Prayer and Deepest Sympathy

Prayer 

During Catholic Education Week we recall the story of Catholic Schooling that has been taking place since 1849 in the region we know as The Diocese of Ballarat. This has been a collaborative project from the very beginning. Lay people, Clergy and Religious Orders have worked tirelessly, establishing what we have today. The Diocese of Ballarat, since its inception in 1874 has placed an immense importance on Catholic Schools. From 1875-1884 the Diocese spent £67,291 (equivalent of $11356650 in 2023) on education alone and by 1904 had 11 boarding schools, 13 secondary schools for both girls and boys, and 60 primary schools in 35 parishes. An extraordinary achievement!

The following quotes speak vibrantly to our context. They are from significant founders of religious orders associated with The Diocese of Ballarat. May these quotes inspire us to continue as our forebears did in their time and place to bring the Good News of Christ to all through our vision of: As partners in Catholic Education, open to God’s presence, we pursue fullness of life for all.

https://www.damascus.vic.edu.au/uploads/Publications/140-Year-Anniversary-Publication-LR.pdf

“We can never say, it is enough.”

“Show your instructions in actions as much as you can.”Catherine McAuley, Founder Sisters of Mercy

“Be seekers of truth and doers of justice” Mary Ward, Founder Institute Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto Sisters)

“We must teach more by example than by word.”Mary MacKillop Co Founder of The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart (Josephites)

“What you are those who come after you will be”Bishop Daniel Delaney, Founder of The Sisters of St. Brigid (Brigidines)

"Give to the poor in handfuls." Edmund Rice, Founder of the Christian Brothers

“By degrees with the assistance of God we can do a great deal”Nano Nagle - Founder of the  Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, (The Presentation Sisters)

“Do we not feel a call to become the ministers of Christ’s mercy, the messengers of Christ’s compassion?”John Bede Polding First Bishop of Sydney and Founder of The Sisters of the Good Samaritan

“Our love of neighbour should be tender-hearted and compassionate.”Fr Jules Chevalier MSC, Founder of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart

“May God be glorified everywhere and in everything”Anne Marie Javouhey, Founder Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny

“I am searching for God”Claude Poullart des Places, Founder of The Congregation of The Holy Spirit (Spiritan Fathers)