From the Rector

Thank you to all who helped with the College Fun Fair last Saturday. People appreciated the range of food and drinks, the various stalls, the fun-filled rides, and the musical entertainment. Most importantly, it was an opportunity to connect with friends in the Ignatian community. We are grateful to Emma Marks, Nik Villios, Belinda Seatree, the Parents and Friends, and other teams for their efforts in making this a special day for families.

We wish you a blessed Easter break and look forward to seeing you for the final days of term next week. Fr Phil Moller SJ (OI 1996) spoke at our Senior School liturgy today about Easter. The events of Holy Week touch the full range of human emotions. Perhaps there is something for all of us in the characters: the betrayal of a friend that Peter makes out of fear, the fickleness of the bystanders who are manipulated into allowing a dreadful murder, the compromises Pilate makes for his career, the anxiety of Joseph of Arimathea about his reputation such that he did the right thing but kept it secret.We may also identify with the women who remain steadfast when others ran away, Simon of Cyrene who responds heroically when roped into nothing to do with him, the centurion who is confused by the happenings and wonders what is really happening, the thief who received reassurance when he sought forgiveness. And we may also consider Jesus who is innocent but falsely accused, betrayed, unjustly condemned to a cruel and torturous death. Throughout, Jesus is resolute in faith, forgiving those who wronged him and showing selfless love and sacrifice for others.

Easter is a reminder of God’s immense love for us, the power of forgiveness, and the possibility of hope and new beginnings. The benefits of love, forgiveness, and hope that Easter brings are accessible to all people, whether they have great faith or little. There are valuable lessons for navigating the complexities of life inviting us to better relationships, greater self-awareness, and a deeper connection with God. Holy Week and Easter are reminders of God's love for us. Regardless of our flaws and imperfections, God sent Jesus so that we may have eternal life. Jesus’ death and resurrection show the depth of love and grace that God has for each one of us. God loves us unconditionally despite our struggles with insecurities and self-doubt. We are never alone and can always turn to God for support and guidance. Easter highlights the power of forgiveness. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was a symbol of forgiveness for all humanity. Christians are called to extend forgiveness to others as we have been forgiven by God. In a world of discord and division, forgiveness can be challenging. However, learning to forgive can lead to healthier relationships and inner peace. Easter is a time of hope and new beginnings. Jesus’ resurrection shows that hope prevails in the darkest of times. Regardless of the trials we face in our lives such as performance stress, social pressures, or family issues, the message of hope and the experience of God always being with us inspire us to persevere.

On Monday, 11 Jesuit tertians visited the Senior School. They came from a range of places including Philippines, Vietnam, Costa Rica, USA, Poland, Myanmar, Uganda, and Singapore. They have just finished their 30-day retreat at Sevenhill and are heading back to Melbourne for a period before being sent on placements around Australia. After studies and some years of work, tertianship is time for Jesuits to reconnect with their foundational sources and reflect before God on how they are travelling personally and in their ministries.

Archbishop Patrick O’Regan has a lovely Easter Message reflecting on the disciples journey to Emmaus in the link below

Fr Peter Hosking SJ
Rector

OREMUS (Let us pray)

We remember all in our College community. May our prayers comfort those suffering at this time. May God’s blessing be a source of support in their sorrow and loss, and bring courage, patience, and hope.

Those who have died:
- Druscilla Lavenant (grandmother of Lia (Year 12) and Henri (OI’20)

Those who are sick:
- Albert (Burt) May

“Ask and you shall receive … knock and the door will be opened unto you.” (Matt 7:7)

If you would like someone to be remembered by the College community in prayer (even anonymously), please provide details to the Rector, class or Mentor Teacher, or House Leader.