Secondary Schools Festival in Nigeria

A glimpse of our Marist World outside of the United States, such as provided by the article below, helps us to appreciate the extent of Marist influence in countries where our schools are located. Weeklong festivals featuring the fine arts, oratorial contests, and sports events take place not only in Africa, but also in South America, where all the Marist Schools come together to celebrate their Marist Heritage and compete with each other in a friendly way, under the patronage of St. Marcellin. Marist spirit "being Marist" become ingrained in the hearts of Marist students and alumni who continue to live and spread their Marist Spirit after they graduate. Americans traveling to countries where Marist education has been long-rooted find not only welcome but also reinforcement of their own Marist formation. Something for which a prayer of gratitude is always appropriate. "The All Marist Secondary Schools Sports and Arts Festival (AMASSSAF) took place from Monday 7th March to 12th March, 2011, at Marist Comprehensive College, Nteje Anambra State, Nigeria. The occasion began with a Mass celebrated by the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Val Okeke. In attendance were the Executive Governor of the state, Mr Peter Obi, many Commisioners, priests, religious, among them the Provincial of Nigeria Bro. Joachim Ezetulugo. The Archbishop in his homily commended the Marist Brothers for their wholistic nature of education. The Governor promised his continued support to the school. All the Marist Secondary schools in Nigeria took part. At the end, Marist Brothers Juniorate Uturu emerged highest on the medal table in the boys category, followed by Marist Comprehensive College Uturu, and MCC Nteje. In the female category MCA Uturu came first, followed by MCC Ezzagu, and MCC Nteje. Sacred Heart Marist College Ejule, Kogi state emerged the best behaved school. The occassion was a huge success." --Taken from Marist News, #150. Bro. Rene