From the Principal
What do you mean ‘borrow a person?’ was my initial response when the idea was floated as an opportunity for our students and staff to engage in during Refugee Week.
In the lead up to Refugee Week, I was reminded of the Homily given at Pope Francis’ funeral by Cardinal Giovanni Battista when he observed that Pope Francis’ “gestures and exhortations in favour of refugees and displaced persons are countless. … It is significant that Pope Francis’ first journey was to Lampedusa, an island that symbolises the tragedy of emigration, with thousands of people drowning at sea… as well as the celebration of a Mass on the border between Mexico and the United States during his journey to Mexico.” Francis’ advocacy for refugees and migrants was a constant theme of his papacy.
The 2025 Refugee Week theme, Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community, calls us to be reinvigorated by the words of Pope Leo XIV during his inauguration Mass Homily, when he urges us to strive to build “a missionary Church that opens its arms to the world”. Refugee Week also serves as a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience, and strength displayed by those who have been forced to flee their homes and seek safety elsewhere.
We teach our children, of course, that we should treat people who seek protection from us with respect, but I read recently about the importance of our convictions touching our feelings as well as our thoughts. In his Encyclical, Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us), Pope Francis describes the human heart as the deep centre of every human life where thought and desire come together. It is the place in which other persons move from being a ‘them’ to become a ‘you’.
What better way to be reminded of this than to hear first-hand from those generous enough to share their personal story of displacement from their home and country. In our Library this week, students and staff were afforded just that opportunity; to ‘borrow’ a person for a conversation. The opportunity to listen and learn proved to be a very powerful experience for many and we are particularly grateful to Assadullah, born and raised in Kabul Afghanistan, Timothy Dymond, organiser, educator and researcher from CARAD, Wahida Aziz, born in Afghanistan and then raised in India, Volodymyr Ksenyk, born and raised in Ukraine, for sharing their stories. I also extend my thanks to Jean Redfern, our Library and Learning Services Educator, given that we were all the beneficiaries of her thoughtful initiative.
Finally, thank you to everyone who rallied in support of refugees and asylum seekers through their generous contributions to our Foodbank appeal for CARAD (Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees, and Detainees).
Daniel Mahon
Principal
Heritage - Issue 54 2025
Welcome to this edition of Heritage, where we celebrate the remarkable achievements and journeys of John XXIII College alumni and students who are shaping a brighter future.
Inside, you'll discover a vibrant collection of stories showcasing how our graduates and current students are making their mark—creating, leading, and innovating across a variety of fields and communities. Their accomplishments are a testament to the enduring values and spirit of John XXIII College.
We invite you to explore these inspiring narratives and take pride in the global impact of our College community.
Read the PDF version below.