Director of Mission News
❝If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.❞
— Desmond Tutu.
I was asked to reflect upon this statement last week by presenter Phil Glendenning in reference to how we promote the mercy culture of our College. It sparked robust discussion on the importance of our College morals and virtues through the foundation of faith that we strive to provide. This once again brought the importance of mission to the forefront.
2019 AMSSA Conference – Speaking the Silence.
The 15th Biennial Conference of AMSSA gathers Mercy educators to share stories and renew their commitment to “speak the silence.” On Thursday the 8th of August Mr Le Brocque and I attended a three day conference in Sydney hosted by the Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College. The theme was Speaking the Silence and challenged us on why we remain silent in the face on injustice? Is this what we are promoting in our cultures. Sr Angela Reed opened the conference and spoke about the necessity for us to stand with, listen to and act for those who need us. What was comforting was the fact that I felt that we do this well at Marian. I have often given examples of kindness and compassion that our Community Action Team and others demonstrate at Marian. Sr Angela also used the phrase ‘mercy muscle’ and how it needs to be strengthened and built up. That mercy is not something that simply happens. The mercy muscle of Marian is continually being built up in strength by our students. The question we should all ask ourselves is; How am I building my mercy muscle for my community and others?
There was many highlights of the conference and one in which stood out was the witness of Mely Lenario who was the remarkable voice of an advocate for survivors of human trafficking. She spoke of her own story of resilience and survival, being silenced by domestic abuse, lack of educational opportunity, poverty, abandonment and sex slavery. Her presence and testimony gave memorable witness to the broader understanding that, as keynote Angela Reed RSM stated,
“If these conditions – like an adequate standard of living, quality education, safety, gender equality – were in place for many girls and young women, then the vulnerability to trafficking would be reduced significantly.” – Mely Lenario
The three day conference displayed the capacity and value of ‘Mercy’ education. This was supported and emphasised by guest speaker and former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese who challenged us to break boundaries and the silence of the oppressed.
She was also an advocate for voices of faith and in particular, female voices in our faith. She spoke about supporting #overcomingsilence which is a movement that addresses the global issue of women in leadership and how there has become national initiatives focused on supporting the higher representation of women in leadership positions in the workforce and our religion. This is definitely something I look to support here at Marian Catholic College in the future and accept the challenge from Mary McAleese.
I could speak for eternity on what and how this conference enlightened myself in many ways. Instead I will leave you with this simple reminder:
We are all gifts to one another, it is just our wrappings are all completely different.
For futher information on the conference and speakers you can check out the link below:
Check out the MSSA Speaking the Silence page here.
Other News
This term for our Mission work we will be looking to support Needy Paws with our Pyramids for Puppies campaign. Please support our community by donating cans of dog food to a great cause. Another reminder that our Youth Mass will be hosted by Yr 10s on the 25th of August and a great time to gather with friends and family.
Have a great weekend and remember to be in touch if you have any questions, queries or suggestions around how we can continue to enhance your Marian through Mission.
Kind Regards
Heath Neville
Director of Mission