Mission News

Prayers

We pray for those who have died recently including Lenore Geraghty, mother-in-law of Primary Teacher Cath Geraghty. May Lenore and all those whose anniversaries occur at this time be at peace with God who is our hope for all eternity. Amen. 

Community Masses

Ridley House will celebrate their House Mass for Term 2 this Wednesday at 8:00am. We invite the students and Families of Ridley House to attend. 

Fr Tini will also say Mass this Friday at Break 1B ahead of our final week of AIC competition. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the Chapel this week

Gospel Reflection – Daniel Bull 

John 6:51-58

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

The Feast of Corpus Christi – The Body and Blood of Christ – is a day of thanksgiving and adoration for the gift of salvation. In this week's Gospel we encounter part of John’s Bread of Life discourse. After Jesus feeds the 5000 the author describes Jesus’ discussion with the crowd – intimating the Eucharist instituted at the least supper. The people press Jesus on his philosophy of life – and he challenges them to look beyond the physical and seek the eternal. The Jews invoke Moses in the desert asking for manner from heaven. Jesus responds by saying this bread was for earthly nourishment – the bread of life he brings is forever. 

The crowd complains about what Jesus has to say, focusing on the worldly, but Jesus repeats that he himself is the bread of life. The discussion becomes intense – with Jesus teaching that his body and blood is what sustains eternal salvation, and many of the listeners find it difficult to comprehend – alerting the reader that even in the first century this teaching was challenging. The Jews in the synagogue were offended and abandon His way. 

Jesus turns to the 12 and asks if they will leave too – Peter responds “Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life”. It is a statement of trust in mystery. Peter stays not because all his questions are answered, but because he has come to know and love Jesus personally through real encounter. A mystery that we can encounter today in the Eucharist if like Peter we turn our hearts towards Christ. Corpus Christi is a time in the Church’s year to celebrate this powerful mystery - the appearance of the eucharist remains the same while the underlying reality is transformed by God’s presence. 

This year over 5000 people marched in Brisbane to honour the reality of God’s charitable presence with us in the Eucharist. Restarted in Brisbane the number continues to grow - with significantly more attendance in the last five years. I was joined in the process by three senior students Tom Long, Blake Whitham & Joshua Simonetti. Marist mum, Donna Lynn, also marched with us in the procession. Garard Monsour, former head of Ignatius was also in attendance. I encourage all students, staff and parents to join us next year!

Champagnat Mass 

Last Friday as a College Community we celebrated the Feast of Marcellin Champagnat. Each year we are reminded why this celebration matters, not only as an opportunity to reflect on our Marist foundations, but to express what it means today, to live with simplicity, humility and modesty as part of a larger Marist family. 

Our Mass was a joyful occasion, with scripture, symbol and song to guide us. Br Daniel Hollamby provided the Gospel Reflection, and it was special to have several Marist Brothers in attendance on the day.  

We were proud to unveil our new icons to the gym, generously donated by a Marist Parent. These icons will be a constant reminder that Jesus and Mary are at the very heart of our school. They will be a prayerful presence looking over and protecting us all. 

The Champagnat Awards allowed us to put the spotlight on three worthy individuals within the community, staff and student body who absolutely exemplify the qualities of Marcellin: Mrs Jane Wilcox (community member), Ms Kathryn Badini (staff member) and James Milasas (student) are Marist people who are Faithful, Persistent, Caring, Generous, Encouraging, Trusting, Hardworking and Respectful. We congratulate each of them for being this year’s recipients of the Champagnat Awards.

Thanks must go to the wonderful musicians whose talents ensured our Mass was a fitting way to celebrate. Lastly, to our very own Fr ‘Alatini Kolofo'ou, who led the Mass with dignity and reverent joy; we are very grateful.

The day was rounded out with lunch provided by the hardworking kitchen and services crew, and a theatre sports Grand Final that saw Harold House victorious over Ridley.