Marist Spirituality – An Introduction

Father Jean-Claude Colin put before Marists a number of themes, squarely based on Mary. Themes on their own can be interesting, even appealing. Colin, however, wanted these themes to be prods spurring Marists into action, to result in real concrete practices and deeds. What Colin’s three Noes particularly reinforced, is his stress not only on the individual, personal dimension, but also on a social, corporate witness as well. 

Collectively, be that a family home, an apartment, a Marist parish or college, any Marist-focused committee or work, the task at hand is to be carried out in a genuinely Marist way, have a sensitive, inclusive Marian approach. Think first of Colin’s central founding motif: Mary in the Church. What does her continuing presence mean for the task at hand? Her presence is focused on a personally quite radical, supportive relationship of the apostles. That means supporting and encouraging everyone ‘in the work’ but especially whoever is at the top. However, this attitude and practice will also apply, just as much, from the top down. 

Colin was very aware of his shortcomings. For him, working with a Marian-minded team, “one in mind and heart” as in the early church (Acts 4:32), was crucial. This way, his weaknesses were tempered, if not overcome. It also meant that his associates in having this focus became team-players around him, not individuals independently intent on achieving their own outcomes. 

Colin recognised that no one ever has all the leadership skills required, nor a full grasp of the Marist way. Hence, he appointed leaders to terms of no more than six years. Change promoted and balanced broader skills and Marist practice. For him, the chief responsibility of a leader was to unite and hold those around him/her to truly being Marist. The Church thoroughly examined Colin’s understanding of what ‘being Marist’ was before approving his Society. Unless we seriously prioritise ‘being Marist,’ individually and institutionally, then in the eyes of the Church, our works, our spirituality and our very existence as Marists is without foundation and purpose. In Colin’s own words, we are not worthy of the name Marist.

For all concerned in a Marist work, Colin stressed that Mary in fact was their leader, their “first, perpetual superior.” Marcellin Champagnat had a very similar stress but referred quite beautifully to Mary as “our first, ordinary resource.”    As Marists, in the spirit of Fourviere, we take to heart that Mary is that close, that involved with us – with me!

When it came to meetings and decision-making, Colin always allowed space for God’s graced action and insight. Effectively, the Marist spirit means, in a sense, pausing to consider what Mary might want, what would be the most Marist direction to take. This means that petty rivalries, plain human logic, closed-mindedness and arbitrary conclusions, never have a place. 

With the image of Mary in the early Church in mind, Colin instructed leaders at meetings to voice their opinion last so that everyone would feel free to speak and the widest expression of views was heard. Colin firmly believed that God often speaks through one of the “least” members present (Founder Speaks 133:2). And, for the sake of humility, he also strongly encouraged the leader in a tied vote to take the side that was not his/her own. 

These practical strategies of Colin’s are not about him desiring an especially democratic, conciliar process. First and foremost, what our Jean Claude was doing was promoting certain ‘typical’ Mary-inspired approaches seeking to achieve genuine Gospel relationships and outcomes. Yes, Marist spirituality is meant to get really this practical and transformative!