Teachers College – Luis Vives University Salamanca

On July 3 the Cycle-A course entitled ?Marcellin Champagnat Documents? came to a close. The 200-hour course was run by the Institute of Marist Studies (IEM) based at the Teachers College of Luis Vives University, Salamanca. The course, partially on-line and partially on-site, followed the CEPAM instructional method which involves personal and group research under expert guidance. The guidance in the present instance was provided by Brother Fernanco Hinojal Citores of Meditteranea Province.

The teachers and the students involved in the course were from various Spanish Provinces. They gathered for a second time in Salamanca from July 1 to 3, 2009 in order to conduct the final on-site classes of the course which had begun on March 6-7.

The next course will be held in school year 2009-2010. Entitled ?Marcellin Champagnat Documents, Cycle-B,? the course will be open to new students and continue to use the same teaching method.

The Cycle-A course evaluation turned out to be quite positive. The course helped to develop a better knowledge of, and familiarity with Marcellin Champagnat. Through the study of his writings and of other Marist documents, the students came to understand better the context of Marcellin?s life. One student put it this way, ?In my case, the study of Marcellin?s letters has entailed the discovery of new aspects of the Founder, and a revitalization and intensification of Marist mission.

?In addition, the study was made not simply by an individual. It involved a group, and each member of the group has brought a unique point of view, with each one?s own insights and sensibility. The course has made the countenance of Marcellin relevant for the contemporary world.?

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Fernando Gonzalez Alonso
Institute of Marist Studies (IEM)
[email protected]
http://www.eulv.es/pag/iemaristas.htm