A Short Life of Jean-Claude Colin
Marist Founder
by Justin Taylor
This book is an examination of matters to do with the spirituality of the Catholic religious order founded in Franc in 1800s by Jean-Claude Colin, the Marist Fathers, as distinct from the Marist Brothers founded by Marcellin Champagnat. The book examines a few words in the Constitutions: ‘to think as Mary, judge as Mary, feel and act as Mary in all things.’ Nearly one hundred years later, in the opinion of Marist historian Jean Coste, this sentence (with two others) were themes ‘of the first part of the Constitutions since 1836’. But, in its present form, it had ‘such an original and direct sound’, ‘a vigour and striking power’ of a ‘mind sure of itself’, and a consistency with the Founder’s style that it (with the other two) were, clearly, ‘dictated by Fr. Colin himself ‘. In this ‘handful of words’, we have, then, what can rightly be described as the Marist axiom: ‘To think as Mary, judge as Mary, feel and act as Mary in all things’. At the very end of Coste’s touchstone commentary, it is interesting to note the specific aspect that he highlights (in italics): we call the Marist spirit that common way of feeling and reacting …
This book is an examination of matters to do with the spirituality of the Catholic religious order founded in Franc in 1800s by Jean-Claude Colin, the Marist Fathers, as distinct from the Marist Brothers founded by Marcellin Champagnat. The book examines a few words in the Constitutions: ‘to think as Mary, judge as Mary, feel and act as Mary in all things.’ Nearly one hundred years later, in the opinion of Marist historian Jean Coste, this sentence (with two others) were themes ‘of the first part of the Constitutions since 1836’. But, in its present form, it had ‘such an original and direct sound’, ‘a vigour and striking power’ of a ‘mind sure of itself’, and a consistency with the Founder’s style that it (with the other two) were, clearly, ‘dictated by Fr. Colin himself ‘. In this ‘handful of words’, we have, then, what can rightly be described as the Marist axiom: ‘To think as Mary, judge as Mary, feel and act as Mary in all things’. At the very end of Coste’s touchstone commentary, it is interesting to note the specific aspect that he highlights (in italics): we call the Marist spirit that common way of feeling and reacting …
- By (author) Justin Taylor
"This Short Life of Jean-Claude Colin is a gift for the whole Marist family: both vowed religious and committed lay persons. Father Justin has distilled from his monumental biography of Father Colin (Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder, 2018; 1100 pages) the essence of his life and founding insights of a Marist charism for mission. A recurring theme, like a heartbeat, is the call to be 'instruments of divine mercies'. This is a gift for Marists to share in the church for the whole world." Catherine Jones, New Zealand "A must-read for all Marists! Justin Taylor SM in this Short Life shares Jean-Claude Colin's 'powers of assimilation and synthesis', saying so much in a few words. Step by step, we read of Fr Colin's faithful response to Mary to found a Society in her name despite huge obstacles. Supported by fellow Marists, from Cerdon to La Neylie?re, he responds to the needs of his time, accomplishing this Mission, sharing his inspiration for the Society of Mary and challenging future generations to live the Dream! It comes as no surprise that the Marist Vision is even more relevant and challenging today. Yes, a must-read." Teri O'Brien, Jeanne-Marie Chavoin Centre, Belley, France 'The story of all that was achieved by Fr Jean-Claude Colin and his companions, both men and women, was guided by a simple, profound and accessible spirituality which looked to Mary as their guide on how to live and serve in their turbulent world. That spirituality continues to be the greatest gift that Marists offer the church and the world of our time. Father Justin Taylor's writings make this beautiful spirituality accessible to everyone." John Larsen
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