Marist Catholic College North Shore Houses
Every student belongs to one of the college’s six Houses:
Aquinas
(Yellow)
St Thomas Aquinas
(1225-1274)
St Thomas Aquinas was the great Doctor of the Church, who lived in the thirteenth century. He was known primarily as a brilliant theologian and philosopher and is the patron saint of universities and scholars. St Thomas Aquinas is an ambassador for education and serves as a wonderful role model for children. He was also a man of the heart and humility. He was a great servant to his community and was generous and tireless in his efforts to help others.
Barangaroo
(Orange)
Barangaroo
Cammeraygal Woman 1700-1800’s
Barangaroo was a powerful Cammeraygal leader of the Eora Nation at the time of European colonisation. The first known written account of Barangaroo in 1790 described her as being in her early 40s, worldly, wise and freer of spirit than the settlers expected of a woman. Barangaroo was a strong lady who stood up for her people and for what was right. She was a strong independent woman who lived a sustainable, traditional way of life, even with the colonisation of the European settlers. In her life, Barangaroo was the embodiment of the Marist spiritual characteristics of simplicity and presence. Similarly to Mary, who was Jesus’ first disciple, Barangaroo advocated for the Indigenous peoples’ way of life until her death.
Chisholm
(Blue)
Caroline Chisholm
(1808- 1877)
Well known Catholic philanthropist, Caroline Chisholm provided outreach to vulnerable immigrants to the colony, particularly women and children. She had energy, sympathy, administrative ability of a high order, personal charm and dignity, a husband unobtrusively devoted to her work and undying faith in the cause to which she had so unselfishly put her hand. Caroline Chisholm was a great pioneer, perhaps the greatest of women pioneers in the history of Australia and yet she died in poverty and obscurity. She started a home for girls in NSW to give them a place of shelter and protection. This expanded to family support over time.
Fourvière
(Purple)
Fourvière
(Lyon, France)
Fourvière was the place where St Marcellin Champagnat and his companions made their pledge, promising to devote themselves and all that they had to the foundation of the Society of Mary. Fourvière House signals a “new beginning,” but also calls students to respond to the Marist calling. This requires students to exhibit the characteristics of the Marist spirituality
O’Connor
(Green)
Mother Eileen O’Connor
(1892- 1921)
Eileen O’Connor, Founder of Our Lady’s Nurse of the Poor (Brown Sisters), is touted to be Australia’s next saint. On 10 October 2019 Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Colin Fisher published his edict to petition the Cause of Beatification and Canonisation of Eileen O’Connor. Eileen was crippled by a fall that left her paralysed for years and in pain most of her life. Eileen was known for her unwavering devotion to Mary. She persevered despite opposition from Church authorities in the early years. Eileen and her nurses provided a compassionate service of care to the poor/sick in their own homes at a time when there was no subsidised health care.
Xavier
(Red)
St Francis Xavier
(1506-1552)
St Francis Xavier was a companion of Ignatius of Loyola and one of the first seven Jesuits who took vows in Paris in 1534. He is credited for his idea that the missionary must adapt to the customs and language of the people he evangelises, and for his advocacy of an educated native clergy. He was widely considered a saint, even before his death.