The olive tree holds profound significance in the Bible, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and God’s covenant with humanity. From Noah’s Ark, where a dove brought an olive branch to signify restored harmony (Genesis 8:11), to its representation of God’s covenant people (Romans 11:17-24), the olive tree reflects enduring themes of faith, stability, and divine blessing. The fruits and oil it yield are equally rich in meaning, representing abundance, consecration, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
At Marymount International School, we are centered on caring for creation, fostering community, and promoting spiritual ecology. The school’s annual olive harvest is a living example of these values in action, uniting students, faculty, and staff in a shared effort to care for and celebrate God’s gifts.
This year, our olive harvest brought the community together in an activity that transcended agricultural labor. The campus’ olive trees became the focal point of a meaningful learning experience. Early Childhood 2 (EC2) students connected the harvest to their “This is Me” curriculum, exploring how they fit into the natural world. Older students in Grades 4 through 9 worked collaboratively, building teamwork and shared purpose while learning about sustainable agriculture.
Teachers and staff joined in, embodying the unity central to our ethos. Together, the community harvested olives, which were sent to a local mill, producing 30 bottles of olive oil, each labeled with custom artwork by an Early Childhood student. The resulting “Marymount Oil” became a tangible expression of the school’s values: care for creation, gratitude, and community involvement.
To honor this collaborative effort, Marymount prepared a special olive oil tasting during Thanksgiving week. This event not only showcased the fruits of the harvest but also deepened the community’s understanding of spiritual ecology.
In the cafeteria, a dedicated table supervised by Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) students served freshly pressed Marymount oil with bruschetta. Younger students in Grades 1 and 2 enjoyed this treat at their tables, ensuring that all ages partook in the celebration.
The Elementary Student Council prepared a bulletin board featuring photos and reflections from the harvest. This visual display allows us to relive the day and reflect on the connections between gratitude, stewardship, and God’s blessings.
Marymount’s olive harvest is more than a school event – it’s a manifestation of the principles outlined in Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. By engaging students in hands-on activities like harvesting and oil production, the school teaches the interconnectedness of creation and humanity’s responsibility to care for it.
The olive tree, as a biblical symbol of peace and prosperity, takes on new relevance as students learn to cherish and protect the environment. This year’s harvest has shown how these ancient lessons can be applied in a modern educational context, teaching the values of collaboration, sustainability, and gratitude.
The bottles of Marymount Oil are more than just products of the harvest; they are symbols of the collective effort that went into creating them. Each drop of oil represents the dedication, teamwork, and stewardship of the Marymount community.
As Thanksgiving approached, the olive oil tasting served as a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks not only for the earth’s bounty but also for the unity and care that make such projects possible. From the youngest EC2 learners to the supervising CAS students, every participant contributed to a legacy that emphasizes he values of spiritual ecology and gratitude.
The harvest and its celebrations highlight the timeless wisdom of the olive tree: enduring peace, fruitful abundance, and God’s enduring covenant with His people. In bringing these values to life, Marymount fosters a culture of care and gratitude that will inspire generations to come.
Ilaria Bimbo, Marketing and Admissions Assistant, Marymount International School Rome
