School gears up for 200 anniversary celebrations

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 29 June 2016, 12:00AM

The Marist family is Samoa is gearing up for a grand celebration on 23 July 2016.

It will be the 200th year of Fourviere, where the Marist Family started in France. 

The main celebration will be held on Saturday 23 July, which will include a mass at the Mulivai Cathedral, entertainment and a feast at the Tuutuu i le Loloto Hall. 

Yesterday, St. Mary’s School, Savalalo, decided to end this school term with a commemoration of the special event.

The school was divided into four houses named after the founders of the Marist Family.

They were St Marcelling Champagnat founder of the Marist Brothers, Fr. Jean Claude Colin founder of the Marist Fathers and Brothers, Sister Jeanne Marie Chavoin of the Marist Sisters and Marie Francoise Perroton founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary. 

School Principal, Sr. Masela Tenisio said yesterday being the last day of this school term; they wanted to highlight the significance of the upcoming celebration.

Each house performed songs, dramas and items highlighting the history and the work of the Marist family.

Sr. Masela said the 200 years anniversary would be a big celebration not only in Samoa but also around the world because the Marist family is a global one.

The Marist Family is a combined conception of the Marist Brothers, Marist Sisters, Marist Fathers and Brothers, Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary and Marist Laity.

The Marist Family was formed on the 23rd July 1816 in Lyon France at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fourviere when four diocesan priests and eight seminarians pledged themselves to found a congregational bearing the name of Mary. 

St. Marcelling Champagnat, founder of the Marist Brothers and Fr Jean Claude Colin, Founder of the Society of Mary was among those who worked to carry out this promise. They were convinced that they were responding to a wish of the Mother of Mercy. 

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 29 June 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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