautiful than when it is persecuted. So let us abandon ourselves to the wise and loving guidance of Divine Providence. 

This letter was written to Brother Antoine. The words 'Do not be afraid of anything, dear friends'  suggests that  they are afraid of something or have been hurt as in the next line it says 'We have god to defend us'. Not only is this an act of consolation it also shows Marcellin's love for God. He puts everything in Gods hands and believes strongly that God will look after us. He also says to the brother to give himself to the loving guidance of Divine Providence.
]]> 2018-06-02 02:06:42 UTC https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/265120903 3. Prayers and Spiritual practices of the reformer. 21rejus https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/265127963 Prayer of Marcellin Champagnat
Mary, my Good Mother, I am called here to do good:
I can achieve nothing without the assistance of your divine son,
and yours as well.
This is why I ask you to help me.
I ask you to be with me, directing my hands, my words,
my heart, my whole person.
And when I am faced with some difficulties,
Good Mother, I will entrust them to you
though I myself will do all that depends on me.
I offer and commend to you, all that will be entrusted to me.
Amen.

This a prayer significant to Marcellin Champagnat as his faith was revolved around his love for Mary. From a young age he had faith in Jesus and Mary and this faith was what inspired him on his journey to founding the 'Little Brothers of Mary'. Even the original name of his community of brothers was named after Mary, this implies how important Mother Mary is too Marcellin. 

Spiritual Rituals
Marcellin's favourite focus of spirituality was the practice of the presence of God. The practice of the presence of God is believing with a firm and genuine faith that God is everywhere, showing his good works, mercy and glory. Marcellin believed that if we believed God's love and forgiveness were everywhere, we have nothing to fear. Marcellin thought of this practice as the basis of our spiritual life and also recommended this practice to his fellow brothers.

The Practice of the Presence of God

1. Seeing God in God’s creatures, with praise and blessing…Placing our trust in Providence, and expecting from God’s Providence the help required in all our difficulties and needs.

2.Taking Jesus as a model in our actions; keeping in mind his virtues, his suffering, his way of dealing with persons; striving to act as he did, or would have done, in all circumstances.

3.Offering all our actions to God and seeking in all things the greater glory of God.

4.Saying short, fervent prayers often during the day and in our wakeful moments at night.

5.Keeping ourselves in the state of grace; watching over our thoughts, words and entire conduct so that nothing is said or done against conscience and offensive to God; combating temptations by the thought: GOD SEES ME.
]]> 2018-06-02 05:41:19 UTC https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/265127963 5. Investigation of Church responses in the 19th century that inspired the reformer. 21rejus https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/266378088 During the French revolution there were many religious persecutions resulting in the death of many priests. Leaders were anxious to find more suitable young men and boys. The archbishop of Lyon issued an order to find new men to welcome into the priesthood. As a result of this order, a priest was dispatched from a local seminary to Le Rosey to see if there was anyone that would take up the religious life. Calling on the Champagnat's, he inquired if there were any boys interested in the priesthood. Marcellin was greatly moved by the persecutions and decided to accept. This was the response Marcellin was inspired by to start his religious journey.
 
Amoris Laetitia section 7 para 288 - Passing on the faith

Education in the faith has to adapt to each child, since older resources and recipes do not always work. Children need symbols, actions and stories. Since adolescents usually have issues with authority and rules, it is best to encourage their own experience of faith and to provide them with attractive testimonies that win them over by their sheer beauty.

Parents desirous of nurturing the faith of their children are sensitive to their patterns of growth, for they know that spiritual experience is not imposed but freely proposed. It is essential that children actually see that, for their parents, prayer is something truly important.

Hence moments of family prayer and acts of devotion can be more powerful for evangelization than any catechism class or sermon. Here I would like to express my particular gratitude to all those mothers who continue to pray, like Saint Monica, for their children who have strayed from Christ. 


This passage in the Amoris Laetitia has a close relation to the works of Marcellin Champagnat. Marcellin Champagnat's purpose in life was to make God known among young people and to give an education to those in need. In this passage it justifies his purpose of making God known among children. In this passage they are specific about knowing God through prayer. Prayer was a very important part to Marcellin Champagnat’s life, most of his prayers revolved around Mary of Jesus. If Marcellin Champagnat had a chance to see this encyclical he would have fully agreed with the necessity of prayer amongst young people. 

]]> 2018-06-08 23:25:42 UTC https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/266378088 6. Priestly, Prophetic and Kingly works 21rejus https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/266401001 Priestly works of Marcellin Champagnat
Priestly works of Jesus were reflected in Marcellin's life on a daily basis. To start with Marcellin Champagnat strongly believed in Mary and Jesus. His belief started at a young age and his whole life was revolved around them. Marcellin followed through with prayer and spiritual on a daily basis showing his strong faith and belief in God. Prayer was also essential during the stages of his studies to become a priest, as he struggled. Not only was his priestly works shown through prayer but also the goal to educate young children about God, wanting them to know and love God for his wonderful works. Not only did he give himself to the children and God but also his fellow brothers at the seminary. He shared his passion with them and together they were able to officially open the Marist School in 1818.

