While studying for the priesthood in Lyon, Colin and a small group of companions began to dream of a society dedicated to Mary. They envisioned a community that would be unknown and unseen, yet active in bringing Christ to the world through simplicity, gentleness, and adaptability. This vision became the foundation of the Society of Mary, formally approved by the Church in 1836, with Colin elected as its first Superior General.

Colin’s leadership was marked not by prominence, but by a commitment to what he called the “hidden and unknown” way of Mary. He encouraged Marists to be present among people without seeking recognition, to listen before speaking, and to respond to the needs of the time with generosity and discretion. His writings and teachings continue to guide Marists today, offering a spirituality that is both deeply rooted in tradition and responsive to the realities of the world.

Though he spent much of his life in administration and formation, Colin’s influence reached far beyond France. The early Marist missionaries he sent out travelled to distant lands, including Aotearoa New Zealand, carrying with them his vision of a Church shaped by Mary’s spirit. Today, that vision continues in the lives and ministries of Marists around the world.