Chavoin Day 2009 was once again a wonderful celebration of our Marist heritage. The day began with a moving Eucharistic Celebration at Our Lady of Victories, Horsley Park. Many of the Marist Sisters joined with us to celebrate our special day. Father Paul Roberts, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity, Granville was our truly wonderful celebrant.

On Chavoin Day we remember the anniversary of the death of Jeanne-Marie Chavoin, foundress of the Marist Sisters and Patron of our college, who 192 years ago, arrived in the village of Cerdon to begin the Marist Sister’s journey. A journey that after her death, would continue to far away lands such as Oceania. Chavoin’s missionary spirit lived on and so today, there are many Marist Sisters working throughout the world. We remembered also our own Sr Kate who is presently on a journey of her own setting up a new Marist Mission in Kanosia, Papua New Guinea.

On Chavoin Day we also celebrated the life of Jeanne-Marie Chavoin, a woman ready to go out to all those in need. We lit the Chavoin Candle to symbolise that we are all on a journey to continue the work of Jeanne-Marie Chavoin, to bring the peace and love of Christ to the world in Mary’s way.

As part of the introduction to the Mass, Jeanne-Marie Chavoin (Sarah Sahyoun) and Father Colin (Titsyana Salloum) shared a few words of their Marist Vision and dreams with us. Furthermore, flags representing all the cultures in which the Marist Sisters minister today, were carried forward and then formed the altar frontal for our Mass.

Elizabeth Issa and Stephanie Hallab sang a beautiful Gospel/Homily Reflection titled ‘To My Surprise’. The song is a dialogue between Mary, the Mother of Jesus and her cousin Elizabeth. Very fitting for this particular occasion.

During the Presentation of the Gifts, breads representing the different cultures of the world in which the Marists Sisters work today, were brought forward: a loaf of white bread to represent the European cultures, Kisara bread to represent the cultures in Africa, Tortillas to represent the corn breads of South America, Roti bread to represent the Asian cultures, Unleavened bread to represent the many Middle Eastern cultures we have in our own Marist Cerdon  community, and Damper to represent our Australian heritage and to symbolise the growth and diversity of culture within our own Marist Community.

At the conclusion of Mass, the winner of the Chavoin Shield 2009 was announced. For the second year running, Colin House was the winner.

Back at school, the students brought their cultural foods to share with their friends during the picnic lunch. Then everyone was treated to an afternoon of spectacular entertainment provided by staff and students. It is amazing that Cerdon College is home to a vast array of talent .
Mrs L Parker
REC