Marist Simplicity Reflection
Less is more
More — it’s what we’re sold. More money! More stuff! More friends! We are all consumers of ‘more’ and with more comes complexity, sometimes at the expense of our moral purpose. Our young people are often drawn into the stresses of living a complex life.
In the Marist tradition, simplicity is what shapes us and our way of relating to each other, God and creation. Being simple means being honest, being aware of what is important and what is not and acknowledging and being content with the gifts we have to share. In our Marist school, we express simplicity in our way of approaching others with openness and gratitude. A simple person is an unpretentious person.
"Young people are attracted to [our] simple spirituality. The images of God we offer them, and the language, experiences and symbolism we use, are accessible and touch the heart. At the heart of Marist spirituality coming from Marcellin Champagnat and the first Brothers is humility, expressed in simplicity of behaviour and our way of relating." Water from the Rock, 33 and 35: A Marist Spirituality Document
So, what does this mean for you and your child?
It means that while we walk alongside you and your child in their Marist journey, we impress upon them that simplicity of living means meeting life face-to-face. It means being direct and honest in relationships of all kinds. Simplicity keeps us grounded and helps us sustain our success and be genuinely loved and respected.
Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat