Jean-Claude Colin

Jean-Claude Colin was a French priest (7 August 1790 – 15 November 1875) who became the founder of the Society of Mary (Marists). Early life Jean-Claude Colin’s parents (Jacques Colin and Marie Gonnet) married in 1771 Jean-Claude, born on 7 August 1790 at the hamlet of Barbery, in the Beaujolais region of central France. He was their eighth child. All told, nine children were born into the family. Claudine, Jean, Mariette, Sébastien, Jeanne-Marie, Pierre, Anne-Marie (who died at birth), Jean-Claude and Joseph. Jean-Claude’s oldest sister Claudine was his godmother, and his brother Jean was his godfather, hence the baby’s name Jean-Claude. His parents owned and cultivated a piece of land, and during the winter turned to weaving. The Revolution and the subsequent Civil Constitution of the Clergy brought a split into the church, separating priests who supported the Constitution from those who remained faithful to Rome. Jean-Claude’s parents supported the clergy loyal to Rome. An order of arrest was issued against Jacques Colin who had openly supported the parish priest, Cabuchet.