Celebrating Jeanne-Marie Chavoin’s Legacy

The students and staff of Cerdon College and Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich joyfully celebrated Chavoin Day, honouring our Foundress while embracing the enduring Marist Spirit.

In Australia, there are two Marist secondary schools for girls in the Sydney area: Cerdon College, Merrylands, and Marist Sisters’ College, Woolwich. While the Marist Sisters are no longer on staff at these schools, the charism continues to flourish under the leadership of dedicated lay staff.

We Marist Sisters are blessed to receive invitations to join the school communities for many significant events. One such occasion is the annual celebration of our Foundress, Jean Marie Chavoin.

This year was no exception. The warm welcome we enjoyed from both school communities inspired us, reflecting the enthusiasm with which each College embraces the Marist Spirit. Both schools began the day with the celebration of Mass and concluded it with a day free from classes, allowing students to engage in fun-filled activities.

At each Mass, outgoing student leaders were acknowledged and thanked, after which they welcomed and commissioned their new College leaders. While the Masses shared many similarities, each had its own unique style. Cerdon College included a role play of The Chavoin Story, while Woolwich highlighted a presentation to the incoming College Captains of the College Candle and the Marist Heart.

The two Marist Colleges are unique in many ways, perhaps most noticeably in their different cultural backgrounds. At Cerdon, the offertory gifts included samples of freshly baked bread, symbolising the many countries represented among the student body. Yet, despite their differences, both schools share the one Marist Spirit. Each sang their school song with gusto; their prayers and hymns highlighted the significance of Jean Marie Chavoin in their lives and the importance of Mary during the liturgy. Cerdon sang the Magnificat, while a Woolwich student sang a solo Ave Maria.

The atmosphere among the students was inspiring. Inside the church, there was a profound sense of reverence, followed by friendship and mingling with guests after Mass, making us feel very welcome on their special day.

Following Mass, the Sisters enjoyed hospitality from both school communities. At Cerdon, we had lunch with several staff members who shared stories and insights about the wonderful spirit that continues to flourish at the College. At Woolwich, we enjoyed morning tea with staff, the incoming leadership team, and their families. Having the opportunity to chat with these students and listen to their dreams for the future in such an informal setting was a true delight.

Two Marist Colleges, different in many ways, yet united in their understanding and practice of the Marist Spirit. We give thanks for all those who have passed on the charism that began many years ago in a small village in France—one of the many ways to enhance our spiritual journey.