A ROUSING rendition of Marymount College’s new hymn Deus, Meus et Omnia (God is my all) raised the roof at its annual Mary Help of Christians feast day Mass.
The college’s open rugby league team led the way when they joined the choir to lead the school in singing what will become a new tradition.
Rugby coach and mentor Jason Hamilton said it came as no surprise the team was prepared to display its vocal talent.
“The opening line of the first stanza said: ‘Take pride in the name of Marymount’ and that was what we are all about with this team,” Mr Hamilton said.
“The young men’s growth as a group is all about the strength they muster through pride in all they do, both on and off the field.
“We couldn’t wait to be a part of the first performance of our new and inspirational song.”
The hymn was penned by assistant principal Peter Shaw, who said the motivation to write it came partly from his study for Masters in Theology.
“We are blessed to have such a deep link to ancient tradition and Christology, through both the school motto, in Latin, and the college’s prayer, the Peace Prayer of St Francis,” Mr Shaw said.
“I could see the opportunity to make a link with these back through the history of the school to its modern context, as understood by the students.”
Mr Shaw said an upbeat melody made for a simple, but effective tune all could easily engage with.
He said the rugby league boys combining with the talented music staff and students was awe inspiring.
“I was humbled by the way they, and all the school, had embraced the composition and all it represented,” Mr Shaw said.
Principal Chris Noonan thanked Mr Shaw for the timely introduction of the hymn as the college celebrated its 50th year in 2018 with plans for several significant events.
“We will certainly be making use of our new college hymn next year and beyond; and plan to have a professional recording made in time for the anniversary celebrations,” Mr Noonan said.
Assistant principal for religious education Delores Maitland said she was thrilled with how the college had embraced the hymn.
“We have just had the opening of our beautiful new facility, Mary Mother of Mercy Church, and now this,” Ms Maitland said.
“We waited nearly two decades for the church, and even longer for a school hymn.”
Ms Maitland said Mr Shaw was a true model of leadership in the religious life of the college and that was why he was nominated for an Excellence in Religious Education Award this year.
She said the involvement of the rugby league boys in the choir was also a fitting finale to a wonderful feast day celebration.
