In the Society of Mary's (Marist Fathers and Brothers) latest bulletin from Rome, the ongoing process of beatification of Marist founder, Jean-Claude Colin, s.m., is updated. Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is operated by the Marists.
The Cause of Beatification of the Founder
Under the direction of the postulator of the "cause," Fr. Carlo Maria Schianchi, the work for the beatification of our founder, Jean-Claude Colin, s.m., continues. With regard to the spread of devotion to Fr. Colin, a significant resource is the official web site for Jean-Claude Colin, www.jeanclaudecolin.org, managed by Fr. Ron Nissen, s.m. Each month more resources are added to it. It is presented in English, however most of its 600 downloadable files are in other languages. The website continues to be visited by people from many countries in the world. A companion Facebook page regularly carries the “photo of the week” (currently featuring a series on Fourviere) and the latest news items. A recent “boosted” Facebook posting attracted 273,000 visitors. Also of interest is the conference that Fr. Gaston Lessard, s.m., gave recently for the members of the Canadian province on the cause of beatification. It can be found on the website of the Canadian province: http://www.peresmaristes.qc.ca/media/video.html.
The official web site’s “What’s new” column gives updates on new resources as well as Colin-related events in the Marist world. There are a variety of resources in it that can be used in parishes, schools, etc. By means of this site and recent publications related to Fr. Colin, we are hoping to achieve two main goals: to make Fr. Colin more known as a spiritual teacher and a holy man, and also to increase devotion to him among many people who ask for favors through his intercession. We pray for and await a miracle attributed to his intercession. If you know of any particular favors or indeed a miracle, please contact postulator@marism.org.
On the work of the cause itself there is a good collaboration with the diocese of Lyons, and the cardinal is ready to accept the cause there. A formal letter with the completed documentation on Fr. Colin’s life should soon be presented to initiate the official request. The required documentation is ready apart from the final collection of the post-1854 letters of Fr. Colin – an edited and indexed version of these is almost complete. Many Marists have worked over the years on this documentation and much gratitude is due to them. Once the process opens in Lyons, the next step will be the presentation of the Cause to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome. A full biography of Fr. Colin is being written by Fr. Justin Taylor, s.m., which will serve the cause in its Roman phase.
Who is Jean-Claude Colin?
Jean-Claude Colin, s.m., was the founder of the Marist Fathers – priests and brothers of the Society of Mary.
Born at the close of the 18th century in revolution-torn Fr.ance, Jean-Claude was convinced that the Blessed Virgin wanted a group of men and women to do her work in the world at a time of turmoil and challenge.
With this inspiration he forged the way for a new family of consecrated religious and of laity in the Church – the Marist family.
Under his leadership, as founder and father, Marist missionaries would proclaim Christ's message in Mary's gentle spirit 'on whatever distant shore' to which they were sent.
Today Marists throughout the world pray that Jean-Claude Colin will become better known and revered. As his Cause for Beatification is being introduced, they seek graces through his intercession for themselves and the people they serve.