For over two centuries, Notre Dame de l’Hermitage has stood as a beacon of faith, mission, and Marist heritage. More than just a building, it is the heart of the Marist story - the place where Marcellin Champagnat laid the foundation for what would become a global mission.
The walls of the Hermitage have housed generations of Brothers, stood as silent witnesses to the struggles and triumphs of the world around them, and remain a sacred space infused with the spirit of those early pioneers - men who gave up everything to carry forward Marcellin’s burning mission, to make Jesus Christ known and loved, especially among those on the margins.
Yet, despite its central role in Marist history, no comprehensive book had ever been written about the Hermitage - a surprising gap in the vast body of Marist literature.
For Br Barry Lamb, this omission was difficult to accept.
Determined to preserve the story of this remarkable place, he embarked on a meticulous journey to document its history. The result is Illustrated History of Notre Dame de L’Hermitage, St. Chamond, Loire, 1824-2016 - the first book of its kind.
Weaving together anecdotes, rare illustrations, and previously unseen photographs, this beautifully crafted volume offers a long-overdue tribute to the Hermitage, the birthplace of the international Marist mission.
In celebration of the site’s 200th anniversary in 2025, the Star of the Sea Province has professionally published Br Barry’s book, ensuring that the legacy of Notre Dame de l’Hermitage is preserved for generations to come.
Weaving together anecdotes, rare illustrations, and previously unseen photographs, the book offers a long-overdue tribute to The Hermitage.
On the eve of his book launch, The Star Post sat down with Br Barry to discuss his inspiration, the extensive research that went into the project, and what he hopes this book will achieve.
The Birth of the Hermitage
In 2016, Br Barry visited the Hermitage as part of his Third Age course, where he realised that something was missing.
The Hermitage is a vital part of our Marist history,” he explains. “Fr Champagnat and the early Marist Brothers began their mission in a small house not far from where the Hermitage stands today. But as their numbers grew, it quickly became clear they needed more space. Fr Champagnat found a site by the river Gier that he believed was ideal - isolated, like a monastery, yet large enough to accommodate his growing community. And so, Notre Dame de l’Hermitage was born.”
During his course, Br Barry was given a tour of the Hermitage. As he looked around, he realised there was no detailed book about the building or its long history.
“Apart from a small 25-page booklet published for its 100-year anniversary, there was nothing comprehensive. People from all over the world visit regularly, yet there was no single source that told the full story of this structure and the Brothers who had lived there for almost 200 years. I found that astonishing,” he recalls.
"If no one has written it, why not me?"
Then, a thought struck him, “If no one has written it, why not me? I truly felt compelled to tell its story,” he says.
A Mammoth Undertaking
Soon after, Br Barry immersed himself in researching the book.
“I used every resource available - the internet, particularly the Champagnat.org website, extensive readings on the life of Fr Champagnat, and two key biographies, including Achievement from the Depths by Br Stephen Farrell,” he explains.
One of his most valuable discoveries was a diary written by a Brother who had personally known Fr Champagnat. “Fortunately, this diary had been translated into English, which allowed me to sift through it, identify relevant sections, and incorporate them into my work,” he adds.
"I also explored bulletins from the Institute, some dating as far back as 1909."
Br Barry also examined archival materials in Australia, particularly those compiled by Br Owen Kavanaugh, the late Champagnat scholar. However, the most significant breakthroughs came when he was able to visit the Marist archives in France and Rome.
“I requested permission to travel to France, where I spent a week combing through the archives, followed by two weeks in Rome. There, I found boxes of materials related to the Hermitage. I also explored bulletins from the Institute, some dating as far back as 1909. These contained accounts of major celebrations and key events at the Hermitage. After gathering everything I could find, I brought it all home and began compiling the book,” he says.
Putting It All Together
Once Br Barry felt satisfied with his research, he set about structuring the book in a way that would be both informative and visually engaging.
“I made sure to include details about the evolution of the Hermitage, the daily lives of the Brothers, and the challenges they faced,” he explains. “I wanted the book to be a tribute to the dedication and perseverance of those who built and sustained its legacy over the years.”
Br Barry’s longstanding interest in historical research guided him throughout the process. However, one of the biggest challenges he faced was the language barrier - many of the historical documents were in French.
"I wanted the book to be a tribute to the dedication and perseverance of those who built and sustained its legacy over the years."
“My knowledge of French comes from my school days, so while I could understand basic passages, the sheer volume of French materials made it difficult at times,” he admits. “I enlisted the help of others for translations, photocopied the relevant sections, and later incorporated them into the book.”
