From the Rector

This week we celebrated our Ash Wednesday liturgies marking the start of Lent. This is a special time before Easter, where Christians all over the world examine themselves and renew their spirits. Many take up or give up activities to deepen their faith, to better serve others, and to prepare for the joyful celebration of Easter. Click here to learn more about Lent.

This weekend Barbara Watkins and I will attend a meeting for the principals and rectors of the Jesuit and Companion Schools in Australia (JACSA). JACSA facilitates networking and formation among students and staff. The Jesuit-owned schools in Australia are Xavier College Melbourne (est 1878), St Aloysius’ College Sydney (est 1879), Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview (est 1880), Saint Ignatius’ College Adelaide (est 1951), and Redfern Jarjum College (est 2011). These schools are owned by the Australian Jesuit Province and governed by boards. The companion schools are John XXIII in Perth WA (est 1977), Loyola College Watsonia Vic (est 1980), Saint Ignatius College Geelong Vic (est 1991, partnered 2007), Xavier Catholic College Hervey Bay Qld (est 2002, partnered 2009), and Xavier Catholic College Ballina, NSW (est 2000, partnered 2016). These schools have agreed MOUs with Jesuit Education Australia.

The proposal to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament as a constitutional provision aims to recognise and empower First Nations people in shaping the laws and policies that directly affect them. While some concerns have been raised, granting a voice is important to ensure fairness. Those refining the proposal's details must carefully balance recognition, self-determination, and healing with political effectiveness and democratic legitimacy. Fr Frank Brennan SJ will speak to our senior years on Thursday 9 March, and at 7.00 pm that night he will offer a Lenten talk on Finding Hope in the Voice Debate at Saint Ignatius parish, Norwood.

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.

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