Mission and Identity
- Year 12 Retreats
- Feast of St Pius X
- Father's Day events
- Youth Mass
‘Come away with me to a secluded place and rest a while’ - Year 12 Retreats
Year 12 are to be congratulated on the way in which they engaged with their retreat experiences. Each of the retreat facilitators have affirmed the way in which students embraced the opportunity to reflect and wander more deeply with God, each other and themselves. We are most grateful to the retreat team staff for generously offering their time away from families to make the retreats possible.
'I was born poor, I lived poor, I will die poor' - Feast of St Pius X
Context, Reflection and Prayer
We mark the feast day of Pope Pius X, our College Patron Saint, on 21 August. He is perhaps best remembered for his encouragement of the frequent reception of Holy Communion, especially by children.
The second of 10 children born to a poor Italian family, Joseph Sarto became Pope Pius X at age 68. He was one of the 20th century’s greatest popes.
Ever mindful of his humble origin, Pope Pius stated, 'I was born poor, I lived poor, I will die poor.' He was embarrassed by some of the pomp of the papal court. 'Look how they have dressed me up,' he said in tears to an old friend. To another, 'It is a penance to be forced to accept all these practices. They lead me around surrounded by soldiers like Jesus when he was seized in Gethsemane.'
Interested in politics, Pope Pius encouraged Italian Catholics to become more politically involved in a time of great change. One of his first papal acts was to end the supposed right of governments to interfere by veto in papal elections—a practice that reduced the freedom of the 1903 conclave which had elected him.
In 1905, when France renounced its agreement with the Vatican and threatened confiscation of Church property if governmental control of Church affairs were not granted, Pius X courageously rejected the demand.
While he did not author a famous social encyclical (papal letter of teachings), as his predecessor had done, he denounced the ill treatment of indigenous peoples on the plantations of Peru, sent a relief commission to Messina after an earthquake, and sheltered refugees at his own expense.
On the 11th anniversary of his election as pope, Europe was plunged into World War I. Pius had foreseen it, but it killed him. 'This is the last affliction the Lord will visit on me. I would gladly give my life to save my poor children from this ghastly scourge.' He died a few weeks after the war began, and was canonized in 1954.
Reflection
His humble background was no obstacle in relating to a personal God and to people whom he loved genuinely. Pius X gained his strength, his gentleness and warmth for people from the source of all gifts, the Spirit of Jesus. In contrast, we often feel embarrassed by our backgrounds. Shame makes us prefer to remain aloof from people whom we perceive as superior. If we are in a superior position, on the other hand, we often ignore simpler people. Yet we, too, have to help 'restore all things in Christ', especially the wounded people of God.
Prayer
Loving Father, throughout history you call forth the extraordinary from within the ordinary.
You called a humble man from poverty to step forward into the shoes of St Peter.
You called forth St Pius X during a time of great change
and hardship to lead.
Like St Pius X, inspire us to hold true to our values and faith,
despite the cost.
Like St Pius X, inspire us to be counter cultural
and to hold firm to what is true, pure and good.
Like St Pius X, through faith and hard work,
may we continue to strive to bring healing and hope to all things through Christ,
and may the Eucharist be our food for the journey,
our compass for the adventure
and the inspiration to become what we receive -
Your hands and feet for a world that is hungry for justice and healing.
Amen.
Blessed Edmund Rice, Pray for Us
St Pius X, Prayer for Us
Live Jesus in our hearts, Forever
Father's Day Celebrations
A warm and open invitation regarding our Junior School Father’s Day Liturgy at Oxford Falls on Thursday morning 31 August and our Senior School Father’s Day Mass on Friday 1 September at Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Church Chatswood, followed by breakfast.
Families are invited to upload their favourite images of fatherhood via the following links. Thank you for all the photographs that have been uploaded to date.
Link to upload your photographs for the Senior School.
Link to upload your photographs for the Junior School.
Youth Mass Sunday 27 August
All students are warmly invited to celebrate together at Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Church Chatswood this Sunday at 5:30pm. The Youth Mass is a tailored experience with contemporary worship. God calls us just as we are. All are welcomed and loved at His table. Please join us.
Mr Daniel Petrie - Assistant Principal, Mission and Identity