More Than Just a History Book
Instead of taking a traditional approach, Br Barry wanted the book to be visually compelling. He filled it with photographs and rich illustrations – some of which he created himself.
“The kind of histories I write are very visual - richly illustrated - because I believe illustrations bring a story to life,” he says.
The cover of the book, for instance, features a sketch of the Hermitage drawn by Br Barry himself. “I stood at the new building that houses the dining room and administration offices, sketched the view, and later added colour. Sketching is something I have done since childhood; it just feels natural to me.”
"The kind of histories I write are very visual - richly illustrated - because I believe illustrations bring a story to life."
One of his favourite pictures included in the book was the original handwritten copy of Fr Champagnat’s Last Will and Testament.
“Many of us know parts of it by heart, but we have the English copy. At one point, I asked myself, “Where is the original French version?” The Brother Archivist in Rome was able to locate it and sent me an electronic copy in the original handwriting. Interestingly, he also mentioned that he believed the handwriting belonged to Br François, who was with Fr Champagnat when he passed.
"Being able to include a picture of the original handwritten testament in my book was truly special - it’s one of my favourite elements."
Curious, I examined the letters in the will and testament and compared them to Br François’ signature. After some analysis, I became convinced that he had indeed written the document. There are actually two copies - he must have transcribed it twice. One is kept with the Marist Fathers, while the other remains in our possession.
Being able to include a picture of the original handwritten testament in my book was truly special - it’s one of my favourite elements.”
The book is also structured in an interesting way. According to the introduction, readers can open to any page and start reading from there rather than following a strict sequence. However, that was not the original approach.
"Within each section, the illustrations and headings ensure that every spread offers something engaging."
“Actually, I prefer a chronological approach to history, so the book is structured that way. The plan was always to present events in order - covering key moments like the uprisings in France during the 1830s, the Brothers from the Hermitage who had to fight in both World Wars, and the post-war developments. It all flows chronologically from 1824 when construction of the Hermitage began.”
Nonetheless, within each section, the illustrations and headings ensure that every spread offers something engaging. “That wasn’t necessarily my intention while writing,” he admits, “but once the book was completed, that became the reality.”
Selecting the Right Stories
With two centuries’ worth of material at his disposal, Br Barry faced a challenge in curating the most compelling stories for the book.
“Truly the biggest challenge was deciding which stories to include. I ultimately chose the ones that intrigued me the most - especially anecdotes that added a personal, human element to the larger historical narrative,” he explains.
Some stories left a lasting impression on him.
“For example, one story from the 1830s really stood out to me. A Brother who cared for the community’s cow milked it every morning. After he passed away, the cow stopped giving milk for three days. To some, that might seem trivial, but to me, it truly encapsulated the deep connection between the Brothers and their daily lives at the Hermitage.”
Another memorable story involved a Brother who spent forty years as the community’s cobbler, making and repairing shoes for the others.
“When he passed away, I write that at his funeral, many of the Brothers must have looked down at their shoes, realising that he had made them. That story felt quite moving to me,” Br Barry reflects.
Among the many accounts of the Brothers’ contributions, the story of Br Stanislaus – one of the first Brothers to join Marcellin - resonated with him the most.
“He was not a teacher and was already an older man when he arrived at the Hermitage. He simply asked if he could assist, and from that moment on, he took on various administrative tasks - attending meetings, making visits, and helping with anything Fr Champagnat needed.”
"In my estimation, Br Stanislaus holds a special place in Marist history."
“In the mid-1820s, Father Champagnat faced significant challenges, and Br Stanislaus remained steadfast, supporting him through it all. I deeply admire him as a loyal friend and invaluable helper whom Fr Champagnat relied on immensely. In my estimation, Br Stanislaus holds a special place in Marist history.”
Incidentally, Br Stanislaus was by Marcellin’s side during one of the most historically significant moments of his life - the Memorare in the Snow, a story close to every Marist’s heart.
Collection of Untold Stories
Br Barry has been a Marist Brother for over 64 years and has read extensively about the life of Marcellin. Yet, in the course of his research for this book, he stumbled upon stories that even he found surprising.
“There were so many unknown facts! For instance, I learned that Br Ludovic Laboureyras, who led the first Marist Brothers to Australia, actually slept in Fr Champagnat’s bed, before he embarked on his journey,” he says.
He also uncovered stories of benefactors - wealthy merchants and a noblewoman - who generously supported the Brothers. Similarly, in Australia, doctors treated the Brothers for free, and to his surprise, the same was happening at the Hermitage.
“Records show that doctors provided medical care without charge, which I found fascinating,” he adds.
