The Icon of Governance and Leadership depicts a figure guiding companions on the journey, symbolizing shared responsibility among brothers and lay Marists. Leadership is presented not as authority but as humble service, modeled on the Good Shepherd, with the child at the center to remind leaders to listen to the most vulnerable and allow their needs to shape direction and mission.
Marist leadership involves discerning God’s call, mediating His tenderness and justice, and walking together in communion, inspired by St. Marcellin Champagnat and the fidelity of those who came before. It is a leadership rooted in cooperation, shared mission, and faith-filled discernment. The lamp carried by the leader represents wisdom and the light of the Spirit, illuminating a path that is synodal, familial, and open to all who share the Marist charism. Ultimately, the Icon affirms that true leadership serves, listens, and guides the community forward in unity, sustaining God’s dream for the Institute and the world.
The Icon of Governance and Leadership is represented by a figure guiding companions on the journey — whether Marcellin Champagnat, a brother, or a layperson — a sign of the shared responsibility and communion that characterize the Marist mission. This leadership is not authoritarian but one of service, inspired by the image of the Good Shepherd, who carries the child on his shoulders and makes the child the center and purpose of all governance and animation.
The child, pointing toward the horizon, reminds every leader of the need to listen attentively to reality, especially to the cries of the smallest and most vulnerable — the true calls of our mission. It is the child who indicates the direction, while the leader, with humility and faith, listens, accompanies, and guides.
In the face of this mission, the Lord’s call resounds: “He calls you by name, leads you into the desert, speaks to your heart, and sends you on a mission (cf. Luke 4:18; Exodus 3:10) — to be a bridge between humanity and the love of God.” (RV 7) The Marist leader is, therefore, a mediator of God’s tenderness and justice — someone who guides with ears attentive to the Spirit and eyes fixed on the horizon of the Kingdom.
For this reason, we walk together under the inspiration of the Founder:
“Father Champagnat, under your guidance we want to move forward together, step by step, with hearts full of gratitude and inspired by the testimony of fidelity of the brothers who have gone before us.” (RL 65) This leadership is lived through service and prophecy, recognizing that the mission is shared. “Recognize the responsibilities entrusted to those who exercise some service of leadership. Cooperate with them, in a spirit of communion, as they guide everyone in life and mission. With a spirit of faith, accept their mediation in the search for the will of the Lord.” (RL 87)
The lamp carried by the leader, illuminating the path ahead, represents the wisdom, discernment, and presence of the Spirit that guide them in their mission. This light is not only personal but shared, for Marist leadership is synodal and familial — built hand in hand and with united hearts. “We recognize and welcome all those who feel attracted to our charism and who identify themselves as ‘Marists.’ This movement of the Spirit unites all Marists of Champagnat into one global charismatic family.” (C 6)
Thus, the Icon of Governance and Leadership reminds us that to guide is to serve, to listen is to discern, and to lead is to walk together — illuminating the steps of the community and sustaining, with faith and love, God’s dream for the Institute and for the world.
