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Our charism
36. Marcellin’s story is one example of the renewing power of God’s activity in human history. We believe he received a charism, a unique spiritual gift given through him to the whole Church in its service of humankind. 11 He was inspired by the Holy Spirit to discover a fresh way of living the Gospel as a concrete response to the spiritual and social needs of young people in a time of crisis. We see confirmation of the enduring relevance of this charism in its ability to inspire generations of disciples, including our own.
37. The experience of the love of Jesus and Mary for each of us personally and for others, openness and sensitivity to the needs of our times, and a practical love for young people, especially those most in need, are at the core of the Marist charism we have inherited from Marcellin. 12
38. As sharers in Marist mission, we are invited to commit ourselves freely and generously to the same charism as consecrated religious or as single or married people, whatever our situation or culture. 13 We identify with the charism in ways that are different but complementary. Together we witness to a unity of story, spirituality, mutual trust and common endeavour. 14
39. Those of us who are Laypeople bring our own individual qualities as well as the fruits of our personal commitment, our professionalism, and our experience of family and social life. As Christians, we witness through our personal lives to the possibility of finding in Jesus Christ the ultimate meaning of life, and of living by His Gospel. 15
40. Those of us who are Brothers, in addition to our own individual qualities, bring the gifts that emerge from the prophetic character of our lives as consecrated people: our religious witness, our rich formation in the charism of Champagnat, the open-hearted hospitality of our communities, our human and material patrimony. We bring our freedom to be totally dedicated and bold in apostolic enterprise, and a flexibility to move on. 16
41. We inspire one another to deeper fidelity to the charism, discovering new insights into its spiritual richness and into its dynamic expression in ministry. 17 The women among us, especially, bring a fresh perspective to Marcellin’s charism and reveal new facets of it charism for all of us today.