Weekly Reflection

As I reflect on my recent Franciscan pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome with fellow staff, I am overwhelmed with gratitude at the great sense of spiritual growth I experienced.

We had daily creative celebrations of liturgy and prayer facilitated by Franciscan Friars Fr Stephen Bliss and Fr Paul Rout and our Franciscan Schools Australia Animator of Mission and Identity, Alison Stone.

Every encounter, every moment of prayer and reflection impacted my growth and animated our Franciscan charism in ways I had not imagined.

I am excited to share parts of our pilgrimage and our learnings as time goes on, but for now here are some major breakthroughs in my understanding of our Franciscan charism that have shifted my thinking.

1. Considering that St Clare co-founded our Franciscan charism alongside St Francis it is important that we carve out creative and meaningful opportunities to celebrate her in our College community. Interestingly, St Clare was the first female leader in the history of Christianity to write a religious rule that was approved by the Pope.

2. St Francis not only loved all creation, but he also used it as a vehicle to speak to God. He actively sought out solitude and created sacred spaces to pray in caves, mountains and forests and calls us to do the same. Who is to say we can’t have more liturgies and prayer reflections in nature, on beaches or even in our own school courtyard?

3. St Francis was called by God to ‘re-build the Church’ and with St Clare reformed the Church. We are encouraged to do the same. Pope Francis has taken on St Francis’ name, a subtle reminder that reform and change are needed still today. What is it about our Church that we need to rebuild or be reminded of today? Let’s start this discussion amongst ourselves and listen to how God wants us to start rebuilding.

4. Silence is golden! Prayer and sitting in solitude are vital parts of our charism. Prayer doesn’t always have to start with ‘Dear God’ and end with an ‘Amen’. Prayer can also consist of sitting in silence in nature and listening to how God is speaking to you in your own heart. For both St Francis and St Clare, prayer was a transformative force, that prepared them for active service in the world. They demonstrated that true faith is reflected in actions of love and compassion that flow forth from prayer. We are urged by them to do the same.

As yesterday was Earth Day, this prayer and discussion around creation is very fitting.

Celebratory news

Congratulations to Year 12 student Ryan who received Holy Communion and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil Mass on 30 March at St Catherine of Siena Church.

We are very proud of Ryan. May he know that he is filled with the love and support of his community and will always be carried by God in the palm of His hand.