2. The unfolding of a Charism

3. Montagne’s Experience

4. It was a day in October, 1816. The 28th, to be precise. In a place called “Les Palais” which is quite close to Bessat. In the foothills of Mount Pilat.

5. A 17 year old young man, Jean Baptiste Montagne Was in bed, grievously ill. As a matter of fact, he was dying. His last hour was about to come.

6. The young curate of La Valla-en-Gier Marcellin Champagnat Was called to assist the dying boy Marcellin had a shocking experience realizing that

7. The young man knew nothing about religion, God or life after death. He was ignorant of the most basic things of life. Why was he born? What will happen to him next? What was the reason for life? Suddenly, the youngster was seized by an overwhelming feeling of anguish.

8. He took Marcellin by his arms, and crying, begged him, with tears in his eyes… He took Marcellin by his arms, and crying, begged him, with tears in his eyes… “Father Marcellin, help me!” Marcellin who was really touched deep down in his heart, assisted him with great eagerness.

9. But there was little he could do! The situation of ignorance in which the boy had grown up was too huge. But there was little he could do! The situation of ignorance in which the boy had grown up was too huge. He talked to him about the God who would receive him with great love because he was his Father. And about Mary who was his mother and loved him tenderly.

10. After Montagne’s death, Marcellin started his way back to the parish which was quite far from that place. He could not bury deep down in his heart, the anguished cry of the young man… A painful feeling of anguish rose in his throat.

11. It was an anguish similar to the one of the youngster that he had just left behind. It was a shared feeling of anguish! Marcellin was no longer hearing just one voice. Behind the cry of that boy, Marcellin was hearing the huge cry of all forsaken youth. Marcellin was no longer hearing just one voice. Behind the cry of that boy, Marcellin was hearing the huge cry of all forsaken youth.

12. After arriving at La Valla, he put himself to work. After arriving at La Valla, he put himself to work. It was essential to respond to that call, no matter the price. It was essential to respond to that call, no matter the price. And the answer that Marcellin gave to the youth asking for help? And the answer that Marcellin gave to the youth asking for help? It is his “Little brothers of Mary!” It is his “Little brothers of Mary!”

13. Who he founded on January 2nd, 1817. Marcellin insisted always That all the dioceses of the world entered into his plans. And so…

14. His “Little brothers” have been going through the world… Listening to that cry… from the Montagnes of today!