Life of Father Marcellin Champagnat

Father Marcellin Champagnat’s Life

• Marcellin Champagnat was born on May 20, 1789, in the village of Le Rosey, Marlhes, France.
• He was baptized the next day, May 21, 1789.
• Marcellin was born during a time of revolution in France, which began in July of 1789.
• He had a strong mind and a gentle heart.
• His parents were Jean-Baptist Champagnat and Marie-Therese Chirat.
• He had an aunt named Sr. Louise Therese Champagnat.
• Marcellin’s life was significantly impacted by the events happening around him in France.

Key Moments in Marcellin’s Spiritual Development

• Marcellin felt a calling to priesthood.
• He desired a decent education for children who lived in the countryside.
• Marcellin had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom he referred to as "Our Good Mother."

Marcellin’s Qualities

• He was self-determined and a practical man of action.
• He had strong faith in Divine Providence.

Marcellin’s Charisma and Spirituality

• Charisma is a gift from the Holy Spirit that is given for the good of the Church and for the use of all.
• Charisma is given because of God’s love for the world.
• Grace is a free gift given from God out of God’s love for the person.
• Marcellin's spirituality was fostered through experiences, his awareness of the needs of the people, and his sensitivity to the changing times.

La Valla

• La Valla is the location of the Marist Center today.

Marist Apostolic Spirituality

• Individuals’ spirituality is influenced by their cultural and geographical background.
• Marist Apostolic Spirituality is about our relationships, struggles, dreams, moods, joys, sorrows, gifts, and failures.

The Second Vatican Council

• The Second Vatican Council was a gathering of Catholic bishops and other leaders that took place in 1962-1965.
• It was the 21st ecumenical council of the Catholic Church.
• Over 2,500 bishops participated in the council, as well as thousands of observers.
• The council produced 16 documents that addressed important issues facing the Catholic Church.

Themes of the Second Vatican Council

• Reconciliation was a central theme of the council.
• It encouraged Catholics to engage with other Christian denominations (ecumenism) and non-Christians (interreligious dialogue).

Changes Introduced by the Second Vatican Council

• It permitted the use of languages other than Latin in the Catholic Church.
• The council introduced new positions within the church, such as those focusing on education, the media, and social justice.

Pope Benedict XVI's Perspective on The Second Vatican Council

• Pope Benedict XVI viewed the council not only as a period of reform but also as a continuation of the Catholic Church's historical tradition.

10 Reasons for The Second Vatican Council

• Obedience to the Holy Spirit
• Preaching the gospel and teaching the faith
• Continuing the work started by the First Vatican Council
• Addressing the challenges of modernity
• Returning to the sources of Catholic faith
• Deepening the understanding of the Catholic faith
• Highlighting the role of the laity in the church
• Encouraging holiness
• Facilitating active participation in the liturgy
• Reaching non-Catholics

Understanding "Church"

• The word "Church" derives from the Greek word "Ecclesia," meaning "people of God."

The Relationship Between Church and State

• The council stressed the importance of separation and relation between the Church and the state.
• It recognized that while the Church is independent, it also has a responsibility to engage with the state.

Living Out the Call of The Second Vatican Council

• The council promotes the idea of "living out the faith" in the world.
• It encourages Catholics to apply the teachings of the Church to their daily lives.
• One practical way to live out the call of the council is by actively participating in social justice initiatives and advocating for the poor and marginalized.