The St David’s Marist Inanda community in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg marked a significant milestone on Thursday, 4 June 2026, as it celebrated 85 years of Catholic education, Marist values and service to society.
The anniversary coincided with the school’s annual Old Boys’ Weekend, a cherished tradition that sees generations of alumni return to their alma mater to reconnect, share memories and celebrate the enduring Marist spirit. This year, however, the gathering carried special significance as former and current pupils, staff, parents and friends of the school came together to commemorate 85 years since the school’s founding.
The celebrations began with a Mass presided over by the Archbishop of Johannesburg, Cardinal Stephen Brislin, who reflected on the life and legacy of St Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist Brothers, and challenged the school community to continue building lives rooted in faith, compassion and service.
Following the example of St Marcellin Champagnat
In his homily, Cardinal Brislin reminded the school that St Marcellin Champagnat came from humble beginnings in rural France, yet became an instrument through whom God transformed countless lives.
“God looks beyond the exterior, deep inside into a person,” the cardinal said. “And in Marcellin, God saw a heart of flesh, a heart of compassion, a heart filled with concern for other people.”
The cardinal explained that Champagnat recognised the dignity of every child and believed that all young people should know that they are loved by God and called to fulfil their potential.
Through education, Champagnat sought to develop the whole person: body, mind and soul, enabling young people not only to succeed academically but also to become people of faith who contribute positively to society.
Cardinal Brislin encouraged pupils and members of the wider school community not to be discouraged by their circumstances or compare themselves to others.
“The life of the saint teaches us that God looks into your heart,” he said. “When we trust God and open our hearts to Him, we can become His instruments, no matter who we are or where we come from.”
Building Life on a Firm Foundation
Drawing from the Gospel, Cardinal Brislin emphasised the importance of building one’s life on God and His Word.
“The message is very clear,” he said. “Build your life on God. Build your life on the Word of God, because that will give you a firm and strong foundation in life.”
He reminded the congregation that God calls every person to be His co-worker in bringing truth, goodness and beauty into the world. This mission, he said, requires Christians to recognise the many forms of poverty that exist in society today.
While material poverty remains a reality for many, the cardinal noted that young people increasingly face other forms of hardship, including anxiety, loneliness, uncertainty and a lack of purpose.
“I think many young people are burdened by isolation,” he said, pointing to the influence of technology and social media, which can sometimes replace genuine human relationships.
He recalled how St Marcellin emphasised the importance of presence, being physically and emotionally available to others, and challenged the community to recover that gift in an increasingly digital age.
Simplicity in a Complex World
Another key theme of the homily was the Marist value of simplicity. Cardinal Brislin warned against the dangers of excessive materialism and consumerism, noting that the pursuit of possessions often leaves people dissatisfied.
“The more we have, the more we want,” he said. “Even when we gain what we want, it doesn’t satisfy us.”
Instead, he encouraged the school community to embrace a simpler way of life, one focused on meaningful relationships, clear priorities and service to others. Such simplicity, he said, helps people discover what truly matters and enables them to live in peace with themselves and with others.
A Family Spirit that Builds
Reflecting on the Marist tradition of family spirit, Cardinal Brislin highlighted the importance of community in a world increasingly marked by division and self-interest.
“Our school is a family,” he said. “But the world is a family as well.”
He contrasted Christian values with those often promoted in society today, including power, domination, supremacy and the relentless pursuit of wealth. These, he said, stand in opposition to the values championed by St Marcellin Champagnat: collaboration, unity, solidarity, respect and peace.
“It is only through collaboration with others, working in harmony with them, promoting unity and oneness between people, crossing boundaries of culture and language and nationality, that we build a better world,” he said.
The cardinal called on the school community to be builders rather than destroyers, following the example of Champagnat, who dedicated his life to developing young people and uplifting those most in need.
Looking to the Future
As St David’s Marist Inanda celebrates 85 years of educating generations of young men, Cardinal Brislin reminded those gathered that education is a shared responsibility involving parents, teachers, alumni and the wider community.
“We are all meant to help develop others,” he said, encouraging the Marist family to remain faithful to the vision of St Marcellin Champagnat and to continue forming young people who are rooted in faith, committed to service and dedicated to building a more just and compassionate society.
Concluding his homily, the cardinal entrusted the school community to the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom Marists honour as their Good Mother.
“As we go forward as a school into the next 85 years and beyond,” he said, “we seek her intercession, comfort and consolation.”
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