Course in Champagnat Documents (Cycle B: 1837-1838)

The Institute of Marist Studies (IMS), a part of the Pontifical University of Salamanca through the Luis Vives School of Education, succeeded in bringing about during the year 2009-2010, the course in Marist Spiritual Patrimony known as ?The Course in Champagnat Documents, Cycle B?, as a way of understanding more fully or getting to know the person of Marcellin Champagnat through his writings from 1837 to 1838.The course has as objectives the further getting to know of Marcellin Champagnat, entering into contact with his person, knowing his character, his origins, the first brothers, his labors, his difficulties, from spiritual, human and anthropological perspectives. It also deals with the perception, by means of a process of searching, by getting to understand some unknown aspects of the man in order to better understand the living out of our common charism. The dynamic of this study invites the group to share this lived experience.This course which the Institute of Marist Studies offers blends with available on-line support. The present part has developed into two sessions: February 26-27, the first session, and the second on July 1 -3, 2010, both at the Central House in Xaudaro in Madrid. The on-line part was offered to each participant between the first and second session by working through the program via a virtual design, rich and complete in resource materials for research. In this quest, the groups relied on Brother Fernando Hinojal Citores of the Marist Mediterranean Province, who is an expert with much experience on this thematic.The course has been aimed at the education community and at those others who are interested: Brothers, catechists, animators, advisers, teachers, alumni, fraternities and members of the Marist Family in general. This year, there have been representatives from Alicante, Malaga, Madrid, Burgos, Sevilla and Salamanca.The evaluation of the course has revealed aspects as varied as the discovery of a very human Marcellin with a strong personality; the benefits and enjoyment of the reading and commentaries of his works, the group organization and personal work, participation and collaboration; the quantity and quality of information shared, and the progress in respect to the previous Cycle, among others.Next year, we will be working on Cycle C of the Champagnat Documents, in order to close this session of reflection, investigation, prayer and formation acquired. You are all invited. For more information: [email protected].