Pilgrimage to Marist places

Helping Brothers and laity better know the Marist charism, growing in mutual knowledge and helping them strengthen their relationship. This was the purpose of a pilgrimage offered to Brothers and laity of the General Administration to France from June 7 – 11.

Fifteen Brothers and laity travelled, some for the first time, to Marist places in France, to walk on the land travelled by the founder of the Institute, Saint Marcellin Champagnat.

Visits were made to Rosey, the birth place of St Marcellin; La Valla, the first house he founded for the Brothers; the area where St Marcellin encountered the young Montagne; Maisonnettes, the birth place of superior general Brother François Rivat; L’Hermitage, the second and larger house founded by St Marcellin.

Brother Giorgio Diamanti explained the importance of the Marist places in great detail, allowing participants to picture and fully grasp Marcellin’s determination, faith and affection towards the first Brothers and the passion for the mission that God had entrusted him.

A 32km walk with breathtaking views from Rosey to L’Hermitage with the energetic guidance of local Brothers Benito Arbués and Xavier Barceló, enabled a personal reflection on one’s own life and that of the Institute: the common goal of an ongoing journey towards Jesus Christ.

The pilgrimage allowed the General House staff to better understand the Marist charism and the meaning of fraternity by sharing meals, prayers and several jokes, realising that it is a simple, yet authentic lifestyle, with a common goal: evangelising and bringing love to children worldwide.