Esteemed guests at the recently unveiled statue of St John Baptist de La Salle. Photo: Supplied.
Keeping with the Lasallian Tercentenary “One Heart, One Commitment, One Life” theme, La Salle College honoured its namesake ahead of the 300th anniversary of his death.
The Middle Swan-based secondary school joined the worldwide celebrations of the Tercentenary of the death of Saint John Baptist de La Salle on 25 November 2018, which was aligned with the Feast of Christ the King.
The Lasallian Tercentenary jubilee year is designated to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the death of the Patron Saint of Teachers, John Baptist de La Salle.
The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools has also designated 2019 as the Year of Lasallian Vocations.
La Salle College Principal Wayne Bull commissioned a new statue of the founder for the festivities on 25 November.
The College Choir, under the direction of Mary-Jo Masmanian, sang the College song ‘Deo Duce’ and ‘Walk in the Light’. Photo: Supplied.
It was co-blessed by College Chaplain Fr Richard Sadowski and former College Chaplain Fr Leonard Macionczyk SDS.
Br David Hawke FSC (Provincial of the De La Salle Brothers) and Joe Marino (College Board Chair) unveiled the statue in front of a community crowd of some 300 people.
The attendees included Br Mandy Dujuncos, College Board member; Br Rick Gaffney, former Principal of Luurnpa College in Balgo Hills; the Hon Michelle Roberts MLA; Rod Henderson, Councillor for Swan Valley/Gidgegannup; and a wide cross section of students, staff, and parents.
The statue is comprised of bronze, stands 2.3 metres tall, and weighs about 550kg.
Where it has been positioned is of some historical significance. It is located in the place that the original statue from 1954 once stood. That original statue has been restored and is in the memorial garden behind the chapel.
After the unveiling and blessing of the new statue, guests were invited to partake of afternoon tea in the Patricia Rodrigues Centre to say their farewells to Mr Bull as he concludes his tenure at the College.
Christopher Arnold with this portrait presentation of Principal Wayne Bull and his late wife, Margaret. Photo: Supplied.
Mr Marino presented Mr Bull, on behalf of the Board, a painting by former La Salle student, Chris Arnold, specially commissioned for the occasion, of Wayne and his wife, Margaret, who died at the beginning of the year. It was a fitting to tribute to them both.