Faith, Justice and Formation

World Youth Day 2023

On 21 July a group of boys from Years 10 and 11 overseen by Mrs El-Hachem joined over a million pilgrims to World Youth Day 2023. With the ultimate destination Lisbon, Portugal, we first descended on a 2 week visit to Italy. Each day held a tapestry of rich encounters and sacred sites, as we meandered through a profound spiritual odyssey. With Rome’s historic treasures from the revered Colosseum, The Catacombs, The Vatican, Basilica of St Paul Outside The Walls and the Vatican Museums were breathtaking to say the least. We visited Assisi, Siena, Florence, and Padua, paying homage to beloved Saints we were familiar with but only in name, we retraced their footsteps and paid homage where it was due. Venice was next with its ethereal beauty, and in its centre the amazing multi-domed Basilica of St Mark. 

As we arrived in Portugal, the second SPC group joined us with teachers Mr Milheiro and Mr Bottalico. The mood was electrifying and contagious, with hundreds and thousands of young pilgrims swarming the country all in the name of our shared faith. Truly it was humbling to be united to so many like-minded people on a journey. The journey's essence was unity - unity in purpose, faith, and a shared pursuit of spiritual awakening. The climactic vigil, marked by shared prayers under the Lisbon stars, led to a transformative dawn mass presided over by Pope Francis himself. Although sweltering through a heat wave, and such a mix of diverse cultures, the spiritual connection felt amongst us was powerful and exhilarating, a testament to the power of faith and fellowship on a global scale.

Our next few days were spent in Fatima, as a reflective retreat. Here we explored this small town with an amazing Basilica dedicated to Our Lady following her apparitions to three shepherd children. The Basilica itself structurally and architecturally magnificent, made even more majestic by its history.

From ancient basilicas to vibrant World Youth Day gatherings, this journey wasn't just a voyage; it was a symphony of faith, fun and friendships. Truly a trip I’m sure the group from SPC will hold dear in their hearts and memories for a long time to come. We were blessed with the opportunities and hope all youth can experience at least one World Youth Day in their lifetime.

Aiden Elias | Year 11 Student

Father’s Day Mass and Morning Tea

A reminder to all dads and male carers attending the Father’s Day Masses on Friday that if you are attending morning tea, this will be served on the ground floor of the new Scientia Building at 8:30 AM.  

There will only be one morning tea this year between the two Masses which will be held in the College Gymnasium at the following times:  

• 7:45 AM Hanrahan, Hickey, and Rice 
• 9:30 AM Berg, Coghlan and Crichton 

Year 12 Spirituality Day

Last Friday 25 August, every boy in Year 12 embarked on their last College led excursion as we participated in Spirituality Day. Each student was required to choose from a range of options including outdoor walks (around Berowra and Sydney Harbour), Art and Film focused days, and a Pilgrimage to the shrine of Mary Mackillop in North Sydney. 

Being a passionate footballer, and someone who appreciates the value of physical activity, I chose to partake in the sport option, In Jesus’ Name We Play. The day was focussed around acknowledging the gifts we have been blessed with by God as we practiced gratitude and spoke about our individual talents. Though many of us were quick to appreciate the unique gifts we have like our skill or strength in a particular sport, a lot of us were also unaware of just how lucky we are in our ability to walk, breathe and simply participate in any sport we choose. We were reminded of just how much we take for granted as we looked at the story of Lauren Parker and the mental struggle she endured, after having her physical capabilities stripped away from her during her training for a triathlon. 

After taking some time to enjoy the sun on the oval, we joined back inside to look at how we should challenge ourselves, drawing inspiration from other Paralympians and athletes who have overcome extreme adversity, including David Goggins: a quintessential example of how we should appreciate the blessings in our lives. Rather than a specific moment, the highlight for me was the simplicity of the day, as we had the opportunity to step away from our schooling lives and reflect genuinely and openly with one another. 

After participating in our separate days, all the boys joined back together at school to share a meal and discuss the activities we participated in. Despite all taking different paths, everyone seemed to have built stronger connections with each other throughout the course of the day. Having a chance to stop and reflect amidst the chaos of our final weeks, we all reconnected with our own spirituality, which couldn’t have come at a better time. 

As the sun set over Breen oval, we listened to a representative from each group talk us through their activities as we sat together for one of the last times as a whole year group. Everyone seemed to feel the weight of the occasion as we were reminded of just how far we had come in our eight years at the College and reflected on our development both individually and collectively. It was a day of mixed emotions, but one that will stick with the graduating Class of 2023 as we depart. 

Alessandro Romeo |College Captain

Year 9 Justice and Reflection Day

An Integral Justice and Reflection Day has been organised for students in Year 9 on Thursday 7 September 2023. On this day, students will take time out from their regular school routine to engage in a range of individual and small group activities. An environmental theme has been chosen for this day in the hope that all of us take ‘Action for a Better World.’. The day aims to build community spirit within homeroom groups and the cohort as a whole. The Integral Justice and Reflection Day will be facilitated by Mr Bottalico, Religious Education Justice and Peace Coordinator and the Year 9 homeroom teachers, bringing faith and action together.

Attendance at this College activity is compulsory.

Consent for your son to attend this day must be provided via the TASS Parent Lounge by Friday 1 September at the latest.

Adam Leslie

Acting Director of Identity