Jean-Claude Colins 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 Societys Constitutions and left a rich spiritual teaching. His Marian spirit of humility and self-effacement speaks powerfully and urgently to the Church 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 his monumental biography of Father Colin (Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder, 2018; 1100 pages) the essence of his life and founding insights of a Marist charism for 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, smsm, New Zealand
"A must-read for all Marists! Justin Taylor SM in this Short Life shares Jean-Claude Colins powers of assimilation and synthesis, saying so much in a few words. Step by step, we read of Fr Colins faithful response to Mary to found a Society in her name despite huge obstacles. Supported by fellow Marists, from Cerdon to La Neylière, he responds to the needs of his time, accomplishing this Mission, sharing his inspiration for the Society of Mary and challenging future generations to live the Dream! It comes as no surprise that the Marist Vision is even more relevant and challenging today. Yes, a must-read." -- Teri OBrien, sm, Jeanne-Marie Chavoin Centre, Belley, France
"The 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 spirituality which 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 church and the world of our time. Father Justin Taylors writings make this beautiful spirituality accessible to everyone." -- John Larsen, sm
