A Word from the Principal

In 2020 the staff at Mount Carmel became pilgrims for a day during our Staff spirituality day. I wrote about it then as it was such an amazing opportunity for the staff to gather and to journey together in the footsteps of the Sisters of Charity. The conversations last year were a touch stone to developing our relationships as staff and to becoming aware of one another as a community. 

In 2021 the staff took being pilgrims a step further.  We gathered at the commencement of the day with the Holy Spirit parishioners for Mass and listened to Fr Shammi encourage us all to hear and think with our hearts. It was a timely reminder of how precious this time was, to spend time together again and not be focussed on anything other than us and our relationships - it was a “heart” day.  

From Mass some staff boarded a bus and set out on a Heritage journey, facilitated and guided by Gerard McNulty. By all accounts the staff enjoyed the history and the companionship.  Another group decided to take on the mountain. For some staff this would mean beginning in Sandy Bay, walking to the Waterworks, then Fern Tree, the Springs and finally - the pinnacle.  Other members of the walking pilgrims, decided they would join for a stretch...or two.  This journey was supported by Stewart Bennett and Anthony Chapman.  All staff were to come together atop the summit for a final prayer.

In preparation for our “pilgrimage” Anthony provided the following information for staff. It was thought provoking and so I thought I would share it with you:

A PILGRIM I WILL BE

A pilgrimage is a sacred journey, undertaken for a spiritual purpose. Pilgrims are different from tourists: they travel for spiritual reasons, not just to relax or for fun. Pilgrimage is a search for meaning, purpose, values or truth.

The walk we are embarking on is the same one the Year 8 students do at the end of the year for STRIVE; to the pinnacle of kunanyi/Mount Wellington. The mountain is on the land of the Muwinina people of the South East tribe, who lived in the area for thousands of years. Many palawa people regard it as a special place, one that is mentioned in creation stories and is still regarded as a site to practice cultural responsibilities.

For many of us, kunanyi/Mount Wellington is a playground to explore the natural beauty we have right on our doorstep. The Disappearing Tarn, the Summit, numerous tracks and snow areas continue to draw us there on a regular basis, and, as many here would know, we at Mount Carmel enjoy the area with a number of classes.

From a spiritual perspective, mountains feature prominently in the bible as places where humans get closer to God. Mount Sinai was the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments; Noah’s Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat; Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount; and, of course, the prophet Elijah proved the existence of God on Mount Carmel. People have used mountains through the centuries as places of retreat and reflection, where they can engage with their spirituality and ponder the big questions of life.

As for all journeys, not everything went according to plan. Yes it did rain, yes it was cold, yes some of us had to give up walking far too soon, yes some of us decided we needed to get fit, yes we didn’t meet up at the same time at the summit. However, the day was a treasure for the staff. It was indeed a journey that was heartfelt and heart given. Burdens were shared and encouragement was given.  The mountain did conquer, but our faith in each other and our friendship was renewed and sustained.

Angharad's prayer (written on arriving in Santiago)

Creator God, 

on the palm of whose hand we journey, 

Hold and guide us gently. 

Incarnate God, 

whose earthly pilgrimage is our inspiration, 

Walk with us every step. 

Companion God, 

whose wisdom kindles our hearts, 

Give us strength and courage.