A Promise Made 210 Years Ago
by Jen Martinez
Members of the wider Marist family gather in July 2026 at Whanau Maria to celebrate Fourviēre Day.
Fourviēre Pledge ~ reflections in 2026
If you'd asked me twenty years ago whether I'd one day feel deeply connected to twelve young French seminarians from 1816, I probably would have laughed.
On the surface, they seem so far removed from our lives. Different country, different language, different century.
In 2016, a group of us had the privilege of travelling to Lyon for the 200th anniversary of the Fourvière Pledge. It was one of those experiences that has stayed with me.
What amazed me most wasn't the Basilica or the 800 steps we climbed. It was the people.
There were Marists from every corner of the world. Young people. Older people, religious. Lay people. Families. Different languages, cultures and ministries. Yet everyone simply called themselves Marist.
It actually reminded me of Po in Kung Fu Panda (a cartoon movie my daughter likes) when he discovers he's not the only panda. Suddenly there's this whole village of pandas just like him.
The heart pendant containing the names of those who signed the Fourvière promise in 1816.
I'd spent most of my life thinking of Marist as this little part of my world, and then I found myself surrounded by thousands of people from all over the world who shared the same spirit. I remember thinking, wow... this is so much bigger than I ever imagined.
All of this... from twelve young people who made a promise 200 years earlier.
Did Courveille, Colin, Chavoin and Champagnat know what they were beginning?
And then I thought about the Scripture we've just heard (Acts 1:12-14). After Jesus' Ascension, the disciples didn't have a plan. They didn't know what would happen next. They weren't certain. They simply gathered together... and Mary was with them. Waiting. Praying. Trusting.
Jean-Claude Colin spent much of his life asking one question: What did Mary do after the Ascension? Perhaps this is the answer. She stayed with the community. She encouraged them. She trusted that God was already at work, even before they could see what was coming next.
As I was leaving Lyon, one question stayed with me. Not, What did they do? But, What do we do now?
I came home feeling both challenged and deeply affirmed.
I wrestled with that for quite a while. I was only 31. Part of me wanted to fit in and build the sort of life everyone around me seemed to be building. But another part of me kept sensing that God was inviting me into something different.
Fourvière steps which were climbed in 1816 by 12 young French Seminarians and newly ordained priests - ready to sign a promise to begin a group in Mary’s name.
Looking around Whānau Maria today, I realise this is part of our response.
Perhaps this is our own little Upper Room. A place where young people know they belong. A place where Marists gather. Where families gather. Where lay leadership is valued.Where all the branches of the Marist family can feel at home.
A place that tries to reflect Nazareth. Ordinary, welcoming, full of warmth, presence, companionship and community.
Today, many of us gathered here are not vowed Marists. We haven't taken the vows of a Marist religious. Yet, in so many ways, we are the fruit of your yes.
We are here because generations before us responded with courage. They lived through sacrifice, uncertainty, rejection, change and challenges of their own. They built schools, communities, ministries and relationships that have shaped our lives and our faith. For that, we owe them our deepest gratitude.
Perhaps Fourvière isn't asking those who have already faithfully given their lives to do more. Perhaps it's asking those of us who have inherited this story,what will our yes be?
Our challenges look different today. We face uncertainty, bureaucracy, politics, financial pressure and, at times, doubt. Yet the invitation remains the same. Be not afraid. Have faith. Keep beginning.
That's what those first Marists did.
Young people today are searching for belonging, connection, justice and hope.
They're looking for places where they can be listened to, where they will be accompanied, where they can make change for good and where they can feel accepted. I think that's what Fourvière asks of us today.
Not to recreate France in 1816. But to become that kind of community.
What began as a promise 210 years ago… becomes living hope through us.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Fourvière day was a “mustard seed” moment - a small act of faith that still resonates 210 years later. When has a small moment made a big impact in your life?
Jen shared these words in her reflection: “What will our ‘yes’ be?” What are you being called to say ‘yes’ to at the moment - in your personal life, family life or in your prayer life?
What part of the Fourvière story stands out to you? How do you feel knowing you are connected to this special story?
“’The young Marists gathered at Fourvière could never have imagined the global reach of their dream. Yet the heart of their vision remains unchanged. Inspired by Mary, Marists are still called to bring the life of Christ to birth wherever they are found. ”
~ Br. Peter Carroll, Superior General of the Marist Brothers
