Faith & Mission Report

On Friday, 27th June, we celebrated the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, an important Feast Day for all MSC people.  The day celebrates the compassionate and loving heart of God revealed to us in God’s son, Jesus Christ.

It is an important day for our college community, since we also remember that Fr Jules Chevalier was so inspired by the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that he founded the religious community, the Society of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC), in Issoudun, France in 1854.  Fr Jules saw that the love of God was the remedy for the problems of the world of his day.  Something we can understand in our world today!

In 1954, Fr Hyland MSC led a group of priests to Hamilton.  The MSCs took up the invitation of the Diocesan bishop of the day to establish a Catholic school in the Western District.  Thus, Monivae College was established at the Monivae Homestead on Port Fairy Road.  100 years after Fr Jules Chevalier established the order, the spirituality of the Sacred Heart came to Hamilton and lives on in our College community through our students who are the beneficiaries of this wonderful way of life.

We were privileged to have Fr Chris McPhee MSC with us to celebrate our festive Mass.  Fr Chris was accompanied by our resident priest, Fr Ted McCormack MSC and our parish priest, Fr Paddy Mugavin.  We also welcomed back Br Hoa Tran MSC, who recently made his life profession as a Missionary of the Sacred Heart.  Br Hoa is well-known to the college community having spent a term with us in 2024.  Br Daniel Magadia MSC, and Samuel Jospeh, together with Fr Thoi Nguyen were also in attendance.  Our day was enriched by the presence of staff and school leaders from our sibling school, Chevalier College in Bowral, who came to share in celebrating the day with us.

During the homily, Fr Chris reminded us that the heart of Jesus is one that is both inside and outside of Jesus; a heart that is open to the world, and open to relationships.  Fr Chris gave everyone a special icon and prayer card featuring a prayer that he wrote especially for our Monivae community.

The mission and charism of the MSCs is embedded in our daily life here at Monivae, and students deepen their understanding of the charism through our retreats and reflection days.  In the past term, we have held two significant formation days.

Year 12 Retreat 

From June 5 to 7, our Year 12 students took a break from the classroom to immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings of Halls Gap as part of the Heart’s Journey retreat program.

Although the retreat was initially postponed due to fires in the Grampians earlier this year, the rescheduled dates in early June provided a valuable opportunity for students to pause, reflect on their past, present, and future, and reconnect with their peers.

The retreat was a much-needed circuit breaker during this busy final year, offering time for personal reflection, strengthened friendships, and a chance to celebrate each other’s unique gifts as they near the end of their journey at Monivae College.

Year 7 Reflection Day 

Last Friday, our Year 7 students took part in a memorable Reflection Day at HIRL in Hamilton.  Held in the spirit of the MSC charism, the day focused on exploring key values such as kindness, compassion, and forgiveness—the very heart of what it means to be a part of our MSC Monivae community.

Throughout the day, students took time to reflect on who they are now and who they hope to become.  One powerful activity involved writing a heartfelt letter to their Year 12 selves - a message to the future, filled with hopes, dreams, and encouragement.

The day also included creative role play, where students acted out real-life scenarios that helped them better understand how to show empathy and resolve conflicts with grace. These fun and insightful activities encouraged thoughtful discussion and brought plenty of smiles.

Above all, the day was a chance for our Year 7s to grow closer as a group.  Whether it was sharing stories, working in teams, or simply enjoying each other's company, the bonds formed throughout the day were a beautiful reminder of the strength that comes from unity and support.

We are so proud of the way our students embraced the spirit of the day and look forward to watching them grow into compassionate and courageous young people over the years ahead. 

Pilgrimage to Issoudun, France

Each year people from the various MSC ministries including our schools, gather in Issoudun to share in a time of retreat.  This year, we send with our love and blessing two members of staff, Mrs Lia Mailes and Mr Jim Bailey, and Chair of the Board, Mr James MacKenzie, who make their pilgrimage to Issoudun.  May the spirit of Jules Chevalier and the love of the Sacred Heart inspire each of you in your lives and ministries.

O God, in the sacred heart of Jesus

you have revealed your love for us.

Teach us to love like him,

showing care for each other

and compassion with those in need.

Make us strong in faith,

that Monivae may be a sign

of your loving kindness.

Amen.

May the sacred heart of Jesus be everywhere loved!

Forever!

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. 

Pray for us.

Wishing everyone a restful and fulfilling break.

Mrs Fiona Mulhall, Mrs Lia Mailes & Mr Matthew Crane

Faith & Mission Team