I think that to live as a Marist is to try to live in the way of Mary and of Marcellin Champagnat.
Mary is the One who believed that for God “nothing is impossible”; she is the One who said yes to God’s design for Her: “I am the servant of the Lord.”
Like Mary, Marcellin Champagnat had confidence in God, in his all powerfulness, persuaded that “if God is on your side, nothing is impossible.” It was in prayer that he sought to know the will of God and that he allowed his projects to mature. He loved to pray Psalm 126 “If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do the builders labour.” Yes, all the merit comes back to God.
Mary and Marcellin Champagnat had a heart totally available to God and to others.
And me? When I look back at certain moments of my past life, I am amazed at what I was able to achieve. I can only thank God for all that he did for me and sometimes in spite of me, despite my limits and my weaknesses. I can say that it is God who has done everything in me.
On great occasions, at the time of making important decisions, I would say to the Lord: “What do you want me to do?” The response came to me after some time in prayer and discussion with others, through an event, a person, a superior. With the time of retirement that has arrived, I think I am called to be more available for the service of my brothers and the Marist Province.
Mary participated in important times of the life of her son, Jesus, from his birth to his death on the cross. She was one with his joys and his sufferings.
Marcellin Champagnat oriented all of his life towards Jesus Christ, with the help of Mary: “All to Mary for Jesus.”
I also am called to centre my life on Jesus Christ. By prayer and the Eucharist I am nourished by the life of God, I allow myself to be invaded by Him. It is only in this way that I can then announce Jesus Christ and give witness to Him.
“I cannot see a child without wanting to tell him how much God loves him.” Yes, the most important thing is to know that God loves everyone as he is, with a gratuitous love; it suffices to allow yourself to be loved by Him. But it is difficult for us to accept or to receive a gratuitous love.
Even though I am retired, I continue to be interested in the world of young people, trying to know and understand the young people of today.
“Mary kept all these things in her heart.” Yes, she interiorised all the events experienced with her Son, but she did not keep all of these things for herself alone; she had given Jesus to the world, she had participated in the birth of the Church.
I also believe that I must share all the riches I have received, intellectual, spiritual, material riches.
I try to welcome all those who knock on our door, to take the time to listen to them.
Saint Marcellin Champagnat belongs to the universal Church. It is up to us to make his charism known and to share it. Our mission, whatever it be, can be lived in partnership with the laity. Even though I am in less direct contact with young people, I am ready to welcome them and to share my experience with the teams of catechists and educators.
I also think that I am called to live fraternity in a privileged way in the Institute of the Marist Brothers. Without neglecting my “blood” family, I have chosen my large religious family as a priority. I am happy to be part of it; I feel at home everywhere. I voluntarily participate in the life of the Institute and I contribute my modest share. I live fraternity in my daily life in my community. We try to live fraternal love in the respect of people and in a great spirit of openness and of sharing.
“May they say of the Little Brothers of Mary, as of the first Christians: see how they love one another!”
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