Catholic Board renames Jean Vanier Catholic Elementary School with new name that has strong connection to Italian community and St Mary’s Parish
For immediate release
(Brantford) - The Trustees of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board unanimously approved a new name for Jean Vanier Catholic Elementary School on June 23, 2020 at a special meeting of the board.
The name “Madonna Della Libera Catholic Elementary School” was put forward by Chair of the Board, Rick Petrella, and seconded by Trustee Bill Chopp; both Trustees representing the City of Brantford.
“This dedication to the Madonna Della Libera holds a special meaning for me as an Italian and Pratolani; as it does for many in the Italian community in Brantford and throughout the world. It is an honour, as Chair of the Board and a Trustee representing the City of Brantford to have been able to put forth this name, along with Trustee Bill Chopp, honouring the Madonna Della Libera and connecting this school, St Mary’s Parish, and the Italian community in Brantford while celebrating our identity as a Catholic school,” said Chair of the Board, Rick Petrella.
The story of the Madonna Della Libera is rooted in the 1500s during a cholera outbreak causing devastation and death in the Peligna Valley, in the Province of L’Aquila, in the Abruzzo region of Italy. A vision of the Madonna came to a poor farmer of Pratola Peligna while suffering and near death, who lovingly said to him: “Wake Up, my faithful one! Rejoice: the contagious disease has totally disappeared; the village is saved! Return to your family and friends and no longer be afraid of the disease.” The farmer falls to his knees and shouts with faith and devotion: ‘Madonna Liberaci’! (Our Lady Deliver Us!). This invocation has been remembered and is repeated by all people from Pratola Peligna and their descendants around the world to this day.
The first chapel honouring the Madonna Della Libera was built in Pratola Peligna, Italy in 1540. The news of this miracle quickly spread, and this small chapel could no longer hold the pilgrims who visited, then in 1587, a much bigger church was built which still stands today.
The people of Pratola Peligna, celebrate this Feast Day on the first Sunday of May every year and in 1958, immigrants from Pratola Peligna brought their devotion for the Madonna Della Libera here to Brantford.
The Italian Community of Brantford gathers each year at St. Mary’s Parish to continue this wonderful tradition where there is a beautiful chapel at the back of the church where all parishioners may stop, pray, and venerate the statue of the Madonna Della Libera.
“The process for renaming the school followed the Board’s Naming of Schools policy, ensuring community consultation and input. The trustees would like to thank those involved in the process,” said Chair of the Board, Rick Petrella.
In the upcoming months, next steps include updating school signage and other visuals along with a re-dedication and re-blessing of the school.
Photo cutline: Statue honouring Madonna Della Libera, St. Mary's Parish, Brantford
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For more information about this media release: Catholic Board renames Jean Vanier Catholic Elementary School with new name that has strong connection to Italian community and St Mary’s Parish contact:
Rick Petrella, Chair of the Board | E: rpetrella@bhncdsb.ca | C: 226.388.1548
