Celebrate a success story!
The Diocese of Ponta Grossa, Parana State (Brasil), has been in the dream of Champagnat for almost 200 years. In beginning his work of education and evangelization, and in consacrating it to Mary, the Founder said that all the dioceses in the world entered « into his dream » of making Jesus Christ known and loved, in forming good Christians and good citizens.
It was in 1958 that, faithful to the mission of Champagnat and at the invitation of the Bishop of the diocese, the Marist Brothers decided on a foundation in the diocese, thinking of the education of youth and the formation of candidates to Marist life.
On 15 September 1961, the city and the diocese of Ponta Grossa celebrated the opening of the Marist school « Pio XII ». This was the beginning of a path of success and commitments vis-à-vis the formation of the children, adolescents and youth of the « Campos Gerais » region.
In celebrating this history of success, on 15 September 2011, pupils, former pupils, fathers, mothers, Marist teachers and the inhabitants of the city of Ponta Grossa gave thanks to God for the 50 years of the « Colégio Marista Pio XII », in a special Mass presided over by Mgr Sergio Arthur, Bishop of the diocese, accompanied by many diocesan priests.
The celebration was enhanced by the presence of representatives of the Province of « Brasil Centro-Sul »: Brothers Davide Pedri (Provincial), Joaquim Panini (Champagnat Movement of the Marist Family), Paulinho (DERC), Marco Aurélio (DERC Ministry) and Diogo (Pastoral Sector).
In a moving celebration, Mgr Arthur insisted on the importance and the quality of the education offered by the « Colégio Marista Pio XII » in view of the formation of children, adolescents and youth during those 50 years. Mgr Arthur also recalled the work carried out by the Social Centre and the other activities of the school, with the Diocesan Youth Sector and other pastoral movements. From his own experiences at the school, he spoke with emotion of his childhood, the time spent with Br Cláudio Girardi in the « Eucharistic Crusade », in Curitiba.
It was a special moment! The cathedral of Santana was full to bursting: an expression of gratitude to God and testimony to the recognition of the people of the city of Ponta Grossa of the Marist commitment to offering an education of quality and a formation for life.
After the Mass, the Mariste Pie XII Band offered everyone a fine concert in the cathedral square.
The history of those 50 years has been written by innumerable persons. We ask God, Saint Marcellin Champagnat and Our Good Mother to bless them all.
Long live« Colégio Marista Pio XII »!
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Regis Clemente da Costa
Pastoral Team