On Wednesday March 6 we celebrated the Blessing and Opening of The Gregorian Centre by the Most Reverend Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong, and Mr Greg Warren, MP, Member for Campbelltown.
What began as an idea in 2019 has resulted in a Multipurpose building which will greatly enhance the teaching and learning possibilities for our community here at Greg’s. It includes a 200-seat theatre, a band room, 3 music classrooms, 7 music tuition/practice rooms, a food technology classroom, 2 general classrooms, an open plan learning space, outdoor amphitheatre, outdoor gym area, storage, toilets and changerooms. The architects, Simon Goold and Vanessa Lacey from Bow Goold Architects, took inspiration from the external wall of the College Chapel, mirroring the curves and the red brick.
Much of the project was funded from savings by the College as well as a grant from the NSW State Government. In his address Dr Frank Malloy spoke of education being a generational responsibility. The current families of the College are most grateful to the parents and families who preceded them who have raised these funds for the project.
We welcomed many official guests representing The Marist Brothers, Marist Schools Australia, state and local governments, Campbelltown Catholic Club, Wests Leagues Club, and various College Boards. Being such a special event in the story of our College, all of Year 12 and a representative from each grade, K – 11, joined the many guests in prayer and song.
There were many highlights of the Blessing and Opening, showcasing our young people and the amazing staff we have who work so hard to allow our young people to excel in using their gifts. Congratulations to Mr Humphries and Year 11 students Deklin, Gene and Kaylan for their acknowledgement of country, Mrs Limbrey and the Junior School choir who sang their school song, and Mr Malaesilia and Mr Malone who prepared the Senior School choir to sing the Sub Tuum in the style of Gregorian chant. It was hauntingly beautiful! Finally, we were blessed to hear from Bishop Brian who encouraged us to let our light shine as we use the facilities and our personal gifts.
The Naming of the Centre
Thomas Donovan, the original owner of the land on which the College is built, had a particular affection for the Benedictine order to which Gregory I belonged. It was Donovan’s wish that an agricultural boarding school be established, under the patronage of Gregory I, alongside St Marcellin Champagnat as founder of the Marist Brothers, who enabled Donovan’s wish to become a reality.
Gregory I, commonly known as Pope Saint Gregory the Great, was born in Rome in 540 to an affluent and influential family, He was well educated, learning grammar, rhetoric, the sciences, literature, and law. Gregory 1 became a monk of the Benedictine order in 575 and was later appointed as a deacon of Rome and then Bishop of Rome from 590 until his death in 604. He valued learning and is recognised for his passion for education and knowledge, encouragement of missionary work and the founding of monasteries, strong leadership and courage. He has been referred to as St Gregory the Dialogist, having written many books on leadership, pastoral care, spiritualty and morals during his lifetime.
Also known as the Father of Christian Worship, he became very involved in liturgical reform. The particular style of music which he introduced is known as Gregorian chant and was first collected and codified during his papacy.
Pope Saint Gregory the Great, is recognised as patron saint of teachers and students, patron saint of musicians and singers, and patron of St Gregory’s College. Given the nature of the work that will be conducted in the new facility, particularly Music and Drama, the naming of the facility as The Gregorian Centre is most fitting.
It was also most appropriate that during the blessing of The Gregorian Centre we heard the Sub Tuum, one of the oldest known Marian prayers still in use today, and sung by Marist communities all around the world, sung in the style of Gregorian chant.
Mrs Cathie Clarke
Director of Mission