Opening of l’Hermitage’s bicentenary year

On the morning of Sunday, May 19, the 11 a.m. Mass in the main chapel of Notre-Dame de l’Hermitage was a very special moment. As well as celebrating the Solemnity of Pentecost, the Mass marked the opening of the Bicentenary Year of the Institute’s motherhouse. It was around this day in 1824 that Marcellin Champagnat and the first brothers began building this house, which is so significant for the whole Institute.

Bishop Sylvain Bataille of Saint-Étienne presided at the Eucharist. Fathers Georges Richard (Marist Father of La Neylière), Gilbert Thollet (parish priest of Saint Chamond) and Gabriel Perret (chaplain of the house) concelebrated, assisted by Deacon Pierre Ganzhorn. At the beginning of the celebration, Brother Antonio Ramalho, superior of the community, read a message sent for the occasion by Brother Ernesto Sánchez, superior general. Download the message: Español | Français | Português

“I believe that during these months of celebration of the bicentenary, we can reflect and act in such a way as to be capable, as Marists of Champagnat, brothers and lay Marists, of continuing to give life to and spread the gift of the Marist charism that we have received,” said Brother Ernesto.

The ‘Bicentenary Year’ will conclude in August 2025, when the 200th anniversary of the official blessing of the house’s first chapel will be celebrated. Various events will take place throughout the year.