From the Principal

Founders’ time

We have had a wonderful week as a College. To celebrate our heritage is pivotal to our foundation as a Catholic school based on the Gospels of Jesus Christ. Three important founders are commemorated at this time of the year and a whole school Mass celebrated on John XXIII Day was a really prayerful and important occasion.

Our College Liturgist, Mary-Anne Lumley, provides beautiful prayers and reflections that add much to the richness of our Liturgies. Last week’s prayer service included the following reflections when we had three students tell part of the stories of our Founders:

‘The year was 1522

I was 31 years old. My leg had healed from a war injury, I had made a pilgrimage to the mountains, and was now staying near Manresa in Spain. 

One day, I was on my way to a little church. I was following the path of the River Cardoner which was running deep that day. 

I was tired from walking and sat down on the river bank for a while and gazed at the swirling water. 

As I watched, I realised that God really is in all things. I understood that people can tune in to the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking in their hearts through their thoughts, through their dreams… 

(St Ignatius of Loyola).

‘It was 1609.

I was 24 and had received a better education than most other young women of the time. I wanted to serve God in a community rather than get married.

I had just returned from France and was living in London.

One morning I was brushing my hair in front of the mirror, when it came to me.

In my heart the voice of the Spirit helped me to understand that God was calling me to start a community of women who would provide education, care for the sick and help people who were in prison. This was a way of giving glory to God. 

I felt so happy and full of love that all I could say was ‘Glory!’.

(Mary Ward)

‘It was 11 October 1962.

I was an old man in my 80-s by then.

The Holy Spirit had called the Church to come together in Rome for the Vatican Council.

On that night there was a full moon in the sky. 

In the piazza there were thousands of lights from candles as people of all ages, from all over the world, gathered.

It was an ‘Aggiornamento’ – a new day – when our Church was guided by the Spirit to open the windows and shine forth into the world, the light of Christ’. 

(Pope John XXIII).

Thank you to all students, staff and families for their contribution and support during our very important Founders’ time.

Robert Henderson

Principal