St. Mary’s School at Savalalo, in Samoa, has ended the school term with a commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Marist Family.
The Marist Family is made up of the Marist Brothers, Marist Sisters, Marist Fathers and Brothers, Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary and Marist Laity.
The school was divided into four houses named after the founders of the 4 religious congregations in the Marist Family.
They were St Marcellin Champagnat founder of the Marist Brothers; Fr. Jean Claude Colin founder of the Marist Fathers and Brothers; Sister Jeanne Marie Chavoin of the Marist Sisters; and Marie Francoise Perroton, founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary.
School Principal, Sr. Masela Tenisio said being the last day of this school term, they wanted to highlight the significance of the upcoming celebration.
Each house performed songs, dramas and items highlighting the history and the work of the Marist family.
What happened 200 years ago?
The Marist Family was formed on the 23rd July 1816 in Lyon France at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fourvière. Four diocesan priests and eight seminarians pledged themselves to found a congregational bearing the name of Mary.
St. Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist Brothers, and Fr Jean Claude Colin, Founder of the Society of Mary, were among those who worked to carry out this promise. They were convinced that they were responding to a wish of the Mother of Mercy.
Sr. Masela said the 200 year anniversary would be a big celebration not only in Samoa but also around the world because the Marist family is a global one.
The main celebration will be held on Saturday 23 July, which will include a mass at the Mulivai Cathedral, entertainment, and a feast at the Tuutuu i le Loloto Hall.
Source
- sobserver.ws
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