On January 2, 1817, Marcellin Champagnat welcomed
two young men into a house which he had rented in the town of La Valla where he was assistant pastor.
Their names were Jean-Baptiste Audras and Jean-Marie Granjon.
They became the first Marist Brothers, and the date became known as the Foundation Day.
Later that year, these two Brothers began to teach the young people of La Valla, thus beginning the first Marist school.
On January 2nd, we pause to recall and celebrate these early beginnings
and pray that the continued commitment of all Marists to this mission will be blessed into the future. (Champagnat.org)
Food from the same table:
- Trust God. Pray!
- Mary is our inspiration, our good Mother, and our Ordinary Resource.
We say " All to Jesus through Mary, all to Mary for Jesus.
- "When giving a bitter pill, coat it with all possible sweetness."
Allow people to save face.
- Understand the need and do something about it.
- Inspire the children. Teach by example.
- "Unless the Lord build the house, in vain do the builder labor."
- Be aware of the presence of God and love.
- Foster discipline and hard work
- The education of youth is not a profession. It is a religious ministry and
genuine apostolate.
- A Marist is present, available, and supports each other with joy.
We maintain a parallel relation of friendship with people,
sharing gladness/sadness when serving others,
striving to be people of integrity, and transparent relationships.
"A Brother should be humble, gentle, compassionate, patient, generous,
firm, zealous and polite." Champagnat
