Sesquicentenary of Marist education in Australia
Br Ludovic
Dr Frank Malloy, National Director of Marist Schools Education, recently wrote an interesting article on Br Ludovic who was the reluctant leader of the Marist Brothers where they first set foot in Australia 150 years ago. I have included an excerpt of his recent Marist Schools newsletter.
In mid-February 1872, at this very time of year, the Star of Peace sailed within sight of land for the first time in 79 days since leaving England. On deck at 2.30am, a young Frenchman, Pierre Laboureyas, clearly saw in the shrouded gloom, the coastline of Australia. Pierre is better known to us as Brother Ludovic, the 28 year old “Director” of his fellow three young Brothers in the foundation of the first Australian Marist school. One can only imagine the natural anxiety and unsettled emotions for this young man from the other side of the world, whose suitability and preparedness for the immense task had been questioned by some respected fellow Brothers in Europe. Such was the weight of these expressed reservations upon poor Ludovic, some months before the scheduled departure, he formally requested the Superior General of the Marist Brothers to “relieve him of this burden”. Ludovic’s request was denied.
The vulnerability of Ludovic and the inexperience of his fellow Brothers was of deep concern to many of the Brothers in senior roles in Europe, especially in light of the colourful accounts of the challenges being experienced by those new to this ancient land. Yet in the midst of the swirling uncertainties we read from Ludovic’s journal, words that reflect a man of faith with great trust in God and a determined focus that echoed the Marist vision so firmly established by Marcellin. He wrote:
”In my anxiety of seeing the land I got up at 2.30am. I was the first among the passengers to see it. My first sentiments and actions were … consecration of myself, of my Brothers, to Jesus through Mary for the Christian education of the children of Australia to whom we are sent.”
Acutely conscious of the present COVID-19 difficulties, as we commence these first weeks of school for 2022, let us like Ludovic affirm our trust in God and our commitment to Jesus through Mary for the Christian education of the children of Australia. May the year ahead present many moments, formal and informal, for us to be thankful for the gifts of faith, courage, perseverance, intelligence, patience, and compassion that God bestowed on the thousands of exemplary Marist Brothers, teachers and staff who have worked, and continue to work, in our schools.
Matthew Hutchison
Headmaster