Education in Faith

St Bede’s College 80th Anniversary Mass

On the 8 February 1938, St Bede’s College opened with 9 De La Salle Brothers and 110 students. 80 years later, to the very day, and on the very same site, our rich history and tradition was celebrated with an 80th Anniversary Mass and the Commissioning of the College’s first lay principal, Mr John Finn. We were honoured with the presence of Archbishop Denis Hart as principal celebrant, who was accompanied by concelebrating priests, Fathers Michael McEntee, Peter Matheson, Andrew Jekot, Anthony Denton and Justel Callos – all chaplains of the College.

During the Commissioning Rite, John Finn, who was accompanied by his wife Mary, son Edward and daughter Matilda, was presented to the community by Board Chair Mr Anthony Brinkley and handed a Lasallian candle representing the light of Christ by Br David Hawke, Brother Visitor of the District. During the Rite, Archbishop Hart questioned John about his willingness to be a true Christian leader at St Bede’s College; John declared his commitment to lead St Bede’s College community with Christian values, embodying the Lasallian characteristics of faith, service and community.

Following the Mass, supper was enjoyed by the several hundred who attended; among them were a great number of De La Salle Brothers, including former principals of St Bede’s College, numerous Old Collegians, current students, families and staff. Many wise words, prayers, memories and updates were shared that evening but by far the most challenging words came to us from St Paul:

You are God’s chosen race, his saints; he loves you, and you should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same. Over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them, put on love. And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together as parts of one body. Always be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-17)

From humble yet earnest beginnings, St Bede’s College’s rich history and tradition is still growing and thriving with 1532 students and over 170 staff. In 2018, may we continue to be a centre of life, love and learning as we “Celebrate the Tradition and Live the Gospel”.

LENT – a season of renewal and growth.

We find ourselves in the season of Lent; a particular time of the year where we can deepen our relationship with God through prayer, fasting and giving to others.

You are invited to take some time to re-visit the episode in the life of Jesus when he took time for prayer and fasting as he prepared to start his ministry.

You are also invited to read the Gospel prayerfully by asking the Holy Spirit to be with you, to help you to be open to God’s Word.

A reading from the Gospel of St Matthew (4:1-11)

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 3The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”

4But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’”

7Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour; 9and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” 11Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

Reflection: The three temptations that Jesus confronts are about self-sufficiency, power and control. With each temptation, Jesus responds with faith in the God who loves him. These temptations are familiar to us. If we succumb to these individualistic temptations, by making poor choices, then we put distance between God and ourselves. Sometimes, we like to blame others for the choices that we make; but they are ours. We need to take responsibility for our actions, reactions and thoughts.

How will you make this season of Lent a ‘wilderness experience’?

Some suggestions:

Limiting the use of technological devices (computers, phones, games)
Limiting the television viewing time
Reducing the amount of ‘non-essential’ eating
Finding more time for silence and stillness
Making a commitment to attend Sunday Mass
Making personal prayer a daily priority
Reading the gospel of the day or the week and reflecting on it (www.sacred space.ie/daily-prayer)

God of Mercy, you call us into this Lenten journey, to enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ. Renew in us our faithfulness as we return on the right path of goodness and truth

St John Baptist de la Salle. Pray for us.

Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever.

Ria Greene

Deputy Principal

Identity, Community and Action