Archives Centre opens its doors on the occasion of the European Heritage Days

On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, the Marist Brothers Archives Centre in France opened its doors to the general public from 21 to 22 September to offer a fascinating immersion in the history and heritage of the congregation. This annual meeting allowed visitors to discover little-known treasures and to better understand the heritage of the Marist Brothers.

An immersion in Marist history

The “Arquebuse de l’Hermitage” drink was one of the items that most aroused the curiosity of visitors. This liqueur, formerly made by the Marist Brothers, was used for its medicinal properties. Produced in Saint-Genis-Laval, the former headquarters of the General House of the congregation, this liqueur is a testimony to the ancestral knowledge of the brothers, and to their involvement in various aspects of the daily life of the inhabitants.

An uncommon testimony from the Mission in China

Another highlight of the days was the presentation of Chinese objects brought by the brothers from China after their expulsion by the communists. These unique pieces tell of a little-known stage in Marist history: their mission in China. These objects symbolise not only the commitment of the brothers to their educational and spiritual mission abroad, but also the political upheavals that marked their journey.

Heritage diffusers

The two days attracted a diverse audience, curious to discover or rediscover the heritage of the Marist Brothers. Visitors were able to interact with the team responsible for the archive, who shared anecdotes and valuable explanations about the objects on display.

Nicolas Cohendet-Roux, a visitor who spent several months in China and is familiar with this culture, was impressed by the beauty of the Archives Centre and the extent of the influence of the Marist Brothers throughout the world. He particularly highlighted the richness of the collection of objects brought from China: “These objects are magnificently made from materials that are no longer used today.”

The opening of the archives during the European Heritage Days made it possible to establish a link between the past and the present, and at the same time reinforced the transmission of this spiritual and cultural heritage. The event not only highlighted the history of the Marist Brothers, but also emphasized their contribution to society and education, throughout the generations.