Prophetic works of Marcellin Champagnat
The meaning of a prophet is to be a proclaimer of the will of God. Jesus sent out his disciples to teach people about God and his wonderful works, he also taught parables and other valuable stories. Marcellin thrived to provide an education for the poor and needy, he heard his call from God and wanted little children to know how much God loved them. Marcellin gave an education to young children and helped his fellow brothers to embrace the love of Mary and God. He fulfilled his purpose through prophetic works of educating. Not only did he establish an education for poor children, he also made sure that the learning environment was friendly and welcoming. Through these actions Marcellin Champagnat has reflected acts of a prophet.

Kingly works of Marcellin Champagnat 
Kingly works refer to being a leader and leading people towards a life of virtue, God and heaven. Marcellin Champagnat showed through his works that he showed the kingly works of Jesus. He led his fellow brothers to love Mother Mary and Jesus and to show this love to Children. Not only did he lead his brothers and children he founded the Marist Brothers, and now it has expanded to over 79 countries worldwide. Kings can be good role models, and Marcellin Champagnat was a role model to the children and to his fellow brothers because of his love for God and simplicity. It was evident through his works that Marcellin showed many qualities of the kingly works of Jesus. 



]]> 2018-06-09 10:04:13 UTC https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/266401001 7. A 21st century group continuing the works of Marcellin Champagnat 21rejus https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/266432270 In the 21 century to reflect priestly, prophetic and kingly roles of Jesus you have to have faith. The 21st-century is very different to the time of Marcellin Champagnat. The century we live in is so focused on materialistic objects that we fail to profess our faith to God. Some ways people can shows priestly, prophetic and kingly roles of Jesus are fairly simple ways that anyone can achieve. Priestly roles can be shown through the study of religion, this will further our knowledge in God. We can also go to church and show priestly works. Prophetic can be shown through when we tell others about God and help them understand. We can show kingly works by leading people on the right path towards God. 

A 21st- century group that continues on the three works based on Marcellin Champagnat is ‘The Marist Brothers’. This foundation is an international Religious Institute of the Catholic Church founded by St. Marcellin Champagnat. The members give themselves to God like Mary and Marcellin did, through the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Their dedication is shown through their service, especially to the young. The goal of Marcellin Champagnat was to make God known and loved among young children. Over time this has been possible as a result of a welcoming education and a friendly learning environment. Currently there are close to 3500 brothers working in 82 countries on 5 continents. They share their spirituality and mission with more than 40 000 lay people, and together educate close to 500,000 children and young people, making God known and loved among them. This shows that through all their works they reflect the priestly, prophetic and kingly missions based on Marcellin Champagnat. Together with Marcellin Champagnat’s belief and love for God, the Marist Brothers have affected many lives across the world. 

]]> 2018-06-09 21:16:51 UTC https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/266432270 Bibliography 21rejus https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/266434869 References
 
Crux Staff. (2016). Amoris Laetitia, chapter 7 – Towards a better education of children. Retrieved from
https://cruxnow.com/church/2016/04/08/amoris-laetitia-chapter-7-towards-a-better-education-of-children/ 

Marist Brothers Australia. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.maristbrothers.org.au/home-1

Marist High, School. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.champagnat.org/e_maristas/livros_recebidos/Marist_Illuminations_Prayer_Book_Vol_I.pdf 

Online, C .(2018). St. Marcellin Champagnat - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online. Retrieved from https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id%20=5612 

Sammon, D. S. (1999). A Heart That Knew No Bounds.Retrieved from http://www.champagnat.org/e_maristas/marcelino_biografia/Champagnat_Sean_HeartNoBounds_en.pdf 

Zirkel, P. (2008). Album_template. Retrieved from http://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/essays/relections%20for%20laity%20becoming%20a%20marist.htm

Image Attributions

Online, C. (n.d.). St. Marcellin Champagnat - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online [Photograph]. Retrieved from
https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id%20=5612 

Jones, E. N. (n.d.). Am I a Prophet, Priest, or King? A Hidden All-Male Leadership Typology Many Church Planters Are Bringing to Boston - Missio Alliance [Photograph].Retrieved from https://www.missioalliance.org/am-i-a-prophet-priest-or-king-a-hidden-all-male-leadership-typology-many-church-planters-are-bringing-to-boston/

St. Marcellin Champagnat: Let the saints guide our Catholic teaching and education. (2011). Retrieved from http://everydayforlifecanada.blogspot.com/2011/12/st-marcellin-champagnat-let-saints.html 


]]> 2018-06-09 22:08:09 UTC https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/266434869 St Marcellin Champagnat 21rejus https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/266436128 2018-06-09 22:44:15 UTC https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/266436128 St Marcellin with children 21rejus https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/266436380 2018-06-09 22:51:12 UTC https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/266436380 21rejus https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/266436533 2018-06-09 22:56:41 UTC https://padlet.com/21rejus/m68ks9krr1a/wish/266436533