My 1st Encounter at L'Hermitage

"Remember that you are brothers, and that Mary is your common Mother. Bear with one another and do not forget that it is the practice of charity that will make of your religious life a life of sweetness. Love your vocation, persevere in it; it is the means that God has chosen for your salvation."

 ~ St. Marcellin Champagnat, A Heart that Knew No Bounds (97)

According to Br. Sean Sammon, these are part of Saint Marcellin Champagnat's final words to his brothers, on the eve of his death on June 6th, 1840. Prior to reading this blog, if you could read the quote, and sit with it for a few seconds. The part that I will reflect on the most, is the idea of "loving" your vocation, and persevering in it. What is your vocation? What does it mean to "love" your vocation?

Before arriving at L'Hermitage I should note that I have been to something similar (at least for me in my own spiritual journey) back in 2011, to the hermitage of Thomas Merton in Louisville, Kentucky which survives on the property of the Abbey of Gethsemane, a Trappist Monastery. So mentally, I was prepared to have a similar encounter at L'Hermitage here in France. What I wasn't prepared for, was what I experienced on my first day exploring the property, in one of the places that was central to Champagnat's life and mission as the founder of the first community of the Little Brothers of Mary.

When we arrived at L'Hermitage we were warmly greeted by the entire international staff here, composed of both Marist brothers, and Marist lay people. After we received our room assignments, some of us changed and we began exploring before our official tour began. Luis Ramos, Brother Dominick Pujia and I decided to start the process early, and began our own little exploration of the original part to L'Hermitage. Inside the actual "house" if you will, there are two parts. The first half is the original building that Champagnat himself, with some of the early brothers built, that has recently (within the last few years) been renovated. The second half of the house is the renovated side, with updated housing accomodations, with Wifi, airconditioning, and all modern things that you wouldn't expect at a hermitage! (Or at least, I didn't!) So, at the end of our private tour, Brother Dominick took Luis and I into the heart of where Champagnat did most of his work, reflection and counseling - his bedroom. 

Located at the bottom floor if the original building, walking into his room is like a time warp. Many of the original nails in the wooden floor are still in tact, furnished with his original desk, chair and most importantly - his bed. This particular room is where Champagnat dwelled, and operated from for 15 years, until his final moment. But what I'm about to write next, goes beyond my bare-boned description in this blog.

When Luis and I first walked in, Brother Dom was giving us all the history surrounding this particular room and both of us - blanked out. We didn't hear Brother Dom speaking anymore, because we were consumed by the energy that smacks you in the face, from the moment you open the door. For me, as old as the room was, it felt alive. It felt as if Champagnat was alive and well, and although I couldn't see him - I knew he was there in spirit. Luis and I exchanged glances, and for a solid 10 minutes, we were speechless - and it might have been the longest 10 minutes of my life!

When you first entered Champagnat's room, there is a window that overlooks the entire property or "courtyard" of L'Hermitage, as well as the Gier river. Something about the view struck me, and I went up to the window and opened it. Looking up the hillside, and imagining what Champagnat himself saw everyday, I heard Brother Dom then begin to say, "Oh! Father Champagnat used to do that everyday! That was his way of calling out to the brothers. He would open the window and call out to them - especially if he saw one sleeping on the job. He would tell the other brothers to grab him a pillow!" and then Brother Dom started to laugh. For me in that moment, it wasn't the story that grabbed me, but the fact that I had naturally done something that Champagnat himself did everyday of his life. Between the glance that Luis and I shared, and my window experience, my connection with Saint Marcellin Champagnat came into view. It was alive, and it was happening.

My whole life I knew that I wanted to be a teacher, because naturally I wanted to work with children. I believe that there is a spirit amongst young people that keeps us all alive - almost like igniting a flame within you that never seems to burn out. At least, that's what my students do for me. But my way of becoming a Marist educator has been more of a road of synchronicity, and less of a "planned" occurence. With that being said, there was a moment for me when I first met some of the brothers at a conference called, Sharing Our Call, back in 2010. Brother Rich Van Houten was giving a presentation on, "what it means to be a Marist educator," and the mission of Saint Marcellin Champagnat spoke to me more than ever. Mainly because, loving young people, especially those who needed it most - was something I felt compelled to do all my life, not just since I've become part of the Marist mission. 

The fact that in his final moments, Champagnat instructed his brothers to remember their Marial connection, and to remember to "love their vocation" is something that brings joy into my life. Even though I am not a religious, and wholly consider myself a Marist lay person, working to incorporate Champagnat's vision into all aspects of my life, both personally and professionally, resounded in me in this moment in his room more than ever. My life, has truly been enriched, or "sweetened" to use Champagnat's words, because I am conscious of the mission that binds us all together - even back to the roots of Champagnat's earliest days; and even in his final moments. 

I don't blog often because I find that sometimes, writing for me is not the best way to process my thoughts. But if you're reading this blog, there is one thing that I would like for you to think about in your own reflection as mine comes to an end. Where in your life do you find your "sweetness"? What is it about your vocation, or your everyday activities that brings you the most joy? If you were Champagnat today, what would you see out of your window, and what would you call out to your community?

Whatever your answers are - run with them. Dedicate yourself to the things that enrich your life and bring you joy, like Champagnat did. Saint Marcellin Champagnat was truly a man of his times - and created a movement. He was a revolutionary, a visionary, a "game changer," if you will - not because he was hellbent on drastic change, but because he followed the flame in his heart; and for those of you who could not be with us on this pilgrimage - I hope you know that wherever you are in the world, Champagnat's flame is alive and well and lives within you!

Blessings from L'Hermitage - from my heart that knows no bounds, to yours. Valerie <3