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Chapel
Copeman's Chapel Presentation
Copeman's House gave us something to think about in their Chapel Presentation on Saturday. What inspires us? Where do we find our passion? After the Head of House spoke about passion, he invited an amazing group of Copeman's House boys (and one very talented Renfrew girl, whose brothers graduated from Copeman's) to perform "Walking on Sunshine." The service left us all smiling and energized for the weekend ahead.
What follows is the speech delivered by Cole M.:
I would like to welcome you formally to our House presentation this morning. For the parents and members of the Shawnigan community watching on line, I hope you enjoy the service and take something meaningful away from it.
Ubi Crux Ibi Lux. Where there is a cross, there is light.
This is the Latin motto of Copeman's House. In religious reference, the cross plays a central role in the Passion – which is to say – the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus gave everything to reclaim righteousness for the world, paying the ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of mankind. This is why the Passion is recognized as the most selfless and courageous event in Biblical history. I am not here, however, to deliver a speech on strict religious themes. I encourage you to read about the Passion or ask Reverend Holland about it at some point in the future if it inspires your curiosity.
Back to the Copeman’s House motto for a moment or two – Ubi Crux, Ibi Lux. The first half of the motto infers sacrifice, perseverance and the actual cost of overcoming the ultimate obstacle. The back half of the motto introduces light, something I feel can be much more encouraging. One way that light can be interpreted is that it suggests opportunity. It is often taken to be guiding and helpful. I believe it provides us all a chance to showcase our talents and virtues, while taking advantage of the opportunities life presents.
Think of it like this: Consider the images of the cross and light in the motto “Ubi Crux, Ibi Lux” as suggesting “Where there is passion there are opportunities.”
This idea of passion being a segue to a world of greater opportunity and, therefore, satisfaction and success is, for me, undeniably the case. Everything great in our world contains a measure of passion – whether it be mustering the courage to ask a special friend to tea, tackling George B. in Inter-house rugby or performing publicly in Chapel as my housemates are going to do so well in just a few minutes.
Donovan Bailey, former Canadian sprint record holder and Olympic 100 metre gold medalist, once said: “Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice and, above all, don't let anyone limit your dreams.”
This is just one example of someone employing passion to pursue their goals, achieve their potential, attain satisfaction and encourage others as well.
Passion is critical because it has a feature that can set it apart from other virtues – namely, it is to be found in everyone. No matter who you are, there is a flame of passion burning somewhere inside of you. If you have found it, continue to fan the flames! If you haven’t yet discovered what it might be, keep poking the embers. Your day will come.
Thank you.
Back
What follows is the speech delivered by Cole M.:
I would like to welcome you formally to our House presentation this morning. For the parents and members of the Shawnigan community watching on line, I hope you enjoy the service and take something meaningful away from it.
Ubi Crux Ibi Lux. Where there is a cross, there is light.
This is the Latin motto of Copeman's House. In religious reference, the cross plays a central role in the Passion – which is to say – the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus gave everything to reclaim righteousness for the world, paying the ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of mankind. This is why the Passion is recognized as the most selfless and courageous event in Biblical history. I am not here, however, to deliver a speech on strict religious themes. I encourage you to read about the Passion or ask Reverend Holland about it at some point in the future if it inspires your curiosity.
Back to the Copeman’s House motto for a moment or two – Ubi Crux, Ibi Lux. The first half of the motto infers sacrifice, perseverance and the actual cost of overcoming the ultimate obstacle. The back half of the motto introduces light, something I feel can be much more encouraging. One way that light can be interpreted is that it suggests opportunity. It is often taken to be guiding and helpful. I believe it provides us all a chance to showcase our talents and virtues, while taking advantage of the opportunities life presents.
Think of it like this: Consider the images of the cross and light in the motto “Ubi Crux, Ibi Lux” as suggesting “Where there is passion there are opportunities.”
This idea of passion being a segue to a world of greater opportunity and, therefore, satisfaction and success is, for me, undeniably the case. Everything great in our world contains a measure of passion – whether it be mustering the courage to ask a special friend to tea, tackling George B. in Inter-house rugby or performing publicly in Chapel as my housemates are going to do so well in just a few minutes.
Donovan Bailey, former Canadian sprint record holder and Olympic 100 metre gold medalist, once said: “Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice and, above all, don't let anyone limit your dreams.”
This is just one example of someone employing passion to pursue their goals, achieve their potential, attain satisfaction and encourage others as well.
Passion is critical because it has a feature that can set it apart from other virtues – namely, it is to be found in everyone. No matter who you are, there is a flame of passion burning somewhere inside of you. If you have found it, continue to fan the flames! If you haven’t yet discovered what it might be, keep poking the embers. Your day will come.
Thank you.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
