From the Director of Identity and Mission

On Monday 27 July, the whole St Mary’s staff joined with staff from the three other Presentation schools in southern Tasmania to explore our shared Presentation Charism and build greater connections. It was particularly relevant this year as we continue to celebrate 250 years of the Presentation Sisters, who were founded on Christmas Eve in 1775.

The day began in St Mary’s Cathedral when staff from St Cuthbert’s, Corpus Christi and St Brigid’s Schools gathered with St Mary’s staff to begin the day in prayer.  The Welcome Liturgy included an acknowledgement of each of the 11 Catholic schools in Tasmania which have a connection (either current or in the past) to the Presentation Sisters.  A lantern was brought forward for each of these schools to symbolise the spreading of Nano Nagle’s lantern throughout the state.

We also listened to a Gospel reading from Matthew 25:31-40 which encapsulated Nano’s mission and the charism of the Presentation Sisters:

“for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25:35-36)

Presentation Sister, Majella Kelly, then shared with us a meaningful reflection on this Gospel and the ways Nano lived it out in her time.  She challenged us all to do the same; to respond to the needs of our world, to show kindness and compassion to the disadvantaged and to share the love of God with all those in our care. 

After this, St Mary’s staff led tours around our College sharing the story of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters, in particular, the history of the Sisters at our College. Many of our visitors commented on the beauty of our grounds, buildings and facilities. After a shared morning tea prepared by our Murphy’s Café team, we were bundled into buses and reconvened at Corpus Christi for the remainder of the day.

At Corpus Christi, we began with a beautiful pilgrimage walk around Kangaroo Bay led by St Brigid’s School staff.  This walk encouraged us to reflect on our lives and our commitment to Presentation values.  The weather was mild and sunny, so the experience was a relaxing and reflective one for all of our staff.  To make the pilgrimage more meaningful, we carried with us a stone which we placed at the foot of the cross upon our return.  This symbol connects us with thousands of pilgrims who walk the Camino to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, who often carry a stone to place at the highest point on the walk; the Cruz de Ferro.

After a delicious lunch prepared by the Corpus Christi team, we spent time reflecting on how we can make a difference in the lives of those doing it tough in our community.  Each staff member brought along a grocery item to donate to Vinnies, and we wrote a card of support and compassion to accompany food hampers to be given to families in need.

Our day concluded with a shared Mass celebrated by His Grace, Archbishop Tony, and concelebrated by Fr Ben Brooks.  It was such a privilege to have Archbishop Tony with us for this special event. He encouraged us in our Presentation Charism to support and care for our students. He discussed how the day’s Gospel reading about the mustard seed growing into a huge tree (Matthew 13:31-35) is like the work of Nano Nagle; humble beginnings which have grown into a worldwide movement of Presentation People.

Another highlight of our Mass was the music, led by a combined staff choir with representatives from all four schools. Together, they guided us in singing new hymns celebrating Nano's story and legacy – including Rise O People, written especially for the 250th anniversary of the Sisters. 

Thanks go to all those who were involved in leading, supporting and participating in this year’s Staff Spirituality Day. It is hoped that, as a result of this day, the faith and mission of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters will be seen to be just as relevant today as they have always been as a sign of God’s love in our world today. Hopefully, it will be a catalyst for more shared Presentation experiences with our fellow Presentation schools.