As the founder of the Marist Brothers, Saint Marcellin Champagnat had a profound influence on the Catholic Church during his lifetime. He was part of the Society of Mary and ordained as a priest in 1816. He grew up in a poor family and was one of 10 children. He attended school for a short period of time, but he felt that it was not a fit for him and chose farm work instead.
When a priest visited his village in passing, he suggested that Marcellin would like the priesthood. After that moment, Marcellin determined that he would become a priest. He dedicated his time in the seminary to the education of children. He sought to share compassion with children and believed in treating them with respect.
He is known for providing education to children in areas where access to education was limited. In 1999, Pope John Paul II canonized Saint Marcellin Champagnat. His feast day is observed on 6th of June.
