On the 6th June, Archbishop Emeritus Denis Hart blessed the newly renovated chapel at Mazenod College, Mulgrave VIC. A simple and prayerful ceremony lead by the Archbishop, the Provincial Fr Peter Daly OMI and the College Rector, Fr Christian Fini OMI, allowed the staff, Oblates and students of the College to gather and witness a remarkable event.
The faith life of Mazenod College has always been paramount to the school's mission and shining like a beacon amidst today's society, the College has invested in the expansion of the College chapel in order to allow for the growing numbers of young men who come everyday for mass before school and spend time in prayer throughout each school day. Very few Catholic schools these days would have the need for a bigger chapel, but Mazenod does and this is something the Oblates should be very proud of.
The newly renovated chapel boasts a simple and modern design allowing plenty of natural light to illuminate the several Oblate-inspired features of the space. The central feature is the cross. A stylized Oblate crucifix hangs behind the altar, reminding us of St Eugene's conversion before the cross and our own daily conversion to recognise Christ's love for us. On either side of the altar are two walls, featuring the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Eugene de Mazenod. Quotes of theirs accompany profiles of their faces and provide some food for reflection for those who visit this sacred space. The last great feature of the chapel is the Memorial Wall surrounding the chapel and the Resurrection Cross, honouring all the deceased who have been a part of Mazenod College's great history.
Congratulations goes to Fr Christian Fini OMI for his vision and planning, to all those involved in its construction and to the Archbishop for his presence and blessing last June.
