Marian Feast Day

Today we celebrated the two founding orders that established our school, and Mary, our school patron.

Marcellin Champagnat was the founder of the Marist brother movement who established St Brendan’s, the first catholic high school in Griffith for boys. The Marist Brothers taught and led St Brendans which then became Catholic High School from 1950 through to 1991.

Catherine McAuley was the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, the order of sisters that took charge of St Patricks Primary School from 1921, later teaching and leading Catholic High School and Marian Catholic College till their departure in 2006.

Our school is indebted to the Marist brothers and the Sisters of Mercy for the values and morals they instilled in the students under their care. These principles and beliefs continue to be a part of our vision and mission at Marian Catholic College.

Today we recognize not only the founders of these two movements but we also acknowledge the Marist brothers and Mercy sisters who taught at this school during their years of service. In the words of the Sandy Flaherty,

If we are to honor our history

Implement our vision,

And live out our mission,

We must echo the tenderness of Christ Jesus,

The courage of Catherine McAuley and Marcellin Champagnat,

And the dreams those who have gone before us.

We must gather the young,

Welcome the stranger,

And teach as Jesus did.

We must create classrooms of compassion,

Lesson plans of justice,

And diplomas that impel.