On Wednesday 22nd of August Galen Catholic College celebrated its’ past traditions as we focused upon the life and person of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers. The Marist Brothers began with humble beginnings in the early 1800’s and are now found in over 80 countries throughout the world. Throughout the Founder’s Day Assembly, the school community, which now numbers over 1000, were encouraged by the wise words of Mr Joe McCarthy, our guest speaker from Marist Schools Australia. Joe encouraged us to reflect how we are Marist people today. He highlighted the strong social justice and actions that happen here at Galen but also worldwide. He shared stories of inspirational service of Marist students in Syria and made valuable links with the social justice and actions that Galen students do as exactly what Marcellin would be doing if he was here today. These words were echoed by Mr Neal, as he addressed the Galen community that we do live out the Marist story here and now at Galen.
This plays out in our efforts for Project Compassion, going on the Soup Van, travelling to Santa Teresa, our upcoming 2013 Immersion trip to East Timor and our first Alternative Schoolies pilgrim, Jessica Traczyk, who journeys to Cebu in The Phillipines in December. Our Marist connections have helped Galen start our immersion trips and this is how we are Marist people in today’s world. On the day our students shone. They acted out Marcellin’s story, linked it to today’s world, and wrote prayers of hope for the whole community. It was also an opportunity for Mr Hovey and the Mini School Directors to celebrate academic success, as many students received distinction awards. Other students showcased the wonderful Senior music program, led by Mr David Ashfield. Marcellin Champagnat would be proud of the school that Galen has become. Well done, but remember, in this age of governments arguing about accepting asylum seekers and rich people getting richer and poor people getting poorer Marcellin would be standing with us and applauding Galen’s mission to stay committed to social justice and action. He would be challenging us to be more and to do more for others, in Wangaratta, Australia and worldwide. Founder’s Day was a day to remember who we are, where our tradition comes from and how we can continue to grow together, living out Jesus’s mission. Marcellin’s Golden Rule was and still is, “If you want to educate young people, first you must love them.”