Faith and Mission 

Balnarring Immersion

In July, a group of our Year 10 students and Kilbreda College students embarked on a three-day immersion program to explore the history and culture of the Kulin Nation. We were warmly welcomed to Country at Willum Warain Aboriginal Community by Uncle Peter and Uncle John. During our visit, we learned traditional dances, identified healing plants, and had the unique experience of trying on a possum cloak- a particularly welcome activity on a very cold day! 

We ventured to Point Nepean, where we delved into three layers of history: Aboriginal archaeological sites revealing the Bunurong culture, remnants of the military base with its canons, and insights into the quarantine of early European migrants. These narratives converged against a beautiful backdrop, though our guide reminded us that for many, the place holds sombre memories.

Our final day, was a joyful culmination. We engaged in painting sessions and relished performances by a local dance troupe. Dancing together deepened our connection not only to each other, but also to the land we were privileged to visit. We concluded our journey with a visit to Baluk Arts, a local art gallery showcasing Aboriginal artists from both the local community and across the nation.

"The Balnarring Immersion Program offered us a unique experience into the Indigenous culture. Bringing us closer to the Aboriginal community as a College and creating connections that were unforgettable. 

 

Our Indigenous guide Adam - an artist and archaeologist - shared amazing perspectives and insights into his culture through his art and presentations at Indigenous cultural sites. 

 

During our time we learned about how valuable art is for Aboriginal culture as well as the importance of dance, symbols, and the land as well. We discovered these things in the many activities we completed during our three days -  from making beautiful artwork, learning about the importance of nature, and exploring bunkers at Point Nepean - this memorable trip had it all. If I could take one thing away from this journey, it would be how lucky we were to have this experience firsthand." - Daniel A

"The Balnarring Immersion was a valuable and rich experience for all the students and staff, who were lucky to be able to attend. I believe we all gained a greater understanding and respect for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as we were led by Adam Magennis (Aboriginal Elder) whose knowledge was exceptional. One of the highlights of this trip was visiting Point Nepean and learning about the history of this area. Although, it was a very cold day, we all thoroughly enjoyed it." - Sharon Torpey (Staff) 

Young Lasallians Evening

"Last week, we enjoyed another great opportunity to meet up with one of our closest relative schools - De La Salle College in Malvern. Our cohort of Young Lasallians and staff had the privilege of discussing and reinforcing the core Lasallian values that drive us and inspire us to be the individuals, leaders and Colleges we are today. 

 

As part of the night, we heard Lydia from Young Lasallians ANZPPNG talk about her journey through faith and values, and how we can mould our values and views on life to be the best version of ourselves and to help those in need. 

This night was an inspiring night that taught us all faith, community, respect, and leadership. Thank you Young Lasallians ANZPPNG." George, Year 11

Winter Appeal

Thanks for your generosity! Over the past month, we have been collecting pantry items for two outreach agencies who support families and individuals in time of great need - St Vincent de Paul Society (Chelsea Conference) and The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) Foodbank in Dandenong. 

Both agencies have seen an increase in requests for support as both the cost of living and housing insecurity increases, so our collective efforts were received with gratitude. 

May we continue to be inspired by the teachings of Jesus who told his followers: 

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me … Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:35-36, 40).

Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

As we prepare to celebrate the feast day of Australia’s first - and only - saint, let’s take some time to deepen our understanding of her by learning from Mary’s spirituality.

Mary MacKillop’s Spirituality

Daughter of generous hearted Flora and educated, passionate Alexander from the Scottish Highlands, Mary MacKillop gradually grew in the faith inherited by generations of believers in the Braes of Lochaber and handed onto her by her parents.

Mary MacKillop embodied the culture of her forebears as her spirituality evolved in the soil of our ancient and thirsty land and Celtic-Australian Church.

With the influence of Fr Julian Tenison Woods, Mary further developed a devotional life that involved Joseph who attracted her because of his humility and obedience; the Sacred Heart to whom she turned when in need of care and shelter and the inspiration and witness of John the Baptist. The blue monogram captured her devotional life with the Ave Maria and Jesus, Joseph and John the Baptist.

Joan Chittister gives us an insight into the strong spirituality that exuded her love of God Says Joan: 

"Mary MacKillop was so possessed by an internal vision of divine goodness that she gives us a glimpse of the face of God in the centre of the human. She gives us the possibility of greatness in ourselves." 

This spirituality was evident in her trust in the will of God. Mary was further influenced by the Jesuits who promoted the art of living constantly with a listening, discerning heart so as to find God in all things. Her down to earth and well-grounded approach to God, and to life, was bolstered by the Australian landscape and its people.

"My name in religion is Mary of the Cross."1867

It was as though there was always an awareness of the difficulties that lay ahead for Mary when she claimed the title “of the Cross”. Mary MacKillop walked in faith and entered into the mystery of the Cross. This utter belief enabled her to deal in an extraordinary way with oppositional people and difficult situations. Her loving heart encompassed the compassion and forgiveness required to live further into the mystery.

"Love of God filled her heart and overflowed to all those around her. 

It was especially tender towards anybody in trouble." - Paul Gardiner sj

As her awareness of God’s unconditional love grew, Mary’s loving heart became enriched and freed and began to overflow into genuine concern for others. For her, God was caring and forgiving of all people without exception.

In leading the Sisters, Mary was very conscious of the need for them to be aware of God’s presence and power working within them by taking time to nurture this love and enable it to overflow into their compassion, forgiveness, courage and resilience. She often reminded her Sisters about being united with their God so closely that they could become their best selves.

The exemplary manner in which Mary lived among the people captured the values at the heart of her ministry. Respect, hospitality, perseverance, generosity and forgiveness reflect the sacredness of her journey to holiness. Gospel values were at the heart of Mary’s Spirituality.

I invite you to discover more about Mary MacKillop here.

Ria Greene

Deputy Principal - Faith and Mission