Blaze the Phoenix: Our New Mascot

School spirit reached its zenith last week-end with the unveiling of Visitation’s new mascot, Blaze the Phoenix. In the works for many weeks, Blaze was brought to life through a collaborative effort on a multitude of levels. And while the mascot is really quite wonderful in its own right, what is most special to us is the connection of the phoenix to Salesian Spirituality, as evidenced in the following adaptation from the writings of St. Francis de Sales:

Our progress in holy love is like the

mythical bird called the phoenix.

When newly hatched from ashes, it has little,

tender feathers, and can only leap rather than fly.

As it grows strong it soars freely in the air

but not enough to remain long on the wing

and often comes down to earth to rest.

When it is perfectly renewed in spirit and strength,

it remains on the mountaintop. In heaven,

we shall indeed have a heart and spirit,

entirely free from contradictions and conflicts.

As yet we have neither the spirit nor strength of the blessed.

It is enough for us to love with all our heart,

which means simply to love with a good heart

and without reservation.

Courage then! Let us rouse our faith again,

and give it life through using the gifts God gave us

to perform good works with holy love,

since this is in our power.

Blaze the Phoenix. Perfect!