Faith, Justice & Formation 

Inspiration for Humanity

The call to care for all of humanity....brothers and sisters together as one.

Kindness frees us from the cruelty that at times infects human relationships, from the anxiety that prevents us from thinking of others, from the frantic flurry of activity that forgets that others also have a right to be happy. (FT n224)

I have a great love for St Francis of Assisi!  I teach him to my Year 12 Studies of Religion classes because I love what he stands for – peace, simplicity and care for the poor and the earth.  Pope Francis took his name for the same reason – to show that our Church must work for peace in our world through how we show a preferential option for the poor and how we care for our common home, the planet.  His encyclicals have been inspired from the words of St Francis with Laudato ‘si coming from his Canticle of Creation and meaning ‘Praised be’ with a focus on the earth and how it connects with humanity. 

Recently, Pope Francis released his third Encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, subtitled On Fraternity and Social Friendship.  It is his encouragement to all of us, especially in the face of the pandemic, to build a better, more just and more peaceful world.  It is about removing war and more importantly the growing global epidemic of indifference.  Fratelli Tutti is known as the ‘Social Encyclical’ inspired by St Francis’ call to his brothers and sisters to live life in accordance with the ‘flavour of the Gospels’.  While writing the letter, the global health emergency unfolded and helped demonstrate Pope Francis’ intention that “no one can face life in isolation” and that the time has truly come to “dream, then, as a single human family” in which we are “brothers and sisters all” (FT, Par 8).

Fratelli Tutti is a reminder to all of us that we are one people, equal in that we are created in the image and likeness of God, thus we need to forego our selfish ways so we can care for all, especially refugees and the marginalised.  It calls for better politics that reflect love and justice rather than economic greed and stockpiling of resources.  In this season of Advent as we await the coming of Jesus Christ and the joy to unfold, this communication from the Holy Father is timely and inspirational.

I certainly cannot do justice to this Encyclical here so I commend it to you.  For the full document see Fratelli Tutti  or for a really good simple summary click this - Summary of Fratelli Tutti.

St Francis of Assisi came from a life of privilege, like us, and had a conversion of the heart after war when he saw a need to be more inclusive of all and be more in touch with creation.  Many followed his example and his impact continues today.  Fratelli Tutti and Laudato Si’ come from his inspiration and his words.  They are another source of truth for all Christians and if truth be told they are tough to live up to.  I can’t do it all, as much as I would like to.  I can only try each day and in the meantime ‘do small things with great love’ (Mother Teresa). We never stop working to achieve the Kingdom of God on earth.  

Thank-you for the year that has been, for your commitment to the College and for the way you have handled the challenges we have faced.  Thank-you also for your generosity in our collection of funds and goods for those in need this year.  We have been so very lucky in the grand scheme of things and we pray for a better future for all; something we will develop more in the year to come.  God bless you all this Christmas Season. May you know the peace that Christ can bring, and may you feel the support of others when in need and give support to others each day.

The world exists for everyone, because all of us were born with the same dignity. Differences of colour, religion, talent, place of birth or residence, and so many others, cannot be used to justify the privileges of some over the rights of all. As a community, we have an obligation to ensure that every person lives with dignity and has sufficient opportunities for his or her integral development. (FT, n118)

Gillian Daley

Acting Deputy Principal