Marist Brothers
The Marist Brothers are men consecrated to God, who follow Jesus in the style of Mary, in community, and are especially dedicated to the education of children and young people, with more affection for those who need it most. They are people who embrace religious life with a public commitment acquired through vows to practice the evangelical advice of chastity, poverty and obedience, according to the provisions of the followers of Saint Marcellin Champagnat.
Our identity: being brothers
As Religious Brothers in the Church, our vocation is to be prophetic reminders of the common dignity and fundamental equality of all the People of God. We are brothers of Jesus Christ, brothers to one another and brothers to everyone, especially the poorest and those most in need; brothers for a greater brotherhood in the Church and world. By the public profession of the evangelical counsels, we follow Jesus Christ, our Lord, conforming our lives with the Gospel in fraternal service (Constitutions and Statutes n. 2).
Disciples of Marcelin Champagnat
The love which the Holy Spirit pours into our hearts gives us a share in the charism of Marcellin Champagnat and directs all our energies to this one aim: TO FOLLOW CHRIST AS MARY DID, in His life of love for the Father and for people. We live out this ideal in community.
By contemplating Mary’s life in the Scriptures, we make her spirit our own. Her attitudes as mother and disciple of Jesus shape our spirituality, our fraternal life, and how we share in her work of bringing Christlife to birth in the Church. In accordance with our motto: “All to Jesus through Mary, all to Mary for Jesus”, we make Mary known and loved as one who leads us to Him. We form a community around Mary, our Good Mother, as members of her family. From Saint Marcellin Champagnat, we inherit the value of living the three virtues of humility, simplicity and modesty. Like him we live in the presence of God, whom we encounter in the mysteries of the Crib, the Cross and the Altar. Inspired by the home of Nazareth and the table of La Valla, our fraternal life is marked by a “family spirit”, where love, forgiveness, mutual support, forgetfulness of self, openness to others and joy are found (Constitutions and Statutes n. 3).
Our mission: making Jesus Christ known
Born of the Spirit, the mission Marcellin entrusted to his brothers was, “to make Jesus known and loved”. With other Marists, we give ourselves to the evangelization and education of children and young people, especially those who are poor, most in need, and living on the geographical and existential peripheries. Through our lives, and by our presence, these young people, their families and the communities to which they belong, come to know they are personally loved by God. The wellbeing, safety and protection of children and young people is a high priority and the primary responsibility of every brother, every Marist community, every Marist ministry and the entire Institute (Constitutions and Statutes n. 4).
