From the Headmaster

Dear Members of the Marist College Ashgrove Family,

Simplicity, Modesty and Humility – known in the Marist world as the three violets of Champagnat, are a great platform to build one's attitude to life on.  The only Australian Marist Brother to be the Superior-General (world wide leader) is Brother Charles Howard.  In 1992 Br Charles wrote about the three violets:

Humility is a basic element in our relationships since it has to do with clear self-understanding. It means knowing and accepting the truth about ourselves, being honest with ourselves, being free of pretension and self-delusion.  Simplicity has to do with the way we live the truth of ourselves, giving us a personal transparency, which allows others to know us and to relate to us as we are.  Modesty can be seen as the result of humility and simplicity, especially in the respect that we show to others, our sensitivity towards them in what we say and in what we do.  These Marist virtues give "a quality of authenticity and kindness to our relationships with our Brothers and with other people that we meet". 

Br. Charles Howard, "Marist Apostolic Spirituality", Circulars, 1992, p. 492

Please pay particular attention to "the respect that we show others, our sensitivity towards them in what we say and do." It's so very much a part of being Marist.

So aptly put by the Zac Brown Band in their song' Chicken Fried':

There's no dollar sign

On a peace of mind

This I've come to know

This speaks to us about the importance of relationships, "our sensitivity towards others in what we say and do". 

EPL footballers aren't probably well known for their modesty given the exorbitant salaries they earn.  I found it quite refreshing to read the following article recently:

Sadio Mane, The Liverpool Star from Senegal (earning approximately $10.2 million annually), has given the world a lesson in modesty after some fans spotted him carrying a cracked iPhone. His response is legendary:

"Why would I want ten Ferraris, 20 diamond watches and two jet planes? What would that do for the world? I starved, I worked in the fields, I played barefoot, and I didn't go to school. Now I can help people. I prefer to build schools and give poor people food or clothing. I have built schools [and] a stadium; we provide clothes, shoes, and food for people in extreme poverty. In addition, I give 70 euros per month to all people from a very poor Senegalese region in order to contribute to their family economy. I do not need to display luxury cars, luxury homes, trips, and even planes. I prefer that my people receive a little of what life has given me," Mane said.

A great lesson for us all!  Sadio obviously remembers where he has come from and remembers the plight of people in his home country of Senegal.  His philosophy that 'my people receive a little of what life have given me' is a great example of love of neighbour.

Let's all practise some modesty in the week ahead.

Yours in Jesus, Mary and St Marcellin.

Peter McLoughlin

Headmaster