In 2025, St Mungo's Academy took a leap of faith. A small group of Young Marist Leaders, staff, former pupils and friends of the school came together to create an Advent book based on the theme Pilgrims of Hope. No one knew quite what the outcome would be, but the project demonstrated the power of storytelling, reflection and Marist values in action.
The success of that first publication planted a seed.
Could a similar project bring together all three Scottish Marist schools?
The answer came through the enthusiasm, trust and commitment of the Marist Coordinators and Head Teachers at St John's RC High School, Dundee, St Mungo's Academy, Glasgow, and St Joseph's College, Dumfries. What began as a single-school initiative quickly grew into a shared vision to create something that reflected the voice, experience and faith of young people across the Scottish Marist community.
The concept was simple. Twenty-six Advent reflections. Twenty-six contributors. Five Marist Values. Three schools. One shared Marist story. Contributors were invited to reflect on the values of Simplicity, Presence, Family Spirit, Love of Work and In the Way of Mary through the Advent themes of Faith, Hope, Joy and Peace.
What followed exceeded all expectations.
Over a number of weeks, interviews were carried out with Young Marist Leaders, former pupils, teachers, chaplains, parishioners and school leaders.
Again and again, the same discovery emerged. The Marist values were not simply words displayed on school walls. They were being lived every day through friendships, family traditions, parish involvement, charity work, leadership opportunities and acts of service.
The Young Marist Leaders became the beating heart of the project. Their reflections tell stories of supporting younger pupils, leading school initiatives, volunteering in their communities, participating in parish life and discovering confidence in their own ability to make a difference.
They write honestly about family, faith, hope and belonging. Together, their voices create a vivid picture of what it means to be a young Marist in Scotland today.
One of the most striking aspects of the interviews was the diversity of those voices. Contributors came from different schools, backgrounds, cultures and faith traditions, yet common themes appeared throughout. Kindness. Inclusion. Service. Resilience. Family Spirit. The values championed by St Marcellin Champagnat more than two centuries ago continue to resonate deeply with a new generation of young people.
The project itself also became a practical expression of collaboration. Staff across the three schools supported contributors, arranged interviews, encouraged participation and championed the importance of sharing these stories. The resulting publication is not owned by one school. It belongs to all three school communities and to the young people whose reflections fill its pages.
The finished book contains twenty-six reflections and original artwork contributed by pupils and supporters from across the Marist family. More importantly, it captures something that is often difficult to measure: the impact of Marist education on the lives of young people. It demonstrates how the values of Simplicity, Presence, Family Spirit, Love of Work and In the Way of Mary continue to inspire action, shape character and strengthen communities.
What began with St Mungo's Academy lighting the first candle in 2025 has now become a shared journey across Scotland. The Young Marist Leaders Advent Book 2026: Marist Values stands as a testament to the commitment of our schools, the dedication of our staff and, above all, the remarkable young people who continue to bring the Marist values to life each day.
Yet perhaps the most exciting part of the story is what comes next. The success of this year's collaboration has encouraged us to think beyond Scotland. In 2027, we hope to extend the invitation to the Marist schools in Ireland, creating an even wider network of young voices sharing their experiences of faith, leadership, service and community.
The prospect of Young Marist Leaders from Scotland and Ireland contributing to a shared Advent journey is an exciting one.
Who knows where that journey might lead after that? What began as a pilot project in St Mungo’s Academy, Glasgow is already growing into something much larger.
The Advent Book has become a platform through which young people can share their stories, celebrate their values and learn from one another across school communities and, potentially, across countries. If the first two years have taught us anything, it is that when Young Marist Leaders are given a voice, they have something powerful to say.
All proceeds remain with the individual school
Should families or friends wish to purchase additional copies, they can do so directly via Amazon.
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Young Marist Leaders Advent 2026: Marist Values
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Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed reflections, artwork, photographs and support throughout this project. Most importantly, thank you to our Young Marist Leaders whose voices have shaped every page of this book.
May this collection bring hope, inspiration and encouragement throughout Advent.
In the spirit of St Marcellin Champagnat, let us continue creating places where young people can lead, belong and flourish.
