*We highlight these Saints to inspire our students and contribute to their growth in Catholic education by fostering understanding and appreciation for Catholic values and teachings. We encourage parents to share the stories of these Saints with their children to deepen their spirituality and motivate them to live their faith with conviction, following the examples of these admired role models.*
St. Marcellin Champagnat is a French Catholic priest and the founder of the Marist Brothers, a religious congregation dedicated to providing education and spiritual guidance to young people, especially in rural and underserved areas.
He was born on May 20, 1789, in the village of Le Rosey, located in the Diocese of Lyon, France. Marcellin is the ninth of ten children in a devoutly Catholic family. His upbringing instilled in him a deep faith and a strong desire to serve God. He faced many academic challenges during his early years. However, with perseverance and the support of a local priest, he was eventually able to pursue his vocation and study for the priesthood.
“I cannot see a child without wanting to let him know how much Jesus Christ has loved him and how much he should, in return, love the divine Savior.”
Saint Marcellin Champagnat
In 1816, Marcellin was ordained as a priest. He began his ministry in rural areas near Lyon, where he observed the lack of educational opportunities for children after the French Revolution, especially in remote and impoverished regions. Marcellin saw this when he did the last rights of a 16 year old boy, and realized he had barely any religious or academic education. This realization deeply moved him, and he decided to devote his life to addressing this educational need.
Champagnat’s dedication to educating young people led to the founding of The Marist Brothers of the Schools, also known as The Little Brothers of Mary, on January 2, 1817. The Marist Brothers took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and focused on providing a Christian education to children, particularly those in rural areas. Their mission was to make Jesus Christ known and loved through teaching and pastoral care.
St. Marcellin Champagnat’s approach to education emphasized simplicity, kindness, and a deep commitment to the well-being of the students. His memories of his school experience and his own academic struggles were the basis of his educational philosophy: “to educate children you must love them and love them all equally.”
Over the years, the Marist Brothers’ influence and reach grew, with schools and communities established not only in France but also in many other parts of the world. Today Marist Brothers are located in 81 countries in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. Their commitment to education and spirituality made them a respected and valued presence in the lives of countless young people.
“We aim at something better: we want to educate them, to instruct them in their duty, to teach them to practice it, to give them a Christian spirit and attitudes and to form them to religious habits and the virtues possessed by a good Christian and a good citizen.”
Saint Marcellin Champagnat
St. Marcellin Champagnat passed away on June 6, 1840, at the age of 51. He was beatified on May 29, 1955, and canonized on April 18, 1999, by Pope John Paul II, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to education and the Catholic Church. Today, the Marist Brothers continue their mission of education and service, inspired by the vision and dedication of their founder, St. Marcellin Champagnat. His life and work serve as an enduring example of the transformative power of faith, education, and compassion.
FAMILY ACTIVITY: St. Marcellin Champagnat loved Our Blessed Mother. Honor him by encouraging a devotion to Mary as a family. Read Marian Consecration for Children, pray the rosary together, or say three Hail Marys as a family at bedtime.