Recent Cabrini High School graduate, Marley Marsalis ’24, has had a very memorable summer in Orléans, France. As part of her reign as Joan of Arc in the 2024 Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc parade, Marley participated in an exchange program made possible by the Rotary Clubs of New Orleans and Orléans. This exchange was established to build an even stronger link between the two twin cities. In partnership with the Orléans Jeanne d’Arc association, the Rotary Clubs decided to organize a visit of the “Jeanne” in each city, every other year.
Marley’s story is unique because she lived in Orléans for two years as a teenager. During this time, she discovered the Joan of Arc celebrations in Orléans and immerse herself in the history of Joan of Arc. This significant experience deeply inspired her candidacy as Joan of Arc 2024 of New Orleans.
Clairvie Quesnes, an Orléans woman appearing as Joan of Arc in 2023, had the chance to meet Marley in New Orleans and experienced the city’s carnival season, celebrating Joan of Arc’s birthday on January 6. This summer, it was Marley, who visited Orléans and was able to meet Maïlys Boët, Joan of Arc 2024. They discussed their respective experiences and the way in which the two cities celebrate the heroine.
Marley comes from a famous New Orleans family of jazz musicians. Her father is musician Jason Marsalis, and her grandfather, Ellis Marsalis, was a renowned pianist, composer, and jazz teacher. Her uncle, Wynton, was the first jazz artist to receive the Pulitzer Prize for music. Her uncle Branford also received numerous awards and has played with other artists including Sting, Harry Connick Jr., and Phil Collins. Continued on next page.
Marley took advantage of her visit to Orléans to give a piano recital in the auditorium of the Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Orléans, where she demonstrated her talent, moving easily from Bach to Haydn, from Chopin to her grandfather’s scores. That same week, she performed at the Grand Piano Festival at the Place de la République.
This fall, Marley begins her undergraduate studies at Tulane University, where she will be double majoring in Political Science and French with a minor in Music Performance.
Cabrini is an engaging summer program designed for young girls entering the 1st through 7th grades. Hosted by Cabrini High School, the camp offers a dynamic blend of educational and recreational activities in a relaxed and fun setting.
integral part of the camp experience includes learning about the inspirational life of Mother Cabrini. Campers visit the Sacred Heart chapel where Assistant Principal Vivian “Chica” Coutin shares the story of Mother Cabrini’s life and her global impact. Many campers, having watched the Cabrini movie, enthusiastically share their knowledge with the other campers, making the learning experience interactive and engaging. The campers also visit Mother Cabrini’s bedroom and the dedicated museum, deepening their understanding of her legacy.
On Friday, June 7, the Missionary Sisters in Colorado celebrated the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with Mass and a vow renewal at the Shrine. Staff, volunteers, and friends of the Shrine were in attendance, and the evening ended with a wonderful community potluck supper.
The Little Violet Award nominees received a statue of Mother Cabrini. The 2024 nominees are: Claire Buie, Sabine Noveh, and Maci Williams.
When graduates from the Class of 2023 cross the Commencement stage to complete their Cabrini journeys on Sunday, May 21, their Commencement speaker, Lucy Bustamante, will be completing a full-circle Cabrini journey of her own.
Cabrini High School freshman, Marcia Quispe, has been awarded the Jose Luis Banos Award for Excellence in Spanish by Sociedad Espanola.
