Gathered to remind ourselves how, two hundred years ago, Imagination, faith, and courage—of young men full of life— And Mary, gently calling each one by name, Created a family; this story is ours.
Ave, Ave Maria Ave, Ave Maria
New times need more than memories. Imagination, faith, and courage must rise again. When Mary calls us, we will learn to listen, And to breathe her gentle spirit in a new way.
Ave, Ave Maria Ave, Ave Maria
Celebrating our history, our memories do not confine Our imagination as we look around us, At a world without direction, whose deepest hunger Cries out in the noise of our cities and the rush of our busy lives.
Ave, Ave Maria Ave, Ave Maria
Mary, help us to hear where the Word of God can be born. May your free “yes” support us; may your spirit be ours. May the grace of the beginnings inspire us, May the mission open wide, May we love and embrace this moment— You are by our side.
Ave, Ave Maria Ave, Ave Maria
More Than Memories
By Kevin Bates, SM Written for the Marist Bicentenary (1817–2017)
Description:
'More Than Memories' is a reflective and inspirational song written to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Marist Founders by John Claude Colin, Jean Marie Chavoin, Francoise Perroton, and Marcellin Champagnat in 1817. The song honors the legacy of the early Marist founders—young men of faith, imagination, and courage—and the ever-present guidance of Mary, who continues to call each Marist by name.
The repeated “Ave, Ave Maria” chant weaves a Marian spirituality throughout the song, emphasizing the centrality of Mary in the Marist way of life.
Explanation and Themes:
1. Recalling the Marist Foundation
The song begins by recalling how, 'two hundred years ago,' the Marist mission began through ordinary young men led by a powerful vision. It highlights that their success was not due to wealth or prestige, but rather their deep faith, courage, and openness to Mary’s call.
“Imagination, faith, and courage, of young men full of life... Created a family; this story is ours.”
It affirms that their legacy is not a distant history—it is a living story we are part of today.
2. A Call Beyond Nostalgia
The line “New times need more than memories” serves as a central message of the song. While we remember our roots, the Marist mission today must be active, relevant, and prophetic.
Memory is not enough—action, attentiveness to the Spirit, and a willingness to be led by Mary in new ways are required.
3. The Role of Mary
Mary is portrayed not only as a figure of the past but as an active guide in the present. She calls us by name, teaches us to listen deeply, and helps us discover where God’s Word can be born in our own time.
“May your free ‘yes’ support us; may your spirit be ours.”
This reflects the Marist belief in doing God's work in the way of Mary—gently, quietly, and faithfully.
4. Responding to a World in Need
The song also speaks prophetically about the modern world:
“A world without direction... cries out in the noise of our cities.”
This line reminds Marists of their mission to bring light, hope, and direction, especially to those most in need—just as Marcellin sought to do for poor and neglected youth in 19th-century France.
Overall Message:
More Than Memories is a spiritual anthem and a Marist call to action. It reminds Marists—past, present, and future—that while we honor the past, our mission is not bound by nostalgia. It is alive in the present and demands courageous, faith-filled responses to today’s challenges, always guided by Mary.
Journal and reflect on the following
What does it mean to you personally that 'new times need more than memories'? How are you called to live out the Marist mission today, not just remember it?
In what ways do you feel Mary is gently calling you by name today? What might she be inviting you to do, change, or become?
The song speaks of imagination, faith, and courage. Which of these three virtues do you feel strongest in? Which do you need to develop further?
How can you “breathe her gentle spirit in a new way” in the middle of your busy life? What practices help you slow down and listen?
The song speaks of a world “without direction… crying out in the noise of our cities.” Where do you see this spiritual hunger in the world around you? How can you respond with hope?
“May the mission open wide…” What is the mission you feel called to right now—in your school, workplace, or community?
The story of the first Marists is “more than a memory.” How are you part of writing the next chapter of the Marist story today?
Final Prayer
Loving God, as we remember the courage and faith of the first Marists, may their story become more than memory in our lives. Awaken in us the same imagination, trust, and boldness that guided them, and help us to hear Mary’s gentle voice calling each of us by name. In a world hungry for direction and hope, may we breathe her spirit in new ways and live your mission with humility, compassion, and love. Let us be your hands and hearts in our time, writing the next chapter of the Marist story together. Amen.
