The Marist Brothers were founded in 1817 by Marcellin Champagnat, a newly-ordained priest raised in France during the French Revolution. Together with two recruits, Marcellin sought to combat the spiritual and educational devastation the war had inflicted on young people.

Like today's Marist Brothers, the early Marist communities were known for their family spirit and simple Gospel way of being fully present to each other and all people. Then, as now, the goal was to bring the love of Jesus and Mary to others through lives of service.

The first Marist school opened in LaValla, France in 1818. That school is still in operation today. Marist schools multiplied at a fast pace almost a dozen a year. Marcellin's mission quickly spread to other countries, including the United States in 1885-86. By the turn of the century, the Marist Brothers had accepted invitations from many countries around the world.

Today, Saint Marcellin Champagnat's legacy still lives on in the nearly 4,000 Marist Brothers worldwide, including 185 in the United States. Each day in large cities and remote villages, across 79 countries on six continents, Marist Brothers transform the lives and situations of thousands through education and spirituality, and by challenging young people to live their fullest potential in Christ.