Faith and Mission

Return to Learning in Term Four

The final term for 2021 has begun and it’s been absolutely wonderful to hear the sounds of students back within the College walls. The chatter of voices, the laughter and the simple presence of our students and staff has enlivened the College once again. We eagerly look forward to seeing more students and staff around the College grounds over the next few weeks. 

Take my hand, close by you’ll stay

Composer Eric Genuis penned the lyrics, Here I am for his young daughter Anastasia, who was born with Down’s Syndrome. He writes, “Many children who are truly blessed with this, suffer from defects in the heart. My daughter had serious heart surgery when she was three months. This was a piece I composed for her on the day of her surgery…” His goal was to express his love for her and reassure her that he would always be there for her. A few verses are below:

Take my hand, when shadows hide your way,

Take my hand, there’ll come a brighter day,

for the love of you and me

is surely something sweet

take my hand, close by you’ll stay;

Here I am, I’m your fire when it’s cold;

Here I am, I’m your guide when you’ve lost your road

I’m your bridge above the stormy sea, when unchanged finally meets

Here I am forevermore

When I listen to these lyrics, the first thing that comes to mind is the comfort I feel knowing that  our Marian community has been there for each other throughout the ongoing limitations and restrictions that Melbournians have been facing. I’ve heard of stories where staff members have dropped off bags of groceries at the front door to support other staff members, students ringing each other after a long day of online learning for a chat about a Netflix show they’ve watched and to laugh about it, parents looking out for neighbours who they feel need them for support, and friends catching up for a walk around the streets of Sunshine, only to notice so much that they hadn’t seen before… and the list goes on. 

In these times, I am reminded that we are called to be thankful for the presence of God within our community. The Sacred’s Spirit lives within us and we see the work of the Spirit through the lives and actions of those around us. We metaphorically take the hand of someone when we know they need some support to brighten their day. So thank you Eric Genuis, for the sweet reminder - ‘take my hand, close by you’ll stay.’

Source: Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity. https://fscc-calledtobe.org/2012/11/01/franciscan-free-music-download-here-i-am-by-eric-genius/

Source: Eric Genuis. Composer - https://www.ericgenuis.com/

Bernadette Casey

Faith & Mission