Venerable Brother François, first Superior General of the Marist Brothers

On the occasion of the anniversary of the death of Brother François in 2020, we are publishing some images to enrich the archive that we already have. And so, three graphic artists have been invited to make their own re-creation of the figure of Brother François based on their creativity and the use of new technology. The aim is not to do research on the original picture of Brother François but to imagine him in three phases of his life (25-40 years old, 40-50 years old and more than 60 years old) with a modern mind and to re-create his image in four different formats. The images are intended for all levels of the Marist family, students, former students, families, educational and social works, etc.

Three artists from the PUCPR of Curitiba joined this proposal: Rosangela Grafetti, Leonardo Martin and Guillerme Capriglioni. Francis is presented by these artists with facets of his personality which have not been very well known up until now: Brother François and ecology, his relationship with the sick, his knowledge of medicines and his dimension as educator.

Along with these images, his thoughts will be shared by taking quotations from two main sources: his personal notebooks written between 1819 and 1880 and the letters of spiritual direction dated between 1840 and 1860

The graphic presentation which we offer aims to provide materials placed on the web that can later be used and re-created in the provinces, in the houses or in the Marist works to give a wider sharing of the thought and image of Brother François and so spread his reputation for sanctity and his knowledge.

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Br. Antonio Martínez Estaún, Postulator General