From the Rector
Greetings!
A ‘Sold-Out” sign is always great news when a function is being organized. On top of being ‘Sold Out’, our Mother’s Day Dinner last Friday evening was a very enjoyable occasion for our mums. I particularly enjoyed going around the tables and meeting many of our College mothers for the first time. You wouldn’t believe it, some mothers even tried to bribe the Rector to win a raffle! Unfortunately for them it
didn’t work! This year’s raffle prize was the use of a Mercedes Benz for a weekend. Congratulations to Jenny Frisch, a Year 11 mum, who was the winner. Jenny, I hope there will be no scratches on the Merc when you return it? Many thanks to all who attended and to the staff members who enabled the evening to run smoothly.
In our Catholic tradition, the month of May is especially dedicated to Our Blessed Lady. This Christian custom arose at the end of the 13th century. The Blessed Virgin Mary is the Mother of the Church and therefore the example, as well as the guide and inspiration to all who
belong to the family of the Church. Mary has significant meaning for our De Mazenod Family, to which our College belongs, as she was designated the Patron of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate by Pope Leo XII when he officially recognised the Oblates as a Religious Congregation on February 17, 1826.
The Memorare (Latin for “Remember”) is a prayer recited by Oblate communities asking Mary’s intercession for vocations to the Religious Life, particularly the Oblates. At times we will all have a need to pray for Mary’s intercession as she is a wonderful advocate and protector.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
In this newsletter, I have included some Marian images that can be found in prominent places around our College.
During our College assembly on May 7, we warmly welcomed Fr David Francis OMI. Fr David is the Director of the Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate through which donations are distributed to the various Oblates missions who seek our support for various projects to assist their people. On behalf of the College, Joshua Hicks and Ryan Dean presented Fr David with a cheque for $50,000.00 being the fruits of our Mission Action Day fundraiser. On behalf of the Oblates, especially those in difficult missions, I thank all involved in our MAD experience for your ongoing generous support.
On Tuesday morning our College was once again thrilled to welcome the grandparents of some of our students. The grandparents were given a personalized tour by their enthusiastic grandsons who explained the facilities and life at the College. The tour was followed by some musical items and a blessing in the College Chapel before heading to the canteen for a light lunch. Sadly, for me, some of the grandparents were younger than me! That’s life!
This weekend I will be celebrating all the Masses at St Leonard’s Parish, Glen Waverley. I look forward to saying hello to our college families.
Have a smile!
Mothers' Day!!
Fr Harry Dyer OMI
Rector