
Institute of Marist Studies (IEM) of Salamanca
The Institute of Marist Studies (IEM), attached to the Pontifical University of Salamanca through the Normal School Luis Vives, is in train of holding, from 25 February to 6 July 2011, the « Course on documentation of Champagnat, Cycle C », a course of research, reflection and prayer, all based on the writings of Marcellin Champagnat from 1839 to 1840, with the support of updated on line resources and Marist document sources.
To endeavour an approach to Marcellin Champagnat by the knowledge and understanding of the charism and the Marist Spiritual Patrimony, and to develop a direct, inductive, and group methodology, with both physical and virtual presences: such are the aims sought in this process of formation.
It is also a matter of discovering the numerous unsuspected aspects so as to understand better and live the common charism. The study dynamic invites sharing in groups personal experience and research.
The part involving obligatory attendance takes place in two sessions; the first, on 25 and 26 February, and the second on 4-5-6 July 2011, in the Central House of Xaudaró, in Madrid. The second part has to be done by each participant between the two sessions, and involves personal work, with the support of a virtual platform, rich and complete in resources and research material. Brother Fernando Hinojal Citores (Mediterránea), an expert with great experience in this field, is monitor for the course.
This cycle of courses was directed towards educational communities and interested persons in general: brothers, catechists, animators, monitors, teachers, former students, fraternities, and members of the Marist Family. This year, there are participants from Oviedo, Alicante, Málaga, Madrid, Seville and Salamanca.
Up to the present, the evaluation of the course has been very positive and has underlined different aspects such as the discovery of a Marcellin closer and more human and with a strong personality, the good moments provided by the reading and commentary of writings and works, the collective organization and the development of personal work, the participation and collaboration, the quantity and quality of the information supplied and the desire to overcome certain prejudices, the becoming more familiar with the life of Champagnat and « letting oneself be persuaded » by discovering the work of the Spirit.
This course completes the formation in the documentation of Champagnat, proposed by the IEM for three years: the first two are Cycle A (1823 to 1836), the obligatory attendance part already realized in Salamanca, and Cycles B (1837-1838) and C (1839-1840) in Madrid. The participants receive the corresponding certificate or diploma granted by the Institute of Marist Studies of the Pontifical University of Salamanca.
All those taking part in one or other of the courses mentioned will be able to go on pilgrimage to the Hermitage, between 9 and 14 August 2011, in order to compare on site what they have learned.