From the Rector

Dear Mazenodians,

Our 60th Anniversary celebrations held many moments of grace over the last week. Over 1,500 people were able to attend and participate in the Cathedral Mass, Gala Ball and Lesmurdie Parish Mass.

On each of these occasions, the overriding feeling and emotion was gratitude to God for the generous spirit and work of those who have gone before us, and a confidence and resolve to carry these values into the modern era.

Bishop Nelson celebrated his first Mass as a Bishop, and we were very pleased to welcome him as a new Mazenodian. The choir and readers all brought their hearts and talents to the service, which was appreciated by all.

We are a local Catholic school for the whole state - including the Northern Territory and Bali - and it was wonderful that boarding families were also able to attend, making our celebration more representative of the wider community.

Our Gala Ball went well into the night, with dancing, reminiscing and great joy shared by all. There was a wonderful energy of joy.

Our Parish celebration gave us the opportunity to say thank you to the local people of Lesmurdie for the many ways they continue to support Mazenod. It was also a Mass to celebrate the life and legacy of St Eugene, which truly unified our community.

Immediately following the 60th Anniversary celebrations, we held our Year 7 Oblate Heritage Pilgrimages to Fremantle, where we visited Fremantle Prison, where the Oblates of Mary Immaculate served for more than 100 years; St Patrick's Basilica for Mass, where the Oblates have served for 132 years; St Patrick's Community Support Centre, which cares for the homeless and those struggling, and has been served by the Oblates since 1972; and finally, we finished with a visit to the Oblate plot at Fremantle Cemetery. At the cemetery, the boys prayed in thanksgiving for the generosity of the Oblates who have served here in WA.

We prayed especially for former Mazenod College Rectors, Fr Don Hughes OMI, Fr John Cranley OMI and Fr Peter Daly OMI.

One beautiful little story and moment of grace occurred when the boys were having lunch. One boy was sitting by himself and I went over out of concern to check if he was okay and whether he wanted a group to join. He said he was happy to have some quiet time alone and then said, “Thank you so much for checking if I was okay.” He is a great example of everything we wish for our boys as they strive to be the best Mazenodians possible.

We have so much to celebrate and give thanks to God for, and my hope remains that we continue to see, hear and feel the presence of Jesus among us.

Take Care and God Bless

Fr Michael Twigg OMI

Rector