R.E. News

St Martin de Porres Feast Day

This Friday, November 3rd, we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Martin de Porres, the first African-American Saint of the Americas. He was born in Lima, Peru, in 1579. Despite his mixed race and humble origins, Martin was a devout Catholic and a dedicated servant of God.

From a young age, Martin showed a deep compassion for the poor and the sick. He would often spend his days tending to the sick in hospitals and orphanages, and he was known for his miraculous healing powers. Martin was also a skilled barber and doctor and he used his skills to help those in need.

In addition to his charitable work, Martin was also a devoted Dominican friar. He was a member of the Dominican Order for over 50 years, and he lived a life of great simplicity and humility. Martin was known for his obedience, patience, and cheerful disposition.

Saint Martin de Porres is a role model for all of us, especially for our children. He teaches us the importance of charity, social justice, and racial harmony. Through our school motto ‘Love and Service to All’ we see the fantastic things that he was able to do and we are encouraged to live in his footsteps.

Tomorrow Friday, November 3rd, at 9:10 AM in the church, we will celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Martin de Porres with a special liturgy. The liturgy will be led by 5/6K. All families are welcome to attend this celebration.  

Rosary Service

Last Friday the whole school participated in our Rosary service to celebrate the month of Mary. Each student has a set of rosary beads to pray the two decades of the rosary. It was great to see that some students brought in their own rosary beads to pray with as well. The Rosary service was a great experience for our students to learn about some of our Catholic traditions.

Through learning about the Rosary many of our students made connections to their own faith and saw similarities to the Rosary. Aagam (Grade 6) and Anhad (Grade Prep) shared the Simrana with the whole school during the Rosary service.

Below Aagam has shared information about the Simarana. 

The Simrana

What is a Simrana?

The Simrana are prayer beads and a way to pray and connect with Waheguru (God) in the Sikh religion. 

How is it Similar to a Rosary?

How Catholics use the Rosary to pray to Mary, Mother of God we pray to Waheguru which is our God. The beads help us keep count just like the Rosary. Instead of praying The Hail Mary like in the Rosary, in the Simrana we say Waheguru which means God.

How is it used?

We can pray with the Simrana any time we want, there are no restrictions. We say ‘Waheguru’ when praying and the beads help us keep count. The pom-pom or the biggest bead on the Simrana tells us where to start and where to finish. When using the Simrana we need to make sure that we concentrate on Waheguru Ji (Ji is for respect), that other thoughts do not interrupt us while praying, that our hands must be washed and that our heads are covered when praying and using the Simrana to show respect to Waheguru (God). If you drop the Simrana or if it touches your feet you need to put it on your forehead which means that you are sorry to Waheguru for what you did. 

Different Types of Simranas:  

Soctober

Two weeks ago the students dressed up for crazy sock day. The day was a success and we raised $188.30 which has been donated to Catholic Mission. Thank you to our Justice and Service Leaders Daksh and Oakley for organising this experience. 

Lucas Mangani

RE Leader