Newsletter 1: 8 February 2022
As we commence this new school year in the midst of the continued uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the work of the teachers and leaders in each Marist school is to be commended with deep appreciation once again. It is noteworthy that two of the greatest global crises to impact upon Australia in the past 15 years, have seen the nation’s educators distinct, assured, and vital leadership in their communities. First to mind was the Global Financial Crisis and the economic stimulus facilitated by schools with the “Digital and Building Education Revolutions” of the Rudd Gillard Rudd Governments. The selflessness, good will, ingenuity, and compassion of our teachers and Principals in particular, will be long remembered as a most prominent feature of the national response to this prolonged COVID-19 crisis.
In the midst of the hectic and all consuming commencement to this new school year, is the beginning of celebrating 150 years of Marist education in Australia. In mid-February 1872, at this very time of year, the Star of Peace sailed within sight of land for the first time in seventy nine days since leaving England. On deck at 2.30am, a young Frenchman, Pierre Laboureyas, clearly saw in the shrouded gloom, the coastline of Australia. Pierre is better known to us as Brother Ludovic, the 28 year old “Director” of his fellow three young Brothers in the foundation of the first Australian Marist school. One can only imagine the natural anxiety and unsettled emotions for this young man from the other side of the world, whose suitability and preparedness for the immense task had been questioned by some respected fellow Brothers in Europe. Such was the weight of these expressed reservations upon poor Ludovic, some months before the scheduled departure he formally requested the Superior General of the Marist Brothers to “relieve him of this burden”. Ludovic’s request was denied.
The vulnerability of Ludovic and the inexperience of his fellow Brothers was of deep concern to many of the Brothers in senior roles in Europe, especially in light of the colourful accounts of the challenges being experienced by those new to this ancient land. Yet in the midst of the swirling uncertainties we read from Ludovic’s journal, words that reflect a man of faith with great trust in God and a determined focus that echoed the Marist vision so firmly established by Marcellin. He wrote:
In my anxiety of seeing the land I got up at 2.30a.m. I was the first among the passengers to see it. My first sentiments and actions were … consecration of myself, of my Brothers, to Jesus through Mary for the Christian education of the children of Australia to whom we are sent”1
Acutely conscious of the present COVID-19 difficulties, as we commence these first weeks of school for 2022, let us like Ludovic affirm our trust in God and our commitment to Jesus through Mary for the Christian education of the children of Australia. May the year ahead present many moments, formal and informal, for us to be thankful for the gifts of faith, courage, perseverance, intelligence, patience, and compassion that God bestowed on the thousands of exemplary Marist Brothers, teachers and staff who have worked, and continue to work, in our schools.
1. Doyle, A. (1972). The Story of the Marist Brothers in Australia 1872 - 1972. Drummoyne: The Marist Brothers of the Schools.