Welcome back to a chilly Term 3. I hope you all enjoyed a safe and restful holiday and spent some time doing things you enjoy with the people you love.

I was lucky enough to enjoy a two week holiday in Japan, a fascinating country, incredibly crowded, clean and orderly.

One of the highlights of my holiday was a trip to Hiroshima. Although the city is completely rebuilt and there is very little evidence of the devestation caused by the A-Bomb, the War Museum is a tragic reminder of the atrocities of war.

The only building left standing after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. The building was the ' Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition Hall, but is now commonly known as "The Dome." It is now heritage listed.

Before and After images

In the park adjacent to the museum is the Children's Peace Monument, a monument honouring the memory of Sadako, and her desire for world peace.

In Memory of Sadako and the other children who had passed away, the inscription carved into the stone in front of the monument carried the hope, "Let no more children fall victim to an atomic bombing."

"This is our cry.

This is our prayer.

For building peace in the world.

A SHORT STORY OF HOPE

“May the act of hanging a crane symbolize our support in peace and hope, honouring Sadako’s legacy”

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The story of Sadako follows a young girl who became very ill from the atomic effects of WWII. Bedridden in hospital, her determination and spirit gave life to an ancient legend that promised anyone who folded a thousand origami cranes would be granted one wish. It was Sadako’s desire to hope for good luck, peace and recovery from her illness.

On the 25th of October 1955, Sadako passed surrounded by loved ones and family. Although Sadako’s thousand paper cranes did not save her life, they would take flight in another way, serving as a symbol of the growing movement for peace on Earth.

Each year, children and adults from all over the world travel to the Children’s Peace Monument in Hiroshima, hanging their own folded paper cranes as a gift to Sadako’s memory and as a symbol of their desire for peace.

“I will write peace on your wings and you shall fly all over the world”- Sadako Sasaki 01.07.1943 – 25.10.1955

We also pray for our year 6 students who will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this Sunday. May they Holy Spirit strengthen and bless them as they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. May the Holy Spirit guide them to live a life faithful to the Gospel. May they be open to receiving the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit and use these gifts to bring about the Good News to all they meet.

St Louis Newsletter

Through Christ, Dare to Love, Dare to Learn, Dare to Lead

Term 3 Week One 2024 · 21 Jul 2024

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