FEAST OF SAINT MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT
On the 6 June our College community celebrated the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of our Marist heritage. We are proud of our Mercy and Marist heritage and take great care to maintain the spirit of its founders. This year, students began St Marcellin’s Feast Day by leading a liturgy during their morning pastoral group- a time for students and staff take time to pause for a moment and to give thanks for the whole Marist project whose beginnings originated in La Valla, France.
The early days of Marist life were simple, yet clear in their purpose – to bring young people to the knowledge and love of Jesus, through a compelling and compassionate style of relating. As Notre Dame staff, we find ourselves continuing that original dream with purpose and joy, with incredible diversity and individuality expressed in the types of ministries and by the young people being educated and cared for at Notre Dame College.
Coming to know Jesus has its challenges in busy societies with much ‘noise’ – perhaps during these days of celebration of the Feast of Saint Marcellin we can actively seek solitude and space to truly listen for God’s Holy Spirit. Once we recognise the Spirit in the everyday and the ordinary, we are called to act justly, to serve without counting the cost, and to love with hearts that know no bounds.
Jason Giuliani
Deputy Principal- Catholic Identity
OUR MARIST WAY
Our loving God,
We give thanks for the example of St Marcellin Champagnat,
a man who lived God’s love in word and action.
Inspired by the stories of St Marcellin,
help us to learn how to show love and care for others.
Help us live as people of SIMPLICITY by striving to be honest, sincere, and grateful.
Help us to live as people of PRESENCE by the ways we show respect and listen with an open heart. Help us show our LOVE OF WORK by being enthusiastic and motivated, always striving to do our best.
Help us to live FAMILY SPIRIT by the ways we treat others with welcome and care.
We pray IN THE WAY OF MARY, that we respond by showing care for all, especially those who most need our care.
May we have hearts that are open to the blessing of God’s love in our lives.
We ask St Marcellin and Mary our Good Mother to be with us every day as we learn and work together each day.
Amen
