✝️Faith and Mission
A Most United Family
St Eugene’s longing for his Society to be ‘the most united family which exists on Earth’ invites us to see our school as a living expression of that hope. We are to be a community where belonging is practised, differences are welcomed, and every member (students, staff and families) shares responsibility for one another’s flourishing. In conducting interviews with prospective students, I am often reminded that we do not enrol a student but indeed a whole family.
Of course, unity is not uniformity, but a generous togetherness that listens, forgives, and works for the common good. It is our daily choices, be it how we speak to our children, how we support each other, and how we model compassion, that will shape this family and community. In striving for St Eugene’s ideal, we build a place where faith, learning, and care meet and where every child can grow secure in the knowledge that they are known, valued, and loved.
Prayer
Loving God, through St Eugene, teach us to be one family
to welcome, to listen, and to serve with humble hearts.
Strengthen our school community
so that in word and deed
we reflect your love
and build unity
for the good of every child.
Amen.
The Visit of the Superior General
Fr Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso, OMI, affectionally known as Fr Chicho, the Superior General of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, visited Mazenod College for a day of prayer, blessing and conversation that brought staff, students and boarders together.
Fr Chicho’s visit began with a morning Mass during which the Superior General blessed the new Oblate Cross Icon, setting a reverent tone for the day. In a moment of profound wonder and awe, Fr Chicho revealed and blessed the congregation with the 200‑year‑old Oblate cross once used by St Eugene de Mazenod to bless countless people and the same cross presented to Pope Leo XII in 1826.
To be in the presence of such a holy relic was a deeply moving and inspiring experience for all who witnessed it, a tangible link to the Oblate charism and the College’s spiritual heritage. He then blessed the striking mosaic artwork behind the iconic statue of Mary the Smiling Madonna, celebrating the College’s commitment to beauty in worship.
In a moving commissioning ceremony, Fr Chicho formally welcomed Sabrina Hughes as the College’s new Principal and later met with the College Leadership team to share his vision for the future, followed by lively Q&A sessions with Year 12 students and with staff that reflected mutual respect and hope.
The afternoon continued with blessings that honoured community and history. The refurbished residence of the Cebula Boarding Community in Wilson House, named for Sr Frances Wilson RNDM in recognition of her many faithful years of service to boarding, received his blessing, as did the new Yarning Circle, a space that will deepen cultural connection and student wellbeing across the campus.
The visit left a clear impression of unity, renewal and forward momentum, and the College community expressed deep gratitude for the Superior General’s pastoral presence and encouragement.
Commissioning of New Principal, Mrs Sabrina Hughes
The Mazenod College community gathered with warmth and reverence to commission Sabrina Hughes as Principal in the College’s 60th Anniversary year. The liturgy and formal commissioning, led by Fr Chicho, OMI, Superior General of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and Fr Andrew Chen, OMI, Provincial of the Australian Province, honoured the College’s Oblate foundations and the deep Oblate connection that continues to shape the school since its founding. Sabrina’s appointment is a historic milestone as the first woman appointed as principal of an all‑boys’ school in Western Australia. In a moving gesture of continuity and trust, she was presented with the Oblate cross of Fr Don Hughes, OMI, Mazenod College’s founding rector, providing a tangible link between the College’s origins and its future.
Representatives from every part of the Mazenod community joined in blessing and supporting Mrs Hughes. Staff, teachers, boarding staff, students, the Parents Association, and Old Boys each offered prayers, symbolic gifts and words of encouragement, presenting her with spiritual and communal support to guide her leadership. As the College celebrates six decades of education, faith, and service, Sabrina Hughes steps into her role with the full confidence of a united community, ready to honour the past while leading with fresh energy and vision for students and families.
Cathedral Outreach
Mazenod College’s involvement in Cathedral Outreach sees our volunteers serving meals and drinks at St Mary’s Cathedral with The Shopfront, offering practical help and more importantly, a human encounter that honours each person’s dignity. Pope Francis urged us to look a person in the eye when we give alms. It is a simple act that affirms worth and resists anonymity. Through this program our students learn to serve with respect, compassion and a deeper sense of social responsibility. Thank you to Carrin Richter and Leisha Meerkotter for representing Mazenod at this amazing initiative.
Cebula House Feast Day
Last Friday, Cebula House honoured their patron, Fr Jozef Cebula OMI, whose courageous witness in Mauthausen reminds us of faith lived with charity and humility. The boys gathered for a spirited House Mass in Period 3 before enjoying a sausage sizzle and games in the Oblate Hall at lunch. These days are lively celebrations that blend prayer, connection, community and fun. It was a wonderful display of House spirit. Many thanks to Ross Websdale, Cebula House Charism Coordinator, for his leadership on the day and the senior students who cooked and served lunch for their fellow Cebula boys.
International Women’s Day
In the spirit of Mary Immaculate, whose courage, compassion and faith guide our community, we celebrated the women who lift us and walk beside us with strength and grace. Our boys gave gratitude to those who have shaped, supported or inspired them by completing appreciation cards and attending our Friday Community Mass on Friday, March 13. Moments like these are especially important for us at Mazenod, as they provide our young men with a clear opportunity to practise gratitude, model respectful behaviour and deepen their empathy as they recognise the vital contributions of women in society and in their lives. Thank you to everyone who participated.
Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion
It’s hard to believe we’re already past the halfway point of Lent. I want to take this opportunity again to ask you to please support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. Your gift helps communities build lasting solutions to poverty.
I have included Sisilia’s story below. Sisilia is a 13‑year‑old girl in rural Tanzania whose school now has safe, nearby water thanks to Project Compassion. Something as simple as access to clean water gives her time to study and hope to pursue her dreams.
Help us stand in solidarity with Sisilia and all women and children walk the often long and dangerous journeys for water every day.
Donate as a family via the iconic collection box in form classes or online using the following links or QR Code.
Invitation to Friday Morning Masses in the Chapel
You’re warmly invited to join our Mazenod Community Masses on Friday mornings at 8:10 am. This is a simple, welcoming way to pray together, support our students and begin the day in faith. All families and community members are most welcome.
Dr Nathan Leber
Director of Catholic Faith and Oblate Mission