The charism of St Marcellin Champagnat is a gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church, for the mission of the Church. This spirituality, which is at the heart of Marist schools and other educational ministries, is being embraced by both Marist Brothers and Lay Marists, women and men, young and old. Over fifty school communities across Australia shape their identity and mission in the Marist way.
The Marist school has the gospel of Jesus Christ at its heart. Marist educators seek to live out their response to the gospel with the same faith, hope and love that Mary did. Like Mary, they seek to bring Christ-life to birth, in ordinary ways and even in the most unlikely of people and places. Doing things in the ‘Way of Mary’ is to nurture, to teach, to gather, to reconcile, and to journey with young people giving them a reason and means to believe, to hope and to love.
Marcellin Champagnat’s vision for educators in Marist schools includes:
- Experiencing the same faithful and compelling love of God that he knew deep in his own heart, and to look to share this love with young people, especially those most in need of it
- Promoting a sense of family in school communities, offering a spirituality that is simple and accessible, grounded in practical love and transparent relationships
- Providing an education that is integrated and rigorous, aimed at supporting young men and women to become their best selves; compassionate, articulate, faith-filled and hopeful
A Marist school, is a community built on the gospel, a place of warmth and hospitality, a learning community with purpose and breadth of vision where there is a special care for those most in need.
© Brisbane Catholic Education, Mt Maria College, Petrie (2024).