Chaplain's Reflection

Farewell

Twenty years ago, when I was ordained as a Deacon and appointed Chaplain at Marist Sion College, I knew the Marists well, having been educated by them myself, as were my four sons, and having worked alongside them in teaching and leadership for most of the preceding twenty years.

Staff and students, whether Catholic or not, easily get on board Marcellin Champagnat’s charism and purpose: educating country kids who would otherwise not find a well-rounded Christian education. Marists’ particular mission is supporting and upholding the least and the lost both within the student body and the wider community. 

What I did struggle with initially was the Sion charism, asking myself, “How does this order of French nuns, founded early in the nineteenth century principally to convert the Jews, end up at the end of that century teaching Irish Catholic schoolgirls in Sale (and later Warragul)?” But now I understand. The Sisters of Our Lady of Sion have prayerfully discerned where there is need and courageously reached out to meet that need. Alongside addressing the needs of Catholic girls (and later, boys), their original charism has evolved to a special ministry of seeking to reconcile Abraham’s children: Christians, Jews and Muslims. 

In 2023, just before the current great catastrophe in Israel/ Palestine, I spent a month based at the Sister’s Ecce Homo convent in Old Jerusalem. Though proudly Catholic, the Sions celebrate much that Abraham’s children hold in common, rather than that which holds them apart and makes them enemies. Their ancient convent is a center for dialogue and interaction of the three faiths. 

Chaplaincy at Marist Sion has been a privileged opportunity to reach into the lives of 21st century teenagers. Many aren’t churchgoers yet, and some are of other faiths and no faith. 

Marist Sion College and the emphasis placed on re-contextualized faith formation, wellbeing and learning support enables students (including the least and lost) to emerge as rounded young citizens of the world with a practical appreciation of the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

As I retire from chaplaincy at the College (though I will continue to work in the parishes and diocese) I feel honoured to have been part of so many young lives and confident at handing the baton to a wonderful, committed and dedicated staff. 

Blessings, love and peace to all

Deacon Mark Kelly

College Chaplain