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| Saint Marcellin, Pray for us! |
⛪ Saint of the Day: June 5
⛪ Born : 20 May 1789 at Hameau du Rosey, Lyon, France
⛪ Died: 6 June 1840 in in Saint-Chamond, Loire, France of natural causes
⛪Beatified: • 29 May 1955 by Pope Pius XII • The investigation included the October 1939 cure of Mrs Georgina Grondin from a malignant tumour in Waterville, Maine, USA, and the 12 November 1941 cure of John
Ranaivo from cerebrospinal meningitis, in Antsirabe, Madagascar
⛪Canonized: • 18 April 1999 by Pope John Paul II • The investigation include the July 1976 cure of Brother Heriberto Weber Nellessen, in Montevideo, Uruguay
Saint Marcellin-Joseph-Benoît Champagnat (May 20, 1789 – June 6, 1840) was a French Roman Catholic priest who founded the Institute of the Marist Brothers, also known as the Little Brothers of Mary. He is renowned for his dedication to education and his efforts to provide Christian instruction to young people, particularly in rural areas.
Early Life and Education
Marcellin Champagnat was born on May 20, 1789, in Marlhes, a village in the Loire region of France. He was the ninth of ten children in a deeply religious family. His parents, Jean-Baptiste Champagnat and Marie-Thérèse Chirat, instilled in him strong Christian values and a sense of charity.
Marcellin's formal education was limited due to the turmoil of the French Revolution, which disrupted many educational institutions. However, his determination and vocation for the priesthood led him to enter the minor seminary in Verrières and later the major seminary in Lyons.
Priesthood
Marcellin was ordained a priest on July 22, 1816. On the same day, he and a group of seminarians pledged to form the Society of Mary (Marists), dedicated to living and spreading the Marian spirit. Champagnat was assigned to the parish of La Valla-en-Gier, where he encountered the dire need for education among the local children, many of whom were illiterate and lacked religious instruction.
Founding of the Marist Brothers
Moved by the educational needs he witnessed, Marcellin Champagnat founded the Institute of the Marist Brothers on January 2, 1817. He began by teaching a small group of young men, training them to become educators and instilling in them a deep sense of faith and commitment to teaching.
The Marist Brothers focused on providing a Christian education, particularly to the rural poor. Champagnat emphasized a simple, loving, and practical approach to teaching, believing that education should be accessible to all and deeply rooted in Christian values.
Educational Philosophy and Expansion
Champagnat's educational philosophy was centered on the belief that to educate children effectively, teachers must love them and treat them with respect and kindness. He insisted on the importance of presence, simplicity, and family spirit within the educational environment.
Under his leadership, the Marist Brothers quickly expanded. Despite numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and health issues, Champagnat's relentless dedication and organizational skills allowed the order to flourish. By the time of his death, there were several Marist schools across France, and the order continued to grow internationally.
Death and Canonization
Saint Marcellin Champagnat died on June 6, 1840, in Notre-Dame de l'Hermitage, near Saint-Chamond, France. His legacy lived on through the continued work of the Marist Brothers, who established schools worldwide, dedicated to his vision of Christian education.
He was beatified by Pope Pius XII on May 29, 1955, and canonized by Pope John Paul II on April 18, 1999. His feast day is celebrated on June 6, the anniversary of his death.
Legacy
Saint Marcellin Champagnat is remembered for his profound impact on Catholic education and his unwavering commitment to the holistic development of young people. His emphasis on love, presence, and a family spirit in education continues to inspire educators and students globally, perpetuating his vision of a compassionate and inclusive approach to teaching.
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