Principal's Address
Pentecost, marking the birth of the Church by the Holy Spirit, was celebrated on Sunday 4 June. Pope Francis tells us that, ‘The world needs men and women who are not closed in on themselves, but filled with the Holy Spirit. The gift of the Holy Spirit has been bestowed upon the Church and upon each one of us, so that we may live lives of genuine faith and active charity, that we may sow the seeds of reconciliation and peace.’
The weeks after Pentecost focus attention on the work of the Holy Spirit in the day to day life of a Christian. It is to Jesus that we look to see what life and growth we should pursue, for it was Jesus who showed us how to live the gifts of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. We admire the wisdom expressed in His parables, His understanding of the poor and the sick, His right judgement when tested by the Pharisees, His courage to continue the journey to Jerusalem when He knew what would await Him, His knowledge of God’s will, His reverence for His Father and His awe before the wonders of creation. The Spirit of the first Pentecost began a life’s journey in the Apostles and disciples, as they shared the life of Jesus with other people. So, too, is the Spirit of Pentecost with us all as we, hopefully, live and share the life of Jesus with the people in our lives.
Last Wednesday, we celebrated our Founder’s Day Mass and the gifts of the Holy Spirit can be seen in the faith and courage of both Nano Nagle and Blessed Edmund Rice. We were blessed to have three of our House Patrons with us on the day; Sister Barbara Webber, Archbishop Carroll and Brother Carl Sherrin, as well as invited guests including the Director of Catholic Schools Mr Alan Bowyer and representatives of the Presentation Sisters and the Catholic Schools Office. Fr John led this very special liturgy with Archbishop Carroll, which was an opportunity to give thanks for the spirit of our Founders and the legacy that so many holy men and women have given to Catholic education in Wagga.
At this time we remember in our prayers Illaria Donebus, who passed away on 11 June last year, and her family. May God be with them and all who are grieving for loved ones.
She’s in the Sun
The wind, the rain,
She’s in the air you
Breathe with every
Breath you take.
She sings a song
Of hope and cheer,
There’s no more pain,
No more fear.
You’ll see her in the clouds above,
Hear her whisper
Words of love.
We’ll be together before long, until then
Listen for her song.
Best wishes,
Mrs Val Thomas
Principal