2. Brothers and Laypeople, together in mission, in the Church and in the world (§.31-52)

In the name of Marcellin Champagnat

31. Wherever he found people dedicated to the Christian formation of youth, Marcellin affirmed and encouraged them. ¹ Since the early days at La Valla and the Hermitage, many different people, men and women, Brothers and Laypeople, have been attracted by his personality and charism. In living out their own vocation, they have come to identify themselves with his charismatic style of continuing the mission of Jesus.

32. In welcoming Laypeople to the 1993 General Chapter, the Superior General, speaking for all the Brothers, thanked them personally for their closeness to the Brothers and for their contribution to Marist mission. But, he went further in challenging us all to a renewed appreciation of "how we follow the same path of love, hope and service together in the Spirit". ² In their response, the Laypeople stated: "We come from so many different experiences, cultures and backgrounds, yet each one of us has been touched in a unique way by the spirit of Marcellin Champagnat." ³

33. These words speak to all of us, whether we be Brothers, Lay educators, youth leaders, or among all those who contribute in other ways in Marist works; whether we be parents of youth being served by Marists, or clergy associated with Marist works; whether we be members of the Champagnat Movement of the Marist Family or similar groups. We can all claim for ourselves Marcellin’s dream. We have a shared mission. ⁴