Marcellin Champagnat was born in 1789 in Le Rosey during the horrific events of the French Revolution (St Gregs, 2019). Born into a peasant family, Marcellin lived with his mother, father, 4 brothers and 4 sisters and his aunt, and spent most of his life assisting his family. He did not endeavour towards education and employment as he put his efforts into supporting his family (St Gregs, 2019). Marcellin’s belief and undying faith with God and Mother Mary became a part of his everyday life and he would pray for their guidance and support (St Gregs, 2019). The French Revolution brought upon economic, social and political upheavals between the classes, particularly towards the struggles and disadvantages given to the peasants and labour workers (MARIST BROTHERS PROVINCE of AUSTRALIA, 2017). The treatment of the peasants and the lack of basic human rights (Lumen candela, 2020) motivated Marcellin to seek the spiritual guidance from God as he undertook his education towards priesthood. When Marcellin began the Marist Brothers, his main priority was to bring a home to all the young country boys who were faced with the same childhood Marcellin experienced, a life of poverty, hunger and strife. By providing these young boys with a decent education and a loving family, Marcellin was able to ignite a beacon of hope within their lives (Crowe, Jeffrey. Vignau, Henri, 1998).

 

Marcellin presented many phrophetic tasks in his lifetime and spoke up for the injustices towards child labour and the lack of basic human rights. Part of Marcellin’s duty was to endeavour out into the greater community and discuss the inequities they faced. Marcellin spoke of the poor treatment of boys and how their little knowledge of the world and the faith that surrounds them dwindle because they don’t have access to education facilities. Marcellin continued his movement as he built his order for the education of young boys and sometimes he had to accept that some people, whose greed and sinfulness blinded their spirituality and faith, will not agree to the idea Marcellin was proposing and will forever appose the need for change. Marcellin accepted this willingly and continued his work, knowing that what he was doing was right and just and God will reward him for the good deeds he is sharing with the young generations.

 

Marcellin gained much influence and power within his order that the kingly roles he accomplished reflected the kindness and peace of his heart. Marcellin’s mission was directed by God and the way he performed it resulted in him being able to surround himself with commited and devoted followers. Every word he used to express the Kingdom of God promoted everyone to love one another as they are, not what you want them to be. Marcellin taught his followers that we should love one another for our identity, good nature and the strength of our love and kindness. This teaching has allowed the Marist Brothers to except themselves as who they are and uncover the mysteries of the love God provides them. Marcellin’s leadership and influence over his years of teaching and educating young men has resulted in a community where everyone loves one another and the drive and inspiration to spread hope and faith into the religious communities they encounter on their individual journies.

Schools in our society today like Marcellin College continue to take similar participations in the preiestly, prophetic and kingly roles of Jesus. Marcellin College takes part in the priestly roles of Jesus by being together as one loving family and staying committed to the work of Marcellin and Mary. The college aims to be caring and a genuine to one another and, like Marcellin, they relate to one another as brothers and sisters within the foundations of the faith and spirt, and they are tought that the acceptance and belonging of one another will prevail. They value the need to help one another in learning and know that everyone in the family has the sense of being belonged and valued, in which they all trust, forgive and reconcile one another. Mary is the perfect model for the Marist education and the college are inspired to imitate her tenderness, strength and devotion to faith. Her mission as a mother and educator within the Christian communities demonostrated her solidarity she shared with the needy and suffering. Marcellin College walks in the footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat as they unite together as one family and educated by the teachings of the life Marcellin shared with his fellow brothers on his journey.

 

 

Marcellin College participates in the prophetic roles of Jesus by recognising the social justices faced by communities around the word and how it has ruptured the faith people once believed in. The college’s mission is to seek to work for those less fortunate than ourselves and offer them an opportunity to develop their individual gifts so that everyone may gow together in faith. They educate young men to recognise this in our communities through providing examples of the issues Marcellin faced in his missionary. Through the struggles and setbacks Marcellin faced, the boys may understand that some do not want this change to happen, as they think that the world is perfect as it is. However, it is also an important lesson for all to know, because God is our witness and the messages everyone receives from Him are true and will make a difference in our spiritual communities.

 

 

Marcellin College displayed the kingly roles of Jesus by providing a strong influence through the teachings of Marcellin’s life. His life can be considered as one that was completely devoted to faith and the education of poor and lay people. His missionary began so that he could fulfill the task God sent him to do. Marcellin College experiences the same story through each boys experience in college life. They are taught the values of simplicity, education, love, community and hope and are urged to emerge and rise towards a greater goal. One where they can seek the less fortunate and provide comfort. Marcellin’s story has had great influence and power over the Marist educations around the world and thouasands of young boys are given the opportunity to grow and become spiritually connected with Mary, just as he once did. 

A letter written by Marcellin in the January of 1836 is a true representation of the kind nature of Marcellin and the care he has for his fellow brothers. Marcellin wrote this letter to express his joy and gratitude towards the dedication his fellow brothers continue to display as they expand his missionary across the world. This letter was written to truly thank Marcellin’s followers for continuing his mission throughout different societies around the world. The dedication the brothers are putting towards the expansion of the Marist education indicates that Marcellin has been sharing faith, hope and love with his followers so much, that they too, seek to follow in his footsteps. The main audience Marcellin wrote to was his brothers. Knowing that this letter will reach many of his housings in different communities, Marcellin wanted to personally thank them for the affection and faith they are giving to others and themselves, and the growth in the education for poverty stricken boys. The words Marcellin expresses on paper have an emotional impact to the reader, and his followers would have felt this warm and proud feeling, knowing they are doing good for themselves and for the people they are seeking to serve and support.