 Saint Marcellin Joseph Benedict Champagnat (May 20, 1789 – June 6, 1840)  From his early years in the seminary Mary and the need to teach deprived children were a major focus for Marcellin.

 The Montagne Incident was the conclusive sign to move ahead with his dream of establishing a congregation of brothers to evangelise the young particularly those neglected and less fortunate.

On October 28th, 1816, a young priest (Fr Marcellin) was called to the house of a carpenter at Les Palais, a hamlet just beyond Le Bessat. A sixteen-year old boy, Jean-Baptiste Montagne, lay dying; he was entirely ignorant of matters of faith. Marcellin instructed him, heard his confession, and prepared him for death. He then left to visit another sick person in the area. When he returned to the Montagne household, the young priest learned that Jean- Baptiste had died.

Marcellin’s encounter with this adolescent boy transformed him. Jean-Baptiste’s lack of knowledge about Jesus convinced the young priest that God was calling him to found a congregation of Brothers to evangelise the young, particularly those most neglected. Walking back to the parish house in La Valla, Marcellin decided to put his plan into action: he would ask Jean-Marie Granjon to become the first member of his community of teaching Brothers.

 What are the similarities between the Montagne Incident for Marcellin and The Annunciation?

 Are Marcellin’s actions those of disciple? Give reasons for your answer.  Is there any other evidence to say Marcellin acted as a disciple?

 How is this an example of a call to faith?

All powerful, ever loving God. We thank you for the work of Marcellin Champagnat and his fellow brothers. We pray that like Marcellin we are strong in our faith and follow your will for us. That we are conscious of the less fortunate and support the initiatives of the College and MAPS in providing a better life for them. St Marcellin Champagnat, pray for us.