A Marian Face
Marist Moment: A Marian Face in the Church
Big challenges need big solutions. Colin knew this during the French Revolution. The Church needed to change and the solution was to be more Marian - humble, welcoming, open, like the early Christian community.
A popular Marist Book called ‘A Marian Consciousness’ offers some thoughtful ideas on the Marist Way of looking at and living life.
A Memory Retrieved for the Times
Every prophet must read the signs of the times — and Colin read his with striking clarity. He saw that the French Revolution and the Enlightenment had changed the world for good; there was no turning back the clock. While many churchmen dreamed of restoring the Church's old power and privilege, Colin knew that 'indifference and unbelief' could never be answered by triumphalism, dogmatism or nostalgia. Something new was needed. 'The Society must begin a new Church over again,' he dared to say — 'not in a literal sense… but in a certain sense, yes.'
For this new age, Colin retrieved an old memory: Mary in the Church. He returned again and again to the word he treasured most: 'I was the support of the new-born Church; I shall be also at the end of time.' He loved to point out that the Gospel names Mary only four times, 'and yet what good she did!' After the Ascension she did not stand on her dignity as Mother of Jesus; she disappeared into the community of disciples, praying, encouraging, holding the young Church together — doing 'more by her prayers than the Apostles by their preaching.'
This is the Marist 'word' to every age, including ours: the Church is at its most convincing not when it is loud, powerful and impressive, but when it is like Mary — a gentle and merciful presence, an open door, a welcoming face, appearing especially where the need is greatest.
Our own times, too, are marked by indifference and quiet unbelief. The Marist intuition is that people today, like Colin's contemporaries, will be won not by argument or spectacle but by mercy, humility, and genuine presence.
Marist Reflection Question
When people meet me, what 'face of the Church' do they encounter? Is it closer to judgement and busyness, or to Mary's quiet welcome?
Marist Practice for Daily Life
Identify one person in your daily life who feels distant from faith or community. This week, offer them not an argument but a simple act of unforced kindness and presence — no strings attached.
Marist Resources Download
This resource was created from the Marist Spirituality Series ‘A Marian Consciousness’ by Fr Michael Fitzgerald SM. Click here to view the full reflection guide.
