A Short Life of Jean-Claude Colin, Marist Founder | hardcover

Jean-Claude Colin’s life was devoted entirely to God. Born in 1790, in a small French village, he was introduced at the Major Seminary of Lyons to the project of the Society of Mary, including sisters, brothers, and lay people, as well as priests. After years in parish ministry, mission preaching, and education, he reluctantly accepted the call of his colleagues to take charge of the Society and gained approval by Rome for the priests’ branch in 1836. By the time he resigned as Superior General in 1854, he had established the Society of Mary firmly in France, especially in the field of education, and sent fifteen expeditions of Marist priests and brothers to the southwest Pacific, where they planted the Catholic Church in New Zealand, Wallis and Futuna, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, and New Caledonia. He also wrote the Society’s Constitutions and left a rich spiritual teaching. His Marian spirit of humility and self-effacement speaks powerfully and urgently to theChurch today.‘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 hismonumental biography of Father Colin (Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder, 2018; 1100 pages) the essence of his life and founding insights of a Marist charismfor 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, smsmNew ZealandA 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 LaNeylière, he responds to the needs of his time, accomplishing this Mission, sharing his inspiration for the Society of Mary and challenging future generations to livethe Dream! It comes as no surprise that the Marist Vision is even more relevant and challenging today. Yes, a must-read.Teri O’Brien, smJeanne-Marie Chavoin Centre, Belley, FranceThe 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 spiritualitywhich 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 churchand the world of our time. Father Justin Taylor’s writings make this beautiful spirituality accessible to everyone.John Larsen, smJustin Taylor is a Marist priest, born in 1943. He studied in New Zealand, Cambridge (UK), and Jerusalem, where he taught in the fields of New Testament and Christian origins. He is currently Senior Scholar in Residence at Te Kupenga – Catholic Theological College, Auckland, and is the author of the official biography of Marist Founder, Venerable Jean-Claude Colin.