Travellers in Hope

I have just finished reading Travellers in Hope by Brother Frederick McMahon F.M.S. It is not a recent publication (1994) but well worth a read for anyone interested in the beginnings and development of the Marist story from the perspectives of its key personalities. Br Frederick gives the reader a wholistic picture as he reveals, with honesty and compassion, the relationships of the four founders: Courveille, Colin, Champagnat and Chavoin. Francoise Perroton, a lay Marist and the first of the 'pioneers' who eventually blossomed into the Marist Missionary Sisters, is also included in this amazing story, as another traveller in hope.

As the Introduction states, the book is a '..synoptic treatment of the principals of the Marist story…to present history as it was lived, to show the development of the respective branches of the Society of Mary, and to present the many instances of interaction among the characters.' What I found most appealing was the deep commitment of these first Marists to the founding of a Society of Mary and the equally deep trust in and love of Mary, their "good Mother" to bring Christ to the world. Given this as their foundation, the wounds that sometimes appeared in their relationships and the obstacles they had to overcome in their dealings with Church authorities made them truly Travellers in Hope. To purchase your own copy, contact Br Terry Gilsenan: 9817 0662. Mob. 0409 310 295.

Maria Baden