Mission News
Mr Luke McMahon
Prayers
- For the people of Queensland and New South Wales as they recover from the effects of the recent rain and flooding.
- For Stuart Young, father of Jack (12F) and Oscar (10F) who is undergoing major surgery today.
- Both boys will be at home /hospital tomorrow.
- For peace in our world, particularly in the Ukraine.
- For those in our community who are unwell or suffering at this time
May our loving God, with Mary and Champagnat, walk with all members of the Marist family. Amen
From the Head of Mission
Pondering events of the last two weeks, where to begin, what to think? The pandemic drags on with its bitter geometry, thousands have their homes and livelihoods destroyed by the floods, Ukraine is invaded by a belligerent state. Each of us is in some way affected by these events, even if remotely. They weigh heavily on the spirit and the mind.
In thinking about where the world is at I was prompted to read again, sections of Pope Francis’ encyclical letter, “Fratelli tutti”, On fraternity and social friendship, published at the end of 2020. Amongst its many themes one, in particular, stood out, Pope Francis’ calls for more human fraternity and solidarity, and in particular his plea to reject wars. Think Ukraine. Focusing on contemporary social and economic problems, Pope Francis proposes an ideal world of fraternity in which all countries can be part of a "larger human family". How we need such thinking and doing! Below are some of the more thought-provoking ideas from the encyclical.
258. War can easily be chosen by invoking all sorts of allegedly humanitarian, defensive or precautionary excuses, and even resorting to the manipulation of information. In recent decades, every single war has been ostensibly “justified”. The Catechism of the Catholic Church speaks of the possibility of legitimate defence by means of military force, which involves demonstrating that certain “rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy”[239] have been met………………..We can no longer think of war as a solution, because its risks will probably always be greater than its supposed benefits. In view of this, it is very difficult nowadays to invoke the rational criteria elaborated in earlier centuries to speak of the possibility of a “just war”. Never again war![242]
261. Every war leaves our world worse than it was before. War is a failure of politics and of humanity, a shameful capitulation, a stinging defeat before the forces of evil. Let us not remain mired in theoretical discussions, but touch the wounded flesh of the victims. Let us look once more at all those civilians whose killing was considered “collateral damage”. Let us ask the victims themselves. Let us think of the refugees and displaced, those who suffered the effects of atomic radiation or chemical attacks, the mothers who lost their children, and the boys and girls maimed or deprived of their childhood. Let us hear the true stories of these victims of violence, look at reality through their eyes, and listen with an open heart to the stories they tell. In this way, we will be able to grasp the abyss of evil at the heart of war. Nor will it trouble us to be deemed naive for choosing peace.
With the money spent on weapons and other military expenditures, let us establish a global fund[245] that can finally put an end to hunger and favour development in the most impoverished countries, so that their citizens will not resort to violent or illusory solutions, or have to leave their countries in order to seek a more dignified life.
Drawing on the inspiration of Blessed Charles de Foucauld, Pope Francis makes this prayer for the world. We join with him in asking the Lord for peace, dignity, fraternity and unity:
A Prayer to the Creator
Lord, Father of our human family,
you created all human beings equal in dignity:
pour forth into our hearts a fraternal spirit
and inspire in us a dream of renewed encounter,
dialogue, justice and peace.
Move us to create healthier societies
and a more dignified world,
a world without hunger, poverty, violence and war.
May our hearts be open
to all the peoples and nations of the earth.
May we recognise the goodness and beauty
that you have sown in each of us,
and thus forge bonds of unity, common projects,
and shared dreams. Amen.
Pope Francis’ Fratelli tutti – On Fraternity and Social Friendship can be accessed free of charge from this link on the Vatican website. Readers can dip in and out of its pages and everywhere find something interesting, challenging and thought-provoking.
Lenten Appeal 2022
The Marist theme for 2022, Known and Loved – dignity for all is the motivator and sentiment behind our 2022 Lenten appeal. Fund and awareness-raising provides opportunities for our community to practically provide for others, proving that God-given dignity is for all and that we here at Marist take everyone seriously.
Lenten Appeal Link: http://bit.ly/MCA-FR
Marist College Ashgrove through the generous and compassionate concern of all those associated with our College community hopes each student can donate $20.00 to our appeal this year.
This can be done via the House based collections or through our MCA monitor link.
or go to the Online Store ---> Student Shop ---> Fundraising Menu ---> Lenten Appeal
This week the students will hold a free dress day and market stall options. All money raised will go toward the Lenten appeal.
Thank you in anticipation for your support and care.
