The Five Characteristics
As a part of the Marist tradition, we further seek to foster an environment that focuses on the five Marist characteristics.
Presence
Marcellin wanted his followers to do nothing less than immerse themselves in the lives of the young, to be a constant presence among them. As Marist educators we seek to know our students as individuals.
Simplicity
Marcellin believed that simplicity means accepting ourselves as we are, with all our strengths and weaknesses. He urged us to be transparent, to be people of integrity, and to let people see us just as we are.
Family Spirit
Wherever we are, we undertake to build community. Family spirit is something tangibly experienced. You feel it in the warmth of the College. You feel it in our welcome and hospitality. You feel it in the lack of pretence or arrogance. You feel it in the sense of belonging and the broad inclusivity of that. You feel it in people’s care and kindness. You feel it in trust and respect.
Love of Work
Marcellin, the builder, shows us the importance of being ready to ‘roll up our sleeves’, prepared to do whatever is needed for the vision of our community. We follow his example in being generous of heart, constant and persevering in our daily work.
In the Way of Mary
Marcellin knew Mary would be the best possible model of one who prized each human being for their own sake. Mary shows by her humility and generosity, the claims of the common good. In a world which put up and pulled down others, Mary revealed that the real God was someone with dusty feet. In all that we do, we associate ourselves with Mary to bring Jesus to life in the hearts of our students. All to Jesus through Mary. All to Mary for Jesus,
Our journey through life is one marked by encounters, encounters with God and with others, leading us to find hope in unexpected or surprising places.
The image of the two figures walking is based on an artwork by Cynthia Carr Kusmer, who paints ‘parable art’ with the aim to invite people into the love of God. The Gospels are filled with stories of transformative encounters with Jesus, just as our own experience of the love of God changes us and renews hope. This transformation urges us to ‘look beyond’ to see the world and each other differently.
The lower image takes us to one of India’s largest resettlement colonies, Kannagi Nagar, with a diverse population, largely fisherfolk who have suffered the effects of displacement. Many of its occupants have struggled to find employment just because they live in a neighbourhood with a tainted reputation.
In 2020, a series of murals were commissioned to change perceptions about Kannagi Nagar. A mural of two children drenched in sunlight was painted as a way to humanise those living there and capture the core spirit of the urban landscape, characterised by the life of its young people.
In the large-scale smiling faces of the mural, the young people and residents began to see themselves differently. Our environment is fundamental to our sense of identity, and when it changes, our life changes accordingly. In viewing themselves in a new light, it also led to a transformation in the way the community saw itself: full of life, with hope and a future.
The simplicity of a smile, a kind word or willingness to ‘look beyond’ and see the other with different eyes, are reminders of the small and gentle, building blocks of hope!