By Kōka Pepe, DRS, Chanel College
Chanel College in Masterton marked 150 years of Marist mission in Aotearoa New Zealand with a whole-school Mass, led by Fr Matt White, on Friday, 30 October. Parishioners, Brother Martin Pattison and Brother Chris Maney joined students and staff to celebrate the College’s Catholic education story and the communities that have shaped it.
In his homily, Fr Matt invited students to imagine the challenges faced by the first Marist Brothers when they arrived in New Zealand in 1876. They had travelled from France with few resources, trusting that faith and education could make a difference in the lives of young people.
Fr Matt traced the story of Catholic education in Masterton from the founding of St Joseph’s College for boys in 1945 to the formation of Chanel College in 1978. Chanel also carries the Brigidine legacy of St Bride’s. The Marist and Brigidine traditions came together in one college community under the patronage of St Peter Chanel, and continue to shape the school’s special character.
The Marist heritage was brought into the present through a student voice video. Students reflected on how they live the Marist mission at Chanel, alongside a tribute to the missionaries, teachers, families and Brothers who helped shape the character and heritage of the College.
After Mass, Fr Matt blessed the trees for planting and the stream marker, ‘Te Kuripuni. Brothers Martin and Chris then planted five native trees beside the stream. The kōwhai, whauwhaupaku (five finger) and coprosma represented the five characteristics of Marist spirituality. The planting put the values of service and care for creation into action, continuing a kaupapa inspired by the Ruamahanga Restoration Trust and its work with schools, encouraging environmental care in the community. The anniversary was also marked with a whole-school “150” photograph and morning tea.
The celebration was an opportunity to give thanks for the generations who have contributed to Catholic education in Masterton and carried the Marist mission in Aotearoa. At Chanel, the Marist and Brigidine heritage remains part of the life of the College, reflected in the welcome, service and care shown to others and to creation.
