From the Rector

Dear Mazenodians,

While there have been so many wonderful moments to reflect upon, I would like to share three particular days that had a really profound impact on me.

Over the past two weeks since the last newsletter, I have had the blessing of accompanying our Year 7s to Fremantle and our Year 9s on a pilgrimage from St Joseph’s Subiaco to St Mary’s Cathedral and then over the Boorloo Bridge to Burswood Park.

This was a distance of approximately 10km and forms part of the longer Camino Salvado that concludes in New Norcia. This pilgrimage built upon their Year 7 pilgrimage to Fremantle and their Year 8 pilgrimage to Leighton Beach.

A pilgrimage is a journey undertaken for a spiritual motive, and each student was invited to think of a particular spiritual intention for the journey and to pray and reflect along the way. While I cannot be sure of what each student decided in his heart, I can be sure that they were all open to the invitation.

I sent an email to the parents of our Year 9s to offer some feedback on the very positive way that each and every student approached the challenge. They all followed guidelines and genuinely appeared open to what was possible on the day. Their approach and attitude were a great sign of the values of the College being present.

We had numerous members of the public make an effort to comment on their extremely polite, respectful and reverent approach to the day.

We prayed within the beautiful St Joseph’s Subiaco, before having some quiet reflection at Totterdell Park in West Perth. We then journeyed past a great variety of sights and experiences on our way to St Mary’s Cathedral for lunch and Mass. We asked the boys to see the world through the eyes of Christ, which is a strong instruction from St Eugene.

These sights and experiences included the RAC Arena, shops of expensive designer brands, homeless people sleeping rough, Murray Street Mall, cafes, buskers and Royal Perth Hospital. Our Mass together was with the general public, and this is where many positive comments were offered.

After Mass, we ventured down to the Swan River, past the very first Catholic Cathedral, and then we walked along the Swan River where birds, fish, jellyfish, dolphins and sharks were in abundance. This part of the walk was to connect with nature and also had an Aboriginal perspective as we crossed Boorloo Bridge into Burswood Park. From a distance, we could see the other great cathedral of Perth in Optus Stadium! Part of this journey was in silence, which every student appeared to make a genuine effort to undertake.

I truly am appreciative of their efforts and wanted to share that with the entire community. I also want to give thanks to Dr Nathan Leber and the many staff who accompanied the boys on their pilgrimage.

I also had the blessing of spending time with the Year 10 mothers and mentors as they gathered during the week. There were boarding and day families present, and the atmosphere was very special. I am very grateful to Mrs Jane Cox and everyone who helped bring it to life.

Take Care and God Bless

Fr Michael Twigg OMI

Rector