From the Rector

Dear Fellow Mazenodians,

On behalf of the Oblates, I sincerely wish God’s blessings on you, your family and friends.

Today we are celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of Mary which is one of the holiest days in the Catholic calendar. This feast celebrates, that at the end of her earthly life, Mary is taken up to heaven, body and soul. This feast also promises eternal life for all of us as well which is why it is one of great joy. Even though the Church has shared this belief for 1900+ years, it was only formally promulgated in 1950, just after the end of the Second World War. This timing is significant because of what humanity had done to itself during those war years. The date of August 15 has been the date celebrated for centuries and in a very welcome turn of events, it was also the day that Japan surrendered, thus ending the Second World War. I choose to believe that these two events and dates are linked.

I have been fortunate to visit some more of our beautiful state over the past two weeks by visiting families in Wongan Hills and Dunsborough. With wildflower season fast approaching, the visits have been even more colorful and varied. I give thanks for the opportunity to visit some of our Boarding families and will soon venture north to Karratha, Wickam and Point Samson. The visits are a sincere attempt to help our Boarding families feel more connected to the Mazenod community and I am very appreciative of the efforts the families make to accommodate the visits. Please keep all Boarding families in your prayers as they approach the Boarders’ Long Weekend shortly. These times are precious.

It was wonderful to celebrate the de Mazenod Family Education Network Staff Conference last week here in WA. We enjoyed the hospitality of our Fremantle Parish and also here at Mazenod. It was a great connection for all of our Oblate schools in Australia.

Next week I will be attending the Australian Education Conference to try and learn and share in the great richness of Catholic education across Australia. The Conference logo is entitled tenacious dreaming and I am very much looking forward to learning more.

Finally, on behalf of the College, we wish Our Lady of Lourdes Parish a happy 50th Anniversary of the building of the Parish Church. Mass is celebrated at 9:30am on Sunday morning and all are welcome for a great celebration.

Take Care, God Bless and Go Dockers!

Fr Michael Twigg OMI

Rector of Mazenod College