Laudato Si and Reconciliation Week
By Mrs Liz Illingworth, Principal
As part of our value of Catholic Identity there have been two significant weeks for us to recognise and act on the call to action for a better world, country, state, city and College.
Ten years ago Pope Francis wrote Laudato Si - setting out a bold vision for our common home. Pope Francis’ encyclical on caring for our common home centers on the interconnectedness of environment and social justice. Laudato Si is a call to action to all of us, to work for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Recently Sr Elizbeth Vagg, who represents the Presentation Sisters on our Advisory Board, asked us to respond to a request around what schools do in stepping towards a more sustainable and equitable future. Once we began to reflect on this there are many things we do as a College. Of course, we can always be better in this space and will continue to respond to the call to care for our Earth. Take a look later in the newsletter at environmental projects we undertake at St Patrick’s College.
Reconciliation Week: Tuesday 27 May - Tuesday 3 June
Reconciliation calls each of us to reflect and take action, encouraging all of us to learn more about our shared histories, culture and achievements, and to work together towards a more just and equitable place.
As a community we are called to be people of reconciliation, people who are open to the spirit of forgiveness, learning and justice.
As a College we are particularly proud of two or our Old Collegians, Rhyan Mansell and Ryley Sanders. Rhyan and Ryley, both proud Aboriginal men, were involved in the guernsey designs for their clubs for the Doug Nicolls Round. Rhyan for Richmond and Ryley for the Western Bulldogs. Listening to both men talk about their proud history and culture, and hearing the importance both men place on family and connection, was definitely a proud time for our College.
We have been lucky that a group of our students were able to visit the Richmond Football Club and catch up with Rhyan. Last week Ryley visited the College and chatted with some of our students.
As members of the St Patrick’s College community I encourage all of us to embrace the call to care for our common earth and to embrace reconciliation and justice for all.
