Catholic Identity & Mission News
Each year, at the end of August, the Australian Catholic Bishops release their annual Social Justice Statement. This year's edition is called ‘Living the Gospel in times of social division’ and one of our own House patrons, St Maximilian Kolbe, features as a role model of great love in it! However, the statement also acknowledges that, ‘In recent times, the sense that we can live together in Australia in peace and harmony – what is sometimes called ‘social cohesion’ – has been threatened by a growing polarisation of views about important issues in politics and in the community. While there is nothing wrong with people holding opposing views and seeing things differently, regrettably, this polarisation has been accompanied by harsh words, discrimination against people of certain faiths and races and even horrifying violence.’
At St Peter’s, we see our diversity of school population as one of our core strengths and as an educational institution, we are well aware that we are charged with equipping our students with knowledge and skills to engage in a complex world beyond our gates. The Social Justice Statement reminds us that we are called to imitate the self-giving love of Christ in our interactions with others – a very pertinent tie-in with our annual theme, ‘Let all that you do be done in love’. In addition, at our recent Staff Spirituality Day, we learned about Pope Leo’s first encyclical, published in May this year, ‘Magnifica Humanitas’. Responding to the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and increasing conflict in our world, Pope Leo called for humanity to build a ‘Civilisation of Love’.
How do we build a civilisation of love? Pope Leo offers five strategies and working with Mr Tishan Lokuge, our College Faith and Mission Leader, I have summarised them in the graphic below. These are practical ways that all members of our community can live the Gospel in times of social division. As our poster says, these strategies can be sustained through prayer and community, so it is fitting that I conclude with the Australian Catholic Bishops’ prayer offering us further inspiration for how we can practically build a civilisation of love in our own College, and wider communities.
Social Justice Statement Prayer
You created every person in your image and call us to live as one human family.
In a world marked by division, fear and misunderstanding, fill our hearts with the self-giving love of Christ. Teach us to see one another not as strangers or opponents, but as sisters and brothers, worthy of dignity, respect and compassion.
Give us the courage to build bridges where there is distrust, to seek encounter where there is separation, and to work for justice with humility and mercy. Help us to listen with open hearts, speak with kindness, and walk together in the way of peace.
May your Holy Spirit guide us to welcome the stranger, stand beside those on the margins, reject all forms of hatred and racism, and become instruments of reconciliation in our communities.
Through the example of Saint Maximilian Kolbe and all the saints, strengthen us to live the Gospel through sacrifice, generosity and love, so that your light may shine through us and bring hope to our nation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Read these documents for yourself:
You can access the Australian Catholic Bishop Social Justice Statement HERE
And Pope Leo’s Magnifica Humanitas HERE.
Happy reading!
Fiona McKenna
Deputy Principal - Catholic Identity & Mission Leader