The Marist family is blessed with a rich history. For over two hundred years of the Marist Institute, the stories, documents, reflections, and people that have followed in the footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat have been preserved, interpreted and shared. While the conservation of history, in itself, is an important pursuit, recognising that our contemporary expressions of Marist life are in conversation with our past, both consciously and unconsciously, is also vital to acknowledge.
As part of a request by a team member, here are two interesting and well-researched articles into significant aspects of Marist history: historical sources of Marist spirituality and a history of l’Hermitage in France.
Historical sources of Marist spirituality by Br Michael Green
This extensive article is the culmination of a series of reflections written by Australian Marist Brother, Br Michael Green, in 2020. For many of us, the five characteristics of Marist education have become the standard banner for all things Marist in Australia. For Champagnat, these specifics depictions of Marist spirituality would be unrecognisable to him, even though the spirit and sense of the characteristics were part of the initial expression of Marist life during Marcellin’s lifetime. Br Michael explains the context of the modern expressions of Marist spirituality and their origins within the background of our history.
Illustrated History of Notre Dame de l’Hermitage, St. Chamond, Loire, France by Br Barry Lamb
Notre Dame de l’Hermitage, an extensive property located in the Gier valley between the Monts du Lyonnais to the north and Mont Pilat to the south, remains a central location for many Marists across the world. Considered as one of the spiritual homes of the Marist Brothers, its history is intimately connected to the lives of people who have animated the Marist story in communities and ministries throughout our history. Br Barry’s book offers another perspective on this unique and beautiful place of renewal and inspiration.