Brigidine Day Mass
Their Light, Our Mission: Walking Together in Justice
On Friday 11 September, the Killester College community gathered for our annual Brigidine Day Mass, a celebration of faith, tradition and mission under our 2026 theme, “Their Light, Our Mission: Walking Together in Justice.”
At the heart of our celebration was the image of light being passed from one generation to the next. Our light begins with Jesus, whose life showed us a way of compassion, dignity, welcome and justice. That light was carried by St Brigid, who opened her heart and her table to those in need; by Nano Nagle, who walked the dark lanes of Cork by lantern-light bringing education and hope to children and those most vulnerable who had been forgotten; and by the Brigidine Sisters, who carried that same spirit across the seas and established the community at Springvale whose legacy we continue today.
The message of the Mass was clear: we do not light a new flame, we tend one that has been passed hand to hand, heart to heart. Their light has now become our mission.
Our Mass was uniquely Killester. Faith-filled, culturally diverse and grounded in our shared commitment to justice. Through our Acknowledgement of Country and the singing of Birrāma Māna, we honoured the Bunurong People and expressed our commitment to walking in solidarity with First Nations peoples. The many faith traditions, cultures and languages represented throughout the Mass reflected the richness of our community and our belief that diversity strengthens who we are. Through Scripture, prayer and the beautiful voices of our Killester Community Choir, we were reminded that faith calls us beyond words and into action: to be light for those in need, to stand alongside those who are overlooked and to use our voices for justice. Together, these moments captured the heart of Killester as one community in justice, compassion and hope.
A particularly powerful moment followed Communion when seven students carried lanterns forward to light the word JUSTICE. Each letter called us to a way of living: Justice, Understanding, Service, Truth, Integrity, Compassion and Empathy. Together, the seven small lights reminded us that justice is not simply an idea or something we speak about; it becomes real through the choices we make, the people we notice, the voices we listen to and the ways we serve others.
We were also privileged to welcome Renee Mazloum, CEO of the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP), who shared the important work of BASP in supporting people seeking asylum. Her presence reminded us that the Brigidine mission is not simply a story from our past. It continues today wherever people work to uphold dignity, stand in solidarity with others and respond with compassion to injustice. Our Brigidine Day fundraising this year will support this important work.
Brigidine Day reminds us that we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. We have inherited a remarkable story, but with that inheritance comes responsibility. The lamp of Brigid and the lantern of Nano are now placed in our hands.
As our Mass concluded, we were sent forward with a simple but powerful message: our Mass may end, but our mission continues. May we carry the light entrusted to us through compassion, courage and service, continuing to walk together in justice.
Their Light. Our Mission.Living with Justice. Leading with Kindness. Serving with Courage. Killester!
Josie Dilettoso
Assistant Principal - Faith and Mission
