Faith and Mission

As we enter the month of May, a time traditionally dedicated to honouring Mary the Mother of God, and approach Mothers' Day, it is timely to reflect on the role of Mary in the Ignatian and Loreto traditions and in our own lives. Just as Mary played a prominent role in the life of St Ignatius of Loyola, and Mary Ward she continues to inspire and guide us on our own spiritual journey.

In moments of discernment, Mary appeared to Ignatius of Loyola, affirming his decision to follow Christ rather than continue his former path as a soldier. This vision served as a guiding light for Ignatius, illuminating the way forward in his pursuit of holiness.

Ignatius' deep reverence for Mary is evident in his defence of her honour. When confronted with insults against Mary, Ignatius allowed Providence to intervene, sparing the offender's life and demonstrating his unwavering commitment to Mary's honour.

Ignatius' pilgrimage to Montserrat stands as a testament to his devotion to Mary. Spending three days in prayer before the Black Madonna, Ignatius laid down his sword, symbolising his complete surrender to Christ and his embrace of a new way of life.

After his ordination as a priest, Ignatius sought Mary's intercession as he awaited his first celebration of Mass. Mary's maternal care and guidance led Ignatius to a profound prayer experience, strengthening his union with Christ and confirming his vocation.

In the Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius invites us to contemplate the deep relationship between Mary and Jesus. Through the triple colloquy, we are invited to deepen our own connection to Mary, drawing inspiration from Ignatius' love for her and his example of prayerful devotion.

Like many Catholics, Mary Ward was devoted to Mary, the mother of Jesus. She saw Mary as a model of faith, humility and obedience to God’s will. This devotion influenced her own spiritual journey and her understanding of the role of women in the church.

As we celebrate Mothers' Day and honour Mary this month, let us emulate Ignatius' deep devotion to her, seeking her intercession and guidance in our lives. May Mary, our Mother and our Model, accompany us on our journey of faith and inspire us to live lives of love and service.

Janeen Murphy

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission

Community Mass

Community Mass next week will be prepared by students in Year 7. All Year 7 families are warmly invited to attend this Eucharist, especially parents who are new to the College. Don’t worry if you have not been to a Eucharist before, it is relaxed and joyful. There are no reserved seats – just come to the Chapel and sit where you are comfortable, in time for an 8:00am start. All the responses are on a PowerPoint projection.

The liturgy of life continues after Mass, for those able to stay and have a coffee, in the Circle of Friends Café. All are welcome, whether from Year 7 or any other Primary of Secondary year group.

Community Mass summary:

Fridays in Term time
8:00am start – 8:30am finish
College Chapel

Sacrament program

Do you have a child in Years 3, 4 or 6?

There has been much excitement in Year 4 this week! Several students will be receiving Holy Communion for the first time tonight. Students, along with their families, will celebrate the sacrament in the parish of Saint Thomas Claremont. We keep them in our prayer and look forward to receiving photos! Families are also reminded to send in copies of student sacrament certificates.

Sacrament program information from some of our local parishes, including City Beach, Claremont, Cottesloe, Doubleview, North Beach and Subiaco, is on the College website in the Parish Sacrament Programs section.

Further information:

Your parish priest or Sacrament Coordinator
The Archdiocesan website;
Email Mary-Anne Lumley mary-anne.lumley@johnxxiii.edu.au 08 9383 0513.

Good News for the Feast of the Ascension

This Sunday the Church celebrates the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord. The reflection is part of a longer homily by Jesuit, Father Richard Leonard SJ.

‘… The feast of the Ascension is not just an opportunity for us to look back on how we have tried to fulfil the command of the Lord to go out to the world. Indeed, this feast is primarily focused on where we are going from here on in. The Ascension promises us that just as the Father raised Jesus from the dead, so too the Father, Son and Spirit will welcome us into heaven as well, to be at Christ’s right hand for eternity. This parable demonstrates the point.

In 1939 a father and son were famous art collectors. When World War II broke out, the son volunteered. In 1944 the son died in battle while rescuing another soldier. A year later, a young man came to see the father. ‘Sir, you don’t know me but I was with your son when he died. I want you to know he didn’t suffer.’

Ascension: Bernadette Lopez www.evangile-et-peinture.org, www.bernalopez.org

‘I know you both loved art, and though this isn’t much, I want you to have it.’ He gave the father a package. Inside was a portrait of the son. It was rough work, but the father welled up with tears. ‘It was the least I could do for your son because he saved my life.’

A few months later, the father died. At the art auction which followed, investors gathered from around the world. The first item up for bid was the portrait of the son.

The auctioneer tried to start the bidding, ‘$200 … $100 … Any bids? Any at all?’ The investors called out, ‘Skip this one. Where are the Rembrandts?’ Just then a man spoke up from the back. ‘I’ll give you ten dollars for the painting. It’s all the money I have.’ It was the gardener at the father’s estate. So the auctioneer brought down his gavel. ‘Sold for ten dollars!’ An investor called back, ‘Can we now get on with it?’

But the auctioneer continued, ‘The auction is over. According to the will, whoever bought this painting would inherit the estate, including all the art.’

No matter what they said the wealthy investors couldn’t buy their way into the inheritance. Only the one who had the eyes of love, and knew what he was looking at, inherited everything the Father and Son had to offer.

May we go out from this Feast of the Ascension so confident of our spiritual inheritance to come, that we lavish its riches on all we meet right now. Because when it comes to Christ’s kingdom, there’s plenty for everyone.