Patron Saints — St. Marcellin Champagnat and St. Maximilian Kolbe
Learn about the two patron saints of our Marist College, their life stories, and how we celebrate them here.
Patron Saints
St. Marcellin Champagnat and St. Maximilian Kolbe are two saints our College honours. This page gives a short, clear summary of who they were, why they matter to our College, and how we mark their feast days.
St. Marcellin Champagnat
- Born: 1789, Marlhes, France.
- Ordained a priest: 1816.
- Founded: the Marist Brothers to teach and care for children who had little or no schooling.
- Died: June 6, 1840, at the Hermitage (the house he built for the Brothers).
Who he was
Marcellin Champagnat saw how many children were left out of school after the French Revolution. He believed teachers should care for every child. He started a group of brothers who gave education and support, especially to children on the margins. Today, Marist Brothers and many lay people (non-clergy helpers) work in schools in more than 70 countries.
How we remember him at school
Feast day: around June 6 each year.
College events: whole-school Mass, a short talk about his life, and activities that show Marist values.
The Five Marist Characteristics (simplified meanings)
- Presence — Being with students and families.
- Simplicity — Being honest and humble.
- Family spirit — Treating everyone like family.
- Love of work — Trying our best with the tasks we do.
- In the way of Mary — Following Mary’s example of compassion and faith.
St. Maximilian Kolbe
Born: 1894, Poland.
Became a Franciscan priest and started the Immaculata Movement (a group devoted to Mary).
Worked in Japan and India, and ran a magazine to spread his ideas.
Arrested by the Nazis and sent to Auschwitz in 1941.
On July 31, 1941, he offered his life for another prisoner and died two weeks later.
Made a saint (canonized) by Pope John Paul II in 1982.
Feast day: August 14.
Why he matters to our College
Maximilian Kolbe showed great courage and self‑sacrifice. Our College remembers him to inspire students to act bravely and serve others.
How we celebrate him at our College
Notes for parents:
These saints are part of our College’s faith and values. You can talk with your child about what “presence” or “family spirit” looks like at home and at school.
Our feast day events are inclusive: families are welcome to attend Mass and other activities.
© Brisbane Catholic Education, Mt Maria College, Petrie (2026).