Marist School must rely on the deep investment of its community to carry on the Marist mission into the future. A pilgrimage during summer 2024 immersed 25 devoted members of the school community in Marist’s roots in France, giving them a profound understanding of the Society of Mary’s origin story and how this powerful history made the establishment of Marist School an eventuality. Over eight days, these pilgrims traversed the area surrounding Lyon, France to visit the places where the Marist founders lived and dreamed of building a community of people who would be Mary in the world, serving those they encountered with care and gentleness.

Bishop Joel Konzen, S.M., one of the spiritual leaders of the trip, counseled the pilgrims during the journey, “We go on pilgrimage to be seekers in one way or another, to uncover some truth, some additional insight that we didn’t have before…It requires us to identify those aspects of the journey with Marists that are lasting and universal and to affirm them and to carry them forth in the ways that each of us is able to offer.”

Those who partook in the pilgrimage—a mix of alumni, parents of alumni, and school staff—all agree that the experience was unforgettable and galvanizing. 

Donna Shea Clark '85, mother of Henry ’21 and Charlie ’17, said, “I enjoyed every day and every minute! What a blessing.”

Barbara MacGinnitie, whose three children and three grandchildren graduated from Marist, said, “Visiting the Marist sites was a great inspiration for understanding where the Marists come from and how universal is their appeal. Hopefully I can be part of expanding their reach in my little world.”

Incoming Board of Trustees chair Mike Cote, who with his wife Kathy is the parent of four Marist alumni, felt the pilgrimage furthered his personal faith journey, “The visits to the birthplace of the Marists—fathers, brothers, sisters, and laity—was moving. The journey challenged me to more deeply internalize Mary and to think, feel, and act like her with compassion and love for all.”

Former Marist School president Father John Harhager, S.M. also served as a spiritual leader and guide for the pilgrimage. He remarked, “It was a like a retreat for me and deepened my appreciation for our Marist charism and heritage.”

All the pilgrims were entranced by the energy and spirit of Sister Teri, a Marist sister who runs the Jeanne-Marie Chavoin Center in Belley, France. Her historical knowledge of all the Marist sites was staggering, and her insights into the background of the Marists brought their story to life. Cote shared, “Sister Teri was awesome and inspiring. Her impact alone will change your life.” 

Sister Teri’s enthusiasm for the Marists and for Jesus’s mother Mary was contagious. She proclaimed frequently during the trip that Mary watches out for all of us constantly. Undoubtedly, that idea still lingers in the hearts of all those who participated in the pilgrimage. In a missive she sent after everyone was home, Sister Teri mused, “My prayer is that you continue to count on her [Mary], knowing full well that she cares in concrete ways for us. We just have to remember to call on her and to thank her for her loving care!”

At Marist School, we are living and breathing this charge daily as we seek to advance and fulfill the incomparable Marist mission.

Mary, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us.

Read a day-by-day travel log of the pilgrimage journey.