"I learned that Br Ludovic Laboureyras, who led the first Marist Brothers to Australia, actually slept in Fr Champagnat’s bed, before he embarked on his journey."
One of the more unexpected aspects of his research was the laicisation of the Brothers. When anti-Catholic laws were enforced in France, the Brothers could no longer wear their religious habits and had to dress as ordinary men to keep the schools running.
“When the restrictions lifted, some returned to their habits, while others continued dressing in lay clothing. That contrast was interesting to read about,” he says.
The anti-Catholic laws also had a direct impact on the Hermitage. “The French authorities closed the chapel, banning entry, so the Brothers sold the pews and the organ. The chapel was meant to remain sealed, but they had a secret way of accessing it. Only elderly and frail Brothers, along with a few caretakers, were allowed to stay at the Hermitage during that time. The idea of the chapel being locked away in secrecy was something I found particularly moving,” says Br Barry.
The Hermitage and the World Wars
During his research, Br Barry also discovered some unexpected links between the Hermitage and both World Wars I and II.
"A researcher in France studied Br Claude Berne, who was drafted into the French army during World War I. He earned the Croix de Guerre and the Médaille Militaire, and his journey to the front took him to Lemnos, an island near Gallipoli where Australian forces landed. I found a map in his diary showing that he had been there. It was a surprising connection, as many Australians don’t realise the French were involved in the Gallipoli campaign,” he explains.
However, one of Br Barry’s most astonishing discoveries was about the connection between the Hermitage and World War II.
During his research, Br Barry also discovered some unexpected links between the Hermitage and both World Wars I and II.
“The French consider the war to have lasted from 1939 to 1944, as they reclaimed their country that year. During that time, many prisoners of war were held near the Hermitage in Saint-Étienne. Among them was a German soldier - who was also a Marist Brother, Br Lazarus.”
“After being captured, he became ill, and knowing he was near the Hermitage, he requested to be cared for by the Marist Brothers. The French authorities granted permission, and he stayed with them for about a year until he recovered and could return to Germany.”
Br Barry acknowledges the complexity of the situation.
“He was a Nazi soldier, and that does go against what the Marists stand for. But in Germany at the time, if you were of a certain age in 1939, you had no choice but to enlist. Several German Marist Brothers died during the war."
“And finally in 2010, after the renovations, a community of welcome was formed which leads to a special Australian connection – our own Br Neville Solomon became a member of that first community,” he adds.
"Several German Marist Brothers died during the Second World War."
The Book’s Legacy
After two years of research, what was it like for Br Barry to finally hold the finished book in his hands?
"The original book was completed and printed in 2017. The idea was to present copies to the Hermitage, placing one on the bookshelf of each bedroom. It was a simple, self-designed book with some errors, and it didn’t look perfect. But when I received those copies, I was thrilled! Our little community in Heidelberg West, Melbourne, funded the entire printing and shipping process."
However, this new edition is something special, he adds.
“With Graham Wye’s meticulous restructuring, improved layout, and beautifully presented text and images, I am absolutely delighted with how it has turned out. It’s a beautiful copy!”
Br Barry has always had a deep love for historical research. Over the years, he has written several other books, including, History of our Lady of the Sacred Heart School, Thursday Island, 1887-2012; The Documentary History of the Roman Catholic School at Parramatta (one of the oldest schools in Australia); The Illustrated History of the Life and Times of Elizabeth Phillips Austin, the founder of the Austin Hospital in Melbourne and The Illustrated History of the Life and Times of Thomas Embling, a physician who treated the mentally ill in Melbourne in the 1850s.
"With Graham Wye’s meticulous restructuring, improved layout, and beautifully presented text and images, I am absolutely delighted with how it has turned out. It’s a beautiful copy!"
Each of these works reflects his passion for preserving history, but this book on the Hermitage holds a particularly special place in his heart.
Br Barry hopes that the book will make an impact, particularly on those unfamiliar with Marist heritage.
“My biggest hope is that it will find its place in each room at the Hermitage, so visitors can pick it up and read about its history. I want people to be amazed by the lives of those who lived at the Hermitage - through both the good times and the challenges. It’s a rich history, not just about important figures but also about faithful Brothers who quietly did their work with dedication. In many ways, the book tells a story of fidelity - the unwavering commitment of those who lived and died there.”
"In many ways, the book tells a story of fidelity - the unwavering commitment of those who lived and died there."
“As a Marist Brother, this is more than just a history book - it’s a testament to the legacy, perseverance, and faith of those who came before us. I hope it continues to inspire future generations to appreciate the profound impact of the Brothers and their mission,” says Br Barry.
For a copy of Br. Barry's book, please reach out to reception@marists.org.au.
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