✝️Faith and Mission
Vale Pope Francis
O God, faithful rewarder of souls,
grant that your departed servant Pope Francis,
whom you made successor of Peter
and shepherd of your Church,
may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven
the mysteries of your grace and compassion,
which he faithfully ministered on earth.
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord,
and let Your perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed
rest in peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
St Eugene’s Example of Loving Community
“Closely united in the bonds of charity.”
Eugene de Mazenod had a great capacity for love and saw this as a great gift from God. He dearly loved all in the Oblate Community.
In 1852 Bishop de Mazenod was writing to Fr Christopher Bonjean of the Ceylon mission and expressed from his heart:
“We have never seen each other but you must admit, my dear Father, that we already love each other a great deal. For me it is an instinct that God gives me, or rather, a quality for which I thank him daily, that my heart in entirely bound to all those whom his goodness gives me. Nothing makes me understand the love which God has for all his children more than the feeling I have for all those who belong to me and to whom, for my part, I had the consolation of seeing you I love you with all my heart.” P. 241 Living in the Spirit’s Fire.
Moments of Grace - Service
Staff Lend a Hand on the Bibbulmun Track Field Day
Last weekend, Mr Wallis and Mr Websdale represented Mazenod College at the Bibbulmun Track Field Day, held at the Boarding House campsite. This site sits on the section of the track for which Mazenod proudly serves as a steward, continuing our ongoing commitment to conservation and service.
They joined around 20 other dedicated volunteers, Bibbulmun Track Foundation staff and local rangers for a hands-on day of maintenance and restoration. Tasks completed throughout the day included painting and varnishing the hut, general campsite upkeep, and repairing the steps leading up to the site. The team also undertook basic bridge repairs and learned valuable skills in maintaining the water tanks — vital infrastructure for hikers and the local environment.
This event not only helps preserve one of Western Australia's most iconic long-distance trails, but also strengthens Mazenod’s connection with the natural landscape and reinforces the importance of environmental stewardship.
Well done to Mr Wallis and Mr Websdale for their time, energy and enthusiasm!
Mazenod Mission Day is Fast Approaching – May 21
Mazenod Mission Day is fast approaching. This year it is being held on Wednesday 21st of May. Mazenod Mission Day is a whole school, fundraising event that embodies the values of St Eugene de Mazenod. The event aims to spark a passion amongst students to reflect on the work done by the Oblate Missions and to foster a sense of giving back to the community that has provided them with their educational opportunities.
Over the past 12 years Mazenod College has developed close relationships with many of the Oblates of India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This has included the Oblates in Chennai and Tallapudi, where we have visited several times and have sent money in the past to support various projects in the Indian Province of the Oblates. Our students and staff have particularly developed a fondness for the Oblate school in Tallapudi India, St Eugene’s School. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we have been unable to visit Fr Nirmal and Fr Maria and the students in Tallapudi since 2019. Despite this, it is important that we continue to show solidarity towards our Oblate friends around the world who are suffering currently. Hopefully, soon, we will be able to recommence these Immersion trips for our senior students.
The Mazenod Mission Day is a chance to assist the Oblates of India and Bangladesh financially in a heart-felt act of practical solidarity.
This year we will be supporting Oblate Schools in India and Bangladesh. The Oblates in both countries are committed to educating the poor children from the surrounding areas where their Missions are located. Every dollar that we raise will go towards ensuring that thousands of children will continue to receive a life changing Oblate inspired education. We do this in solidarity, because Mazenod College is also a vital part of the Oblate Mission. We are one Oblate school among many in Asia and Oceania.
Damian Wallis
Director of Faith and